The Patriot Post: Mid-September 2025

September Brings Bold Action and Somber Reflection

From the start of September through the 20th, President Trump’s administration has taken decisive steps on immigration, trade, technology, and religious freedom. Highlights include the expanding the new “Gold Card” visa program, offering expedited immigration for major investors; a suspension of certain H-1B nonimmigrant visas to protect American workers; and a landmark Technology Prosperity Deal with the United Kingdom to advance AI, quantum, and energy innovation.

On the domestic front, the President launched the America Prays initiative to encourage public prayer and defend faith in schools. Trade policy also saw adjustments as tariffs were recalibrated to strengthen U.S. leverage while offering pathways for partners to negotiate reductions. Finally, the White House extended the enforcement delay for TikTok until December, giving more time to resolve national security concerns.

This month was also marked by sorrow and remembrance with the tragic assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Across the nation, vigils were held to honor his life and legacy. Here in Flagler County, the FlaglerGOP hosted a moving vigil at the Courthouse Courtyard, where local leaders, members, and supporters gathered to pray, reflect, and recommit to the principles Charlie championed.

These bold moves; and moments of reflection; underscore the administration’s commitment to protecting American jobs, strengthening alliances, advancing faith and freedom, and keeping America first in a competitive world.

Trump Administration Actions: September 1–20, 2025

As autumn approaches, the Trump administration has been moving quickly on multiple fronts. Between September 1st and 20th, a series of announcements and executive actions reshaped policy on immigration, trade, technology, religious freedom, and national security. Below is a detailed overview of these developments, as reported directly from official White House releases.

Immigration & Workforce

On September 19th, President Trump issued a proclamation suspending entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers unless their applications are accompanied by a $100,000 payment. The administration says this measure protects American jobs while ensuring companies who truly need foreign workers can demonstrate commitment. Exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and employers must maintain payment records.

That same day, the President launched the Gold Card Program, a new pathway for expedited immigration. Under this initiative, individuals contributing $1 million (or $2 million through corporate sponsorship) qualify for fast-tracked immigrant visa status. The Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security will oversee the program’s rollout.

Foreign Policy & Technology

On September 18th, President Trump signed a Technology Prosperity Deal with the United Kingdom. This landmark agreement deepens cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, nuclear energy, and advanced research. By aligning regulatory frameworks and sharing innovation, both nations aim to cement leadership in next-generation technology.

Trade Policy

Earlier in the month, on September 5th, the President issued an executive order modifying the reciprocal tariffs program. Some critical minerals and pharmaceuticals were reclassified under Annex II, while a new framework (the PTAAP Annex) was created to reward trading partners who enter into security or trade deals with tariff reductions. This approach strengthens U.S. leverage in negotiations while offering flexibility to allies.

Faith & Religious Freedom

On September 8th, the President unveiled the America Prays initiative, calling for renewed unity in prayer as the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The program also emphasized protecting prayer in public schools, with new Department of Education guidance promised to reinforce those rights.

National Security & Technology Regulation

On September 16th, the White House extended the enforcement delay of the TikTok restrictions under the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.” The extension, lasting until December 16, 2025, halts penalties and enforcement actions, giving time for further negotiations and legal resolutions.

Conclusion

Taken together, these September initiatives highlight the Trump administration’s priorities: protecting American workers, promoting investment, defending faith, forging global partnerships, and ensuring national security. Whether through immigration reform, trade recalibration, or innovation deals, the administration continues to press forward with an “America First” vision as the nation looks ahead to 2026.

A Night of Remembrance: Flagler County’s Candlelight Vigil for Charlie Kirk

On the evening of Wednesday, September 17, 2025, more than a thousand people from across Flagler County gathered in Bunnell at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center (courthouse courtyard) for a candlelight vigil to honor the life, legacy, and tragic death of Charlie Kirk. 

The vigil was intended to be a respectful, reflective event; a space for unity, faith, and mourning.

What Happened

• Attendance & Atmosphere: Well over a thousand people attended. The gathering was peaceful and somber, yet filled with resolve: candles or flameless/electronic lights, prayers, songs by Madison Berkowitz, and speeches by local leaders. Traffic was significant enough that sheriff’s deputies helped direct cars in and out. 

• Candles & Memorials: Because of safety concerns, no open-flame candles were used. Instead, many attendees used battery-powered candles, cell phone flashlights, or the electronic flameless candles donated by Joe Mullins (some 200 of them) for the event. 

