By-Line: Joseph Bober, Public Information Office, FCSO
This morning, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office publicly communicated the cancellation of an event, the Boots on the Ground Line Dance Competition, by Flagler County Government. The Sheriff’s Office did this in order to promote public awareness due to heavy promotion of the event and the short cancellation notice provided by the County.
However, in the hours following the notice, there has been much speculation and confusion regarding the role of the Sheriff’s Office in the cancellation of the event.
The Sheriff’s Office has no authority to cancel events permitted by Flagler County Government.
Attached is the full email from the Flagler County Deputy County Administrator Jorge Salinas to Flagler County Director of General Services Mike Dickson and the Flagler Board of County Commissioners directing cancellation of the Boots on the Ground Line Dance Competition at the Flagler County Fairgrounds.
Additionally, attached is Sheriff Rick Staly’s letter to the Flagler County BoCC. While the Sheriff’s Office always supports community events that are fun, safe, and legal, there are specific concerns related to this event that were important for the county government to know and consider from a law enforcement perspective.
- All events in Flagler County are reviewed and permitted by the Flagler County Government. This event was going to be held on county property.
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- Deputy County Administrator Jorge Salinas cancelled the event. The following is an excerpt from July 25, 2025, in an email from Deputy County Administrator Salinas to Flagler County Government Director of General Services Mike Dickson: “I support our Legal Department’s recommendation to cancel the permit for this event, which is revocable at will as an executive action. There is no right to appeal.”
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- As can be seen in the letter from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office is asking for a review of the process and ordinance to address any potential public safety concerns for future events. “It may be too late for this event and permit, but I request that the county immediately freeze all future permit requests until a complete review.”
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- This event was initially reviewed by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and recommended for the permit to be issued based on the specific information provided at that time. However, the ensuing social media advertising of the event did not match the event as originally proposed and approved by the county government. For example, the use of alcohol was not part of the initial request.
Here are the attached letters referenced in the press release from the Sheriff’s Office.
Special Events Ordinance, Permitting Process & Permitted 7-26-2025 Event FW Special Event at Fairgrounds this Saturday
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