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Hey Palm Coast, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s edition: New police chief, $3,000 neighborhood grants, Smokey Robinson’s Motown show, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
City police leadership transition: St. Augustine has named Sergeant Jon Marston its next police chief. With Chief Jennifer Michaux retiring today, officials say Marston will lead a community-oriented, well-trained department serving the First Coast — read about Marston’s background.
Community improvements get a boost: Nearby St. Augustine is accepting applications for the Neighborhood Grant Program, offering up to $3,000 for projects beautifying and strengthening neighborhoods. Applications are accepted by email, mail, or in person — see how and when to apply.
Customer-first approach expands: Gainesville’s Tomlinson Motor Company will open a second location in St. Augustine, called Sunday Drive, off I-95 at State Road 16, and plans to hire around 30 people — learn more about the expansion.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Friendship, community, and service: Bartram Trail Newcomers Club’s Jumbled January luncheon is today at St. Johns Golf and Country Club in St. Augustine. Expect light games like bingo and friendly mingling. The women’s group fosters community connections and in December raised nearly $800 for charity at its holiday luncheon. Get all the details.
Swing indoors, for real: Dial in your swing without dodging thunderstorms at The GolfLab Club, Palm Coast’s simulator lounge with Uneekor tech for satisfyingly nerdy shot data and world-famous courses. It’s BYO snacks, and the vibe works for a quick tune-up or an easy hang with the crew.
Stock your glam bag: Whether you’re after a quick lip fix or a soft-glam finish, Palm Coast’s own ILÈ Cosmetics stocks an in-salon boutique with swatchable testers, and offers local pickup for online orders. Perfect for last-minute plans or your everyday glow-up.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this week
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🥂 Babes, Booze, & Business Meet Up @ Pelican Shipping Solutions, LLC | Wednesday (1/14) at 6:00 PM – New year, same Flagler charm, but with snacks, drinks, and zero awkward sales spiels. Babes, Booze, and Business is taking over Pelican Shipping Solutions for a free women’s meetup where networking means real conversations, shared ideas, and friendships you’ll actually nurture, not just collect.
❤ Valentine’s Sensory Class @ Poppy’s True Market | Thursday (1/15) at 11:00 AM – Need a sweet Valentine’s activity that won’t glitter-bomb your house? Poppy’s True Market in Bunnell hosts a sensory class for ages 2–6 where kids explore, create, and make a take-home toy, with an optional reusable bin, for $20 to $25. Limited spots, happy tiny humans.
🎤 Gary Puckett and the Union Gap @ The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center | Thursday (1/15) at 7:00 PM – Think you know your 60s classics? Gary Puckett and the Union Gap bring that unmistakable tenor, the chart-toppers, and a flood of memories, no time machine needed. Date night that does not require earplugs, just a voice that still soars.
This weekend
🌊 Go With The Flow @ Laughing Lotus Yoga & Wellness | Saturday (1/17) at 9:00 AM – Nothing beats starting the day with a playful vinyasa that loosens the hips, quiets the brain, and forgives that second glass of red. Laughing Lotus keeps it light with fun transitions, real humans, and zero pretzel pressure. Stretch, smile, then caffeinate like a local.
🌈 Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial Ribbon Cutting @ Holland Memorial Park | Saturday (1/17) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’ve loved and lost a good pup, or just want coffee in Holland Park, the Rainbow Bridge ribbon cutting brings the feels and the neighbors. Expect city folks, a proclamation, future memorial tag info, light refreshments, real community, and tissues.
🎨 “Softness” Blue Heron in Acrylics on 12×24 Canvas Workshop @ Sherry’s Art Studio | Sunday (1/18) at 11:00 AM – Settle in at Sherry’s Art Studio Palm Coast to paint a blue heron, guided by Sherry, on a 12×24 canvas, with soothing blues and palette knife drama in the background, supplies included. It’s a tad messy, and cheaper than therapy, so grab a seat.
🎤 Human Nature @ The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center | Sunday (1/18) at 2:00 PM – Smokey Robinson is teaming up with Australia’s Human Nature for a rare Motown lovefest that might keep you out past ten. Expect smooth harmonies, classic hits like My Girl, Tears of a Clown, and Stand by Me, and the kind of nostalgia that wears well.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📣 Own or manage a local business?
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How it works:
- Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Palm Coast locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
We also regularly spotlight verified businesses just because we think they’re great.
Click here to get started (it’s free) →
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📻 Palm Coast report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 67°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 4%
Partly sunny. High near 67, with temperatures falling to around 61 in the afternoon. North wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind 2 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
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Tomorrow – High: 65°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 48%
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. West wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
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