On June 7, several members of Florida Health in Flagler’s COVID response team were recognized by the Town of Beverly Beach and its commissioners for their dedication to public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition took place during the commission’s regularly scheduled town commission meeting.

Beverly Beach is a small beachfront retirement community located on a barrier island in Flagler County. The Town's "main street" (State Road A1A, also known as Oceanshore Boulevard) runs about 1.1 miles in length from north to south along the Atlantic Ocean and is about 1/4 mile in width between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway. Beverly Beach is home to 400 registered voters with an average age of 70.

In late March, the health department responded to the town’s request to provide on-site Moderna vaccinations to residents of Surfside Estates, a 55 and older community. The health department opened a mobile vaccination site one Sunday afternoon, vaccinated nearly two dozen residents, and returned four weeks later to give second doses.

Commissioner Jeff Schuitema presented the Mayor’s Award, a plaque to the team with the following inscription:

“In appreciation for your dedication to the public’s health and your service to the Town of Beverly Beach.

The little town with the Big Heart thanks you for having an even Bigger Heart.”

The DOH employees recognized were: Evelyn Close, Sandra Gitschier, Lisa Izzo, Suzette Reese, Charlene Petretti, Robert Snyder and Gretchen Smith.

Robert Snyder, health administrator said, “Being recognized by the Town of Beverly Beach is a huge honor. The past 15 months have been extremely challenging for our employees and volunteers, and it’s rewarding that our COVID-19 mitigation efforts have been noticed by elected officials and leaders. I am very proud of our team and appreciate their hard work.”

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination and testing efforts, please visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ or flagler.floridahealth.gov/events.