Car Show
"Explore Various Events: Ormond's Gaslight Parade & Palm Coast's Tree Lighting"
2024-11-27
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and there's no shortage of festive activities to enjoy. From 5K runs to holiday markets and everything in between, here's a comprehensive guide to the holiday season in Palm Coast and the surrounding areas.

Uncover the Magic of the Holiday Season

Thanksgiving Feet to Feast 5k

On Thursday, Nov. 28, get ready to lace up your shoes for the Thanksgiving Feet to Feast 5k. The event takes place from 7:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Daytona State College Flagler/Palm Coast, located at 3000 Palm Coast Parkway SE. Dress up in a costume and participate in the costume contest. Placement medals will be awarded to the overall men's winner, overall women's winner, and first, second, and third place men's and women's winners in 14 different age categories. Registration costs $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the race. Student registration is just $20. For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/PalmCoast/FeettoFeast5k.

Before indulging in the Thanksgiving feast, this timed run/walk is a great way to get active and have some fun. It's a perfect opportunity to show off your holiday spirit while competing for medals and having a great time.

Thanksgiving Happenings at Hammock Beach Resort

From 12-5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, head to Hammock Beach Resort & Spa at 200 Ocean Crest Drive in Palm Coast. The resort's Thanksgiving Buffet is open to all and hosted in the Ocean Ballroom. Enjoy a variety of dishes, including seasonal soups, salads, and seafood, along with a carving station featuring oven-roasted turkey and marinated strip loin roast. A selection of desserts will include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, sweet potato cheesecake, and more. Buffet costs $84 for guests, $68 for members, and $25 for children ages 4-12. Reservations are required. Call Christine Losagio at 386-246-5676 or email [email protected] by Nov. 25.

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with a delicious buffet and a relaxing atmosphere. The resort's attention to detail and variety of dishes make it a must-visit event during the holiday season.

Fourth annual Holiday Market

On Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., head to the Flagler County Fairgrounds at 150 Sawgrass Road in Bunnell. Shop from over 100 local vendors at the fourth annual Holiday Market. There will be food trucks and appearances by Santa. Free entry makes it accessible to everyone.

This holiday market is a great place to find unique gifts and support local businesses. With food trucks on site and the presence of Santa, it's a fun and festive event for the whole family.

Palm Coast tree lighting ceremony

From 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 30, the city of Palm Coast invites the community to the Palm Coast tree lighting ceremony at Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave. This event kicks off Palm Coast Rotary Club's 19th Annual Fantasy Light Festival. Join Santa Claus, the Palm Coast City Council, and the Rotary Club of Flagler County for a night of festivities. There will be food trucks, Santa's Village, Letters to Santa station, limited edition 25th anniversary Christmas ornament giveaway, and kids crafts. Photos with Santa will also be available.

The tree lighting ceremony is a highlight of the holiday season in Palm Coast. It brings the community together and creates a magical atmosphere with all the activities and decorations.

Holiday Concert at The Stage at Town Center

On Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m., the city of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation hosts a holiday concert at The Stage at Town Center, 1500 Central Ave. Ashley Estevez will perform, and you can listen to holiday classics while bundled up. There will also be food trucks and vendors.

This holiday concert is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy some great music. The combination of food trucks and vendors adds to the festive atmosphere.

Holiday at the Beach parade

On Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1-3 p.m., the free Holiday at the Beach parade takes place along North 6th Street to South 6th Street in Flagler Beach. This parade is presented by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach.

The Holiday at the Beach parade is a fun and festive event that adds to the holiday cheer in Flagler Beach. It's a great way to see the community come together and enjoy the holiday season.

Pancake breakfast with Santa

On Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8-10 a.m., join the Seawolf Privateers for a festival pancake breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Captain’s BBQ Bait & Tackle, 5862 N/ Oceanshore Blvd. in Palm Coast. All sales and donations will benefit the Seawolf Privateers to bring Christmas joy to foster and displaced children in the community. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Visit seawolfprivateers.org/fundraisers.

This pancake breakfast with Santa is a heartwarming event that supports a great cause. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while getting a chance to take photos with Santa.

Christmas Gala tea at The Casements

On Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., join The Casements Guild for a holiday tea at 25 Riverside Drive in Ormond Beach. Tickets cost $40 per person. Call Arlene Halsey at 386-673-5312.

The Christmas Gala tea is a elegant and enjoyable event that allows you to relax and enjoy the holiday season. It's a great way to spend an afternoon with friends and family.

Futures Qualifier Lily Doyle Commits to Duke in 2026
2024-12-03
For many aspiring swimmers, the opportunity to swim in college is a cherished dream. Fitter and Faster Swim Camps takes pride in being a significant part of this journey, honoring the dedication and determination of these athletes. Lily Doyle, a futures qualifier from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, recently made a momentous verbal commitment to Duke University. Her announcement via Instagram was a celebration of her academic and athletic aspirations.

Duke University: A Hub for Athletic Excellence

Duke University has long been renowned for its excellence in various sports disciplines. In the realm of swimming, it offers a platform for athletes like Lily Doyle to thrive. The coaching staff at Duke plays a crucial role in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. Doyle's commitment to Duke is a testament to the university's reputation and its ability to attract top-notch swimmers.

With its state-of-the-art facilities and a rich swimming tradition, Duke provides an ideal environment for athletes to pursue their dreams. The university's commitment to academic excellence also ensures that swimmers can balance their studies and training effectively.