• Speakers & Leadership Present: A broad cross-section of Flagler’s leadership and faith community spoke:

  • Senator Tom Leek

  • Sheriff Rick Staly

  • County Commissioner Leann Pennington

  • Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris

  • City Council members, including Charles Gambaro and Theresa Carli Pontieri

  • Pastor Larry Hobbs (Flagler County Baptist Church)

  • Pastor Rod Palmer (Coastal Family Church)

  • Chaplain Roland Clee offered an invocation Also in attendance:

  • School Board Chair Will Furry

  • School Board Vice-Chair Christy Chong

  • School Board Member Lauren Ramirez

  • Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon

  • Flagler County Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson

  • Flagler County Clerk of Courts Tom Bexley Flagler County Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson

  • Flagler County Republican Club President Regan Hansen Flagler Trump Club President Mike McElroy

• Key Themes & Messages:

  • Emphasis on unity, even in the midst of grief and political division. Sheriff Staly urged “American unity” and the need to denounce violence. 

  • Reflection on Charlie Kirk’s work: his role in encouraging young people to engage, stand up for conservative values, his faith, freedom of speech, and his unwillingness to back down from conviction.

  • Recognition of the moral and spiritual dimension: multiple prayers, religious leaders participating, with many attendees speaking of Kirk as a man of God, whose faith guided his actions. 

  • Grief and calls for healing, both for the Kirk family and more broadly for the deep divides in the country. Sheriff Staly said, “evil has struck America … but even in times of darkness, a light of compassion, community, and faith can bring us hope.”

Why It Mattered

This vigil was about much more than mourning a prominent conservative figure. It served as a moment for Flagler County to:

• Come together across roles — community members, faith leaders, elected officials — showing that in the face of tragedy, there is more that unites than divides.

• Stand for values such as free speech, courage in expression, and the right to engage in political and ideological dialogue without fear.

• Proclaim peace over violence, reaffirming that disagreements—even sharp ones—are best resolved by conversation, debate, and democratic means, not through force or hatred.

Takeaways for the Conservative Movement in Flagler

• Leadership showed up: it’s one thing to issue statements online; it’s another to stand in the cold, light a candle, speak publicly, and bring a community together.

• Faith remains central: many saw in Kirk not just a political figure, but someone whose faith life resonated, whose rhetoric evoked spiritual values. This supports the importance of integrating faith, values, and political engagement.

• Preparedness & safety considerations: the use of electronic candles, coordination with law enforcement, traffic control — all signals that conservatives can plan large-scale gatherings that are safe, organized, and family-friendly.

Final Thoughts

FlaglerGOP’s candlelight vigil was both solemn and inspiring. The memory of Charlie Kirk, though born out of tragedy, catalyzed community solidarity. As we reflect on the messages shared, the turnout, and the peace with which the assembly unfolded, the question becomes: how will we carry forward Kirk’s vision?

Will we commit to kindness in speech even when we strongly disagree? Will we defend the right to voice dissent? Will we work to heal the divides in our own corners of America?

Because while one man can spark inspiration, a movement lives on only when people choose to embody those ideals—not in influenza, but in everyday actions.

🚩 Volunteer Call: Help Keep Flagler Red at First Fridays, Creekside Festival & More 🚩

The fight to keep Flagler County red begins at the grassroots—and we need YOU on the front lines. Every First Friday of the month from 5–9 PM at Veterans Park in Downtown Flagler Beach, FlaglerGOP sets up to connect with local residents, register new Republican voters, and help people request their mail-in ballots.

This work is crucial. Right now, Democrats in Flagler County are outpacing Republicans in mail-in ballot requests by over 500 ballots. We cannot afford to let them get the upper hand. First Fridays give us a powerful opportunity to talk with our neighbors, expand our voter rolls, and ensure every Republican has the tools to vote.

🎉 Upcoming: 20th Annual Creekside Festival

In addition to First Fridays, we are calling on all hands for the 20th Annual Creekside Festival at Princess Place, October 4–5. This family-friendly event draws thousands of attendees, and it’s one of the best opportunities we have each year to spread the word, sign up new Republicans, and get ahead of the Democrats on mail-in ballot requests. With your help, we can make a real impact and strengthen our Republican majority in Flagler County.

