Flagler Sheriff’s Gala Raises $80k for Employee Nonprofit

The Flagler Sheriff’s Gala was held on Saturday at the Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, and it brought in a hefty sum of money for a good cause. The gala raised $80,000 for the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust (FSEAT), the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday. FSEAT is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which was created in 2017, the first year of Sheriff Rick Staly’s tenure in office. Its goal is to provide employees of the FCSO with financial support in the event of sudden crises in their personal lives, as well as to support the families of deputies if or when one was killed in the line of duty. “I want to personally thank everyone who attended or sponsored the Sheriff’s Gala for their generous support of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Staly said of the event. “We look forward to seeing you at next year’s gala on March 21, 2026.” The gala received sponsorship from local benefactors to help make it happen, and Staly himself presented a series of awards to FCSO employees and members of the community. Deputy Christian Harrison, Detention Sgt. Brian Sheridan, Communications Specialist Lucas Santos, Mounted Posse volunteers Rick and Mary Lou Adams, and retired Flagler County Tax Collector Suzanne Johnston were among those honored. “Thank you to the FSEAT board of directors for hosting another fantastic Sheriff’s Gala and to our amazing team of volunteers who put in a lot of work to make it happen,” Staly added. “This event would not have been a success without their collective efforts and hard work!” The FSEAT Board of Directors consists of Staly, private citizen Sandy Elliott-Schultheiss, FCSO Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge, and retired Florida Highway Patrol officer/Flagler School Board member Derek Barrs.