Doyle's journey from a state champion to a Duke Blue Devil showcases the potential that lies within each swimmer. It is a story of hard work, perseverance, and the support of family, coaches, and friends.

Ponte Vedra High School and Planet Swim Aquatics: A Strong Foundation

Doyle's success is built on a strong foundation provided by Ponte Vedra High School and the Planet Swim Aquatics club. These institutions have played a vital role in shaping her as a swimmer and an individual.

The training and guidance received at Ponte Vedra High School and Planet Swim Aquatics have equipped Doyle with the skills and determination needed to compete at the highest level. The club's focus on competitive swimming has helped her develop her technique and build her endurance.

Doyle's performances at the FHSAA Class 3A state championship are a testament to the quality of training she has received. Her best times in the 200 free, 500 free, 1000 free, and 1650 free demonstrate her versatility and potential.

USA Swimming Futures Championships: A Platform for Growth

Doyle's participation in USA Swimming Futures Championships has been a crucial stepping stone in her swimming career. These championships provide a platform for swimmers to compete against the best in the country and gain valuable experience.

At the Ocala meet in 2023 and the Richmond meet in 2024, Doyle showcased her skills and improved her times. Her performances at these events have earned her a place among the top swimmers in the country.

The long course 800 free, 1500 free, and 200 free events at the Richmond meet were particularly challenging, but Doyle rose to the occasion and finished in the top 28. Her ability to perform under pressure is a testament to her mental toughness and determination.

Fitter and Faster Swim Camps: Nurturing Future Champions

Fitter and Faster Swim Camps are known for their innovative teaching platforms and their ability to develop competitive swimmers of all levels. The camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches who share their knowledge and experience with the participants.

Through the Fitter and Faster Swim Camps, swimmers like Doyle have the opportunity to refine their skills, improve their technique, and build their confidence. The camps provide a supportive environment where athletes can push themselves to the limit and achieve their goals.

Whether it's year-round camps in the USA or Canada, Fitter and Faster Swim Camps offer a unique experience for swimmers. The camps are designed to help athletes reach their full potential and prepare them for the challenges of college swimming and beyond.

FFT SOCIALInstagram – @fitterandfasterswimtourFacebook – @fitterandfastertourTwitter – @fitterandfasterFFT is a SwimSwam partner.
See More
Nasdaq, S&P, Dow Futures Cautious Ahead of Labor Data
2024-12-03
Stock index futures showed a relatively stable trend on Tuesday. Investors are now focusing their attention on a crucial labor report. S&P 500 futures (SPX), Nasdaq 100 futures (US100:IND), and Dow futures (INDU) were almost flat, with a slight decrease of 0.1%. Meanwhile, the 10-year Treasury yield (US10Y) witnessed a slight increase of 2 basis points. This situation indicates the complex interplay between different financial markets and the significance of the upcoming labor report in shaping investor sentiment and market trends.

Unraveling the Impact of the Key Labor Report on Stock Index Futures

Stock Index Futures and Market Stability

Stock index futures play a crucial role in the financial market. On Tuesday, they remained almost flat, suggesting a certain level of market stability. This stability is important as it provides a foundation for investors to make informed decisions. The slight fluctuations in the futures indicate that the market is closely monitoring various factors, with the key labor report being a significant one. It shows that investors are cautious and waiting for more information to emerge before making substantial moves. 1: The almost flat movement of stock index futures on Tuesday reflects the current market sentiment. It indicates that there is a balance between supply and demand, with no major forces driving the markets in either direction. This stability allows investors to assess the situation more objectively and make decisions based on a more accurate understanding of the market conditions. 2: The 10-year Treasury yield's 2-basis-point increase also adds another layer of complexity to the market. It shows that there is a shift in the perception of risk and return, which can have implications for stock index futures. Investors need to carefully analyze these changes and their potential impact on their portfolios.

The Significance of the Key Labor Report

The key labor report holds great significance in the financial world. It provides valuable insights into the health of the labor market and can have a direct impact on various economic indicators. Investors are eagerly awaiting this report as it can provide clues about future economic growth, inflation, and interest rates. 1: A positive labor report can lead to increased investor confidence and potentially drive stock prices higher. It indicates a strong economy with more job opportunities and higher consumer spending. On the other hand, a negative report can cause market volatility and lead to a sell-off. Therefore, the outcome of the labor report is closely watched by investors and can have a significant impact on their investment strategies. 2: The labor report also affects other financial markets such as the bond market. For example, if the labor market is strong, it may lead to higher interest rates as the demand for credit increases. This can have an impact on the value of bonds and other fixed-income securities. Investors need to consider these interrelationships when analyzing the market and making investment decisions.

Investor Sentiment and Market Trends

Investor sentiment plays a crucial role in shaping market trends. The almost flat movement of stock index futures on Tuesday reflects the cautious sentiment among investors. They are waiting for more information, particularly the key labor report, to make their investment decisions. 1: Investor sentiment can be influenced by various factors such as economic data, geopolitical events, and market news. In this case, the focus on the labor report shows that investors are concerned about the economic outlook and its potential impact on their portfolios. A change in sentiment can lead to significant market movements, either in the upward or downward direction. 2: Understanding investor sentiment is essential for traders and investors. It allows them to anticipate market trends and adjust their strategies accordingly. By monitoring sentiment indicators and analyzing market data, investors can gain a better understanding of the market and make more informed decisions.
See More