Here's why Palm Coast moved the Starlight Parade back to Town Center

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely that of the author in his personal capacity and do not necessarily represent the opinions or the views of the City of Palm Coast or the Palm Coast City Council.

Question from Micki Shugar: What were the safety concerns regarding having the parade at Town Center?

Mayor David Alfin: Thank you for your question regarding the Starlight Parade in Town Center. In response to the heartfelt desire expressed by our community to keep festivities at Central Park—the original and cherished location — the city addressed safety concerns and reviewed alternative locations.

Our dedicated teams have worked tirelessly to make several adjustments, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Taking a comprehensive approach to enhancing safety measures, we've implemented a new plan.

Central Park will now be illuminated with additional lighting, creating a safer environment for both parade participants and spectators.

We've increased the number of course marshals to ensure safety along the parade route. Additionally, a dedicated emergency response vehicle will be stationed in Central Park, ready to address any unforeseen situations promptly.

We've also reduced the number of floats in the parade, facilitating smoother coordination and further improving safety measures.

The adjustments are aimed at prioritizing the safety of our community while keeping the Starlight Parade at its beloved original location.

I am deeply grateful for the community's input, which has been a driving force behind these positive changes.

With confidence, I believe these enhancements will contribute to a safer and more enjoyable Starlight Parade experience for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support, and I eagerly anticipate celebrating the holidays with you in the heart of our community —Central Park in Town Center.