Atlantic Beach plans July 11 centennial preview at Marsh Oaks; committee asked to help with promotion and logistics

Staff briefed the Arts, Recreation & Culture Committee on plans for a centennial preview event set for July 11, describing the site map, timeline and operational items the committee could help with.

The preview is intended as a 'soft opening' for Marsh Oaks Community Center ahead of a formal ribbon cutting in September. Staff asked the committee to assist with marketing — yard signs, flyers, postcards and targeted Facebook ads were discussed — and said they would order yard signs and print materials if the committee wanted to distribute them approximately a month before the event.

Staff listed program elements under discussion, including a welcome from a state official who lives locally, a navy saxophonist to perform the national anthem, a reading of the Declaration of Independence (staff said they were reaching out to an actor) and family‑friendly entertainment such as face painters and a juggler. The Daughters of the American Revolution were named as a partner who would hand out small American flags.

Logistics discussed included a written parking plan from the event operator, using Marsh Oaks as a cooling center with water and sunscreen dispensers, and arranging additional parking with a neighboring church; staff acknowledged there is no rain date and noted the difficulty of rescheduling large events. Committee members volunteered to work promotional tables at the market and discussed raffles and giveaways to increase attendance.

No vote or formal commitment to event expenditures occurred at the meeting because a quorum was not present; staff said they would proceed with operational coordination and follow up with the committee.