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The Patriot Post: Mid-August Issue 2025

Mid-August Momentum: A Growing Flagler GOP

As summer presses on, the FlaglerGOP continues to gain energy, purpose, and strength. Our August meeting brought together an incredible turnout of members and supporters, featuring an inspiring address from Congressman Randy Fine, updates from the RPOF Quarterly, and exciting news on upcoming events. From a successful auction of a beautiful patriotic painting to the launch of our “Patriots’ Glock Sweepstakes,” it’s clear our movement is not slowing down. Nationally, all eyes turned to President Trump’s high-stakes summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, underscoring just how critical Republican leadership is at every level—from the world stage to right here in Flagler County.

With new members joining, rising attendance, and growing enthusiasm, the Flagler County Republican Executive Committee is proving once again that conservative values and grassroots action are alive and well in Flagler County. As we look ahead to the fall, The Patriot Post will keep you connected, informed, and motivated to stay in the fight for faith, family, and freedom.

From the Chair:

Members of the Flagler County Republican Executive Committee (FlaglerGOP), on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 7:16 PM, I, your Chairman, Perry Mitrano, announced what I am calling “The Great Reset.”This reset reaffirms that every one of us, the Chairman, State Committeeman, State Committeewoman, Executive Board, and all precinct representatives, must fully honor and adhere to the Republican Party of Florida’s Party Loyalty Oath. When you signed this oath, you pledged to uphold all of its principles. The final line of that oath is among the most important; it reminds us that we are part of an exclusive and privileged group. Unlike the local political clubs, we are the ones entrusted to send delegates to the Republican National Convention every four years to help elect our next Republican President. That privilege is the reason we all work tirelessly to serve and secure our precinct seats. If you were unable to attend the last meeting, please take this as a clear and heartfelt reminder. We will continue to share this message until it has reached every member. Honoring our oath means respecting our fellow Republicans. Publicly bashing other Republicans is not supporting the party; it violates the very standards of the oath we swore to uphold as precinct members. This is our moment for unity, discipline, and purpose. I urge you to join me in respecting all republicans, our oath, and protecting the Republican brand. If you cannot do so, I respectfully ask that you step down voluntarily rather than force the Executive Board of the Republican Party of Florida to take action.Let’s move forward together, strong, united, and loyal to the principles we swore to uphold. Respectfully, Perry MitranoChairman, FlaglerGOPFlagler County Republican Executive Committee


National – Presidential Administration Highlights

  • Trump–Putin Summit in Alaska: No Deal, Yet Optimism RemainsPresident Trump met with President Putin in Anchorage, showcasing red-carpet diplomacy amid dramatic flyovers. While no ceasefire or tangible agreement was reached, Trump described the summit as "extremely productive," stressing that “many points were agreed to” but no final deal was struck. In a post-summit interview with Sean Hannity, Trump revealed there was “a 25% chance” of failure—a modest confidence boost—and reaffirmed that he is “the only reason Putin agreed to peace talks”.Later, Trump informed Fox News that a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy was being planned, urging the Ukrainian president to “make a deal”.

Florida – State-Level Cabinet Appointments

  • Jay Collins Appointed Lieutenant Governor On August 12, Gov. DeSantis appointed State Sen. Jay Collins—an amputee Green Beret and decorated Army veteran—as Florida’s lieutenant governor, filling the vacancy left by Jeanette Núñez. Collins, representing western Hillsborough County since 2022, was sworn in shortly after the announcement.

  • Blaise Ingoglia Named Chief Financial Officer (CFO)In mid-July, DeSantis tapped state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia—dubbed “the most conservative senator in the state”—as Florida’s new CFO. He vowed to spearhead property tax relief and protect taxpayers, calling himself a “conservative pitbull” for spending reform. Ingoglia has already launched aggressive audits of local government spending through the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), targeting counties like Orange, Broward, and cities such as Gainesville, mandating transparency and accountability. Political fallout followed: Trump-aligned operatives viewed the appointment as a direct rebuke to their champion, Sen. Joe Gruters, setting the stage for a GOP primary showdown in 2026.

Flagler County – Local Developments

  • Community Events The Flagler Beach Farmers Market relocated to South 2nd Street in front of City Hall, operating every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering local produce and crafts. Other engagements continued, including the Flagler Beach Centennial Cardboard Regatta event—part of local celebrations.