🏡 Looking Ahead: 2025 Flagler Home & Lifestyle Show

We’re also preparing for another major outreach opportunity—the 2025 Flagler Home & Lifestyle Show, March 28–29, 2026. This large community event will allow us to reach even more Flagler residents, share our message, and continue our efforts to register voters and promote Republican participation. We will be calling on volunteers and supporters to step up and represent FlaglerGOP throughout this two-day event.

Stay Connected with FlaglerGOP

Your involvement is the key to victory in 2026. Visit the FlaglerGOP website calendar to stay up-to-date on all meetings and upcoming events. There, you’ll also find opportunities to RSVP, reserve tickets, or purchase them directly.

Together, we will register more Republicans, mobilize more voters, and keep Flagler County red.

🍂🎉 Save the Date: FlaglerGOP Oktoberfest – October 18th 🎉🍂

Mark your calendars and get ready to raise a stein! On Saturday, October 18th, the FlaglerGOP will host our annual Oktoberfest Celebration—a night filled with delicious food, great friends, and lively festivities. This is one of the most anticipated events of the season, and it’s the perfect way for our Republican family to come together in fellowship and fun as we gear up for the all-important 2026 election season.

Expect a festive atmosphere with the sights, sounds, and flavors of autumn. From hearty seasonal dishes and spirited entertainment to the camaraderie of like-minded patriots, Oktoberfest promises to be a celebration you won’t want to miss. Whether you come for the food, the fellowship, or the opportunity to strengthen our conservative movement, this evening will have something for everyone.

Save the date—October 18th—and join us for a night of unity, laughter, and celebration!

🎟 Get Your Tickets Now for the October 8th 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 – October 8th

Our next FCREC General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 8th 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!

Candidate Spotlights at the Upcoming FlaglerGOP Meeting

We are excited to announce that our next FlaglerGOP meeting will feature two special guests who will each deliver a 5-minute “Tell Me About Yourself” (TMAY) presentation. These TMAYs give our members the opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to represent our values and lead with conservative principles.

Joining us this month:

• Will Furry, Flagler School Board Chair and candidate for U.S. Congressional District 6

This is a valuable opportunity for FlaglerGOP members to learn more about the candidates, their vision, and their plans to defend our conservative values in Washington and Tallahassee.

Be sure to attend, stay informed, and help us strengthen Republican leadership across Florida and beyond.

🚨 Fundraising Update: Building Momentum for 2026 🚨The 2026 election season is right around the corner, and FlaglerGOP is already working hard to ensure that Republicans are registered, energized, and ready to win. Everything we do is centered on our mission: register Republicans, get strong Republicans elected, and raise the resources needed to make it happen.

That’s why we’re excited to share the latest fundraising initiatives now underway:

🔴 The Patriots’ Glock SweepstakesTickets are officially on sale for the Patriots’ Glock Sweepstakes! For just a $20 donation per ticket, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a brand-new Glock. The winning ticket will be drawn at the November REC meeting—but don’t wait until the last minute. Tickets are going fast, and every entry helps fuel our efforts to register new Republican voters and keep Flagler red.

👉 Get Tickets HERE

🔴 The FlaglerGOP Call Center FundraiserTo run successful campaigns in 2026, we need the tools to reach voters effectively. That’s why we’re launching the FlaglerGOP Call Center Fundraiser. Funds raised will go toward building a dedicated phone banking operation, giving our volunteers the ability to contact thousands of voters across Flagler County.

This call center will be a critical piece of the puzzle in mobilizing Republicans, turning out voters, and ensuring victory at every level of government.

👉 Donate NOW

🔴 Sponsor the FlaglerGOP Oktoberfest at the BeachThe FlaglerGOP Oktoberfest needs your help to support the conservative movement in Flagler County. Sponsorships come with tickets, recognition, and special donor gifts!

🍺 “Eins zwei drei g’suffa” Sponsor — $75“One, two, three, Drink Up”• 1 ticket (includes 1 drink ticket)• Name on Event Banner & Recognition at event• Donor Gift

🍺 “Prost!” Sponsor — $150“Cheers!”• 2 tickets (includes 2 drink tickets)• Name on Event Banner & Recognition at event• Donor Gift

🍺 “Gemutlichkeit” Sponsor — $250“Coziness, friendliness, and good cheer”• 4 tickets (includes 4 drink tickets)• Name on Event Banner & Recognition at event