  • Local Infrastructure & Governance Moves Rep. Randy Fine conducted a tour of coastal and wastewater infrastructure, pledging federal help for securing $10 million in FEMA funds (Hurricane Milton) and backing a $4 million federal study to federalize parts of Flagler’s beaches. Meanwhile, utility officials were reminded that wastewater system upgrades remain a local responsibility.

  • Municipal and Public Policy Matters: A high-profile local drama ended when Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit against the city and a council member. Flagler County’s library staffing issue stirred debate: a proposed 23% cut in library hours prompted county leaders to promise to revisit staffing levels after the new Bunnell branch opens this winter. Also, the city attorney of Flagler Beach circulated a memo clarifying when police may trespass individuals from public spaces—emphasizing due process and free speech protections. Finally, the Palm Coast Community Center hosted a disaster preparedness expo funded by a $143,000 American Red Cross long-term recovery grant following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

August Meeting Recap

This month’s general meeting was nothing short of action-packed. From updates on the RPOF Quarterly and guidance from state leadership, to exciting website innovations, future event announcements, a beautiful painting auction, and an inspiring visit from Congressman Randy Fine, it was a night filled with energy, information, and purpose. (Read the full recap of Congressman Fine’s address later in the newsletter.) One of the highlights of the evening was the auction of a stunning patriotic painting donated by Avery O’Dowd. The piece brought in a winning bid of $250 from Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri. We’re deeply grateful for Avery’s generous contribution and Vice Mayor Pontieri’s gracious support; it was a heartfelt moment that perfectly captured the spirit of our Republican family.

The RPOF Quarterly provided valuable insight and direction. State leadership made it clear: unity is essential. Petty infighting and bickering only fracture our party and weaken our brand. As Republicans, we must remember: united we stand, divided we fall. We also heard from an incredible lineup of leaders, including RPOF Chair Evan Power, Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Governor Ron DeSantis. We celebrated Susie Wiles as Statesman of the Year, enjoyed hearing from 2026 gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, and yes—the food was excellent!

Looking ahead, we are preparing for an exciting Oktoberfest in October and a Barstool Banquet with Byron Donalds in January. In the meantime, don’t forget our Patriots’ Glock Sweepstakes; tickets are on sale now, with the drawing scheduled for our November general meeting. (See details below in this newsletter.)

Our membership continues to grow, with 20 new members added since January. Attendance has also jumped from the low 60% range to over 76%, a clear sign that our members are not just joining, but engaging and committing to our shared cause.

Our brand-new website is now live, offering a wealth of resources, including a secure member portal with access to meeting minutes, agendas, attendance, and an interactive events calendar. The new ticketing system will streamline entry, improve security, and make sure we’re collecting accurate information, so we spend less time in line and more time connecting with one another.

On the financial front, we’re in the black for the rest of 2025, but the 2026 election season is already on the horizon. Fundraising efforts are underway to ensure we have the resources needed to keep Florida ruby red and to secure strong victories in the upcoming midterms.

Our state committeewoman also reported exciting voter registration progress: Republicans now hold over 50% market share of voters in Flagler County. However, Democrats currently lead us in mail-in ballot registrations by more than 600 voters, a gap we must close. The RPOF is also working to revitalize the Young Republicans movement. If you know any young conservatives ready to join the America First fight, encourage them to get involved!

Closing Thoughts August’s meeting reminded us that the FlaglerGOP is stronger than ever. With momentum building, events on the horizon, and a growing, engaged membership, we are positioning ourselves for success in 2026 and beyond. Together, we are writing the next chapter of conservative leadership in Flagler County; one rooted in unity, purpose, and action. Let’s continue this journey with confidence, determination, and faith in the future of our great nation. A special thanks to our new official photographer, Eddie Columbus, Jr., for capturing so many wonderful moments from the meeting.

Happy Birthday to Our FlaglerGOP Family!

Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to our members celebrating this month:

  • Linda Griffen

  • Robin Kronen

  • Marion Manley

  • Diana Minotti

  • Tracey Norris

  • Claudette O'Dowd

  • Marge Rooyakkers

  • William White

  • Garrett Wolfe

Your dedication, fellowship, and commitment to our shared values make our Flagler County Republican Executive Committee stronger every day. We celebrate you and are grateful to have you as part of our FlaglerGOP family.

Wishing you health, happiness, and many blessings in the year ahead!

Get Your Tickets Now for the September 10th General Meeting!

The FlaglerGOP is excited to announce that free tickets for our September 10th General Meeting are now available online HERE.

Securing your ticket is quick and simple—especially if you’re a member with a login to the FlaglerGOP Member Portal. The process takes just seconds, and it makes a big difference in improving your meeting experience.

Here’s why we’ve implemented this new ticketing policy:

Enhanced Security – Tickets help us keep our meetings safe and secure for all members and guests. Faster Check-In – No more 30-minute bottleneck at the sign-in sheet! With a ticket, you’ll breeze right in. Accurate Information – Digital tickets ensure guest names and contact info are legible, so we can stay connected with the right emails and addresses. Plan Ahead – You can even grab your ticket for the October meeting right now HERE, getting it out of the way early!

We appreciate your cooperation in making this policy a success. It’s designed with you in mind—to make every FlaglerGOP meeting smoother, safer, and more informative.

Don’t wait—reserve your free tickets today and join us for another great evening of fellowship and conservative action on September 10th!

Next General Meeting – September 10th

Our next FCREC General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 10th at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy NE, Palm Coast, FL 32137. Social time begins at 5:30 PM, and the meeting will start promptly at 6:00 PM. These meetings are a great way to stay informed on the latest local and national political issues, connect with fellow conservatives, and get involved in our efforts to keep Florida red. We encourage all members to attend!

Congressman Randy Fine Addresses FlaglerGOP Members at August Meeting

Palm Coast Community Center | August 13, 2025

The FlaglerGOP was honored to welcome Congressman Randy Fine to our August 13th meeting at the Palm Coast Community Center. This marks his third visit to our Republican Executive Committee in less than a year, underscoring the strong relationship he has built with Flagler County Republicans since his historic election.

Despite being in office for just 133 days, Congressman Fine has already left his mark on Washington. The urgency of his new role was clear the very night of his victory celebration, when he was called to Washington, D.C., to be sworn in the following afternoon. Just weeks later, his vote proved critical in passing President Trump’s landmark Great Big Beautiful Bill (GB3); legislation that crossed the finish line by a single vote. Fine reminded the crowd that without the hard work of Flagler voters, his opponent would have surely blocked the America First agenda.

The GB3 delivers sweeping tax relief for middle-class Americans: eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, providing tax breaks for Social Security recipients, and even giving car loan interest deductions for buyers of American-made vehicles. “I don’t know rich people that worry that much about Social Security,” Fine quipped, noting the bill’s direct focus on working families. The legislation also included funding for border security and immigration reform, ended PBS, slashed wasteful international spending, and curtailed the power of activist judges by halting nationwide injunctions from a single court.

Congressman Fine also highlighted his proposed Thump Thump Act, designed to stop protesters from blocking roadways; a nod to the disruptive “thump-thump” noise that occurs when cars attempt to push through unlawful blockades.

Locally, the congressman has made accessibility a priority. He has already opened offices in each of the six counties he represents and has helped over 300 constituents resolve issues with the federal government in his first four months. During his August recess, dubbed “Recess-palooza”, he has set an ambitious goal of attending 100 events across the district in just five weeks. On the same day as the FlaglerGOP meeting, he toured Matanzas High School, the Palm Coast Water Treatment Plant, and Flagler Beach, showing a clear commitment to understanding the needs of our community firsthand.

In a spirited Q&A, Fine reaffirmed that “no tax means no tax” when it comes to tips and overtime, addressed concerns about illegal immigration, and discussed his efforts to curb Medicaid abuse. He drew laughs when describing “the gamers”—able-bodied adults in their 30s living at home with no ambition beyond video games and Mountain Dew—who he believes should not be on taxpayer-funded Medicaid. He also outlined plans for an international drug pricing initiative to lower prescription costs for American families.

Closing on a personal note, Congressman Fine reflected on his early days as a teenage page on Capitol Hill. More than 35 years ago, his mother purchased for him a “Member of Congress” sign at a Capitol building gift shop; a symbolic gift she believed foreshadowed his future. Today, that same sign hangs proudly in his Washington office. With genuine warmth, he invited FlaglerGOP members to visit him in the nation’s capital and see it for themselves.

The FlaglerGOP thanks Congressman Fine for his time, energy, and dedication, and we look forward to welcoming him back again soon.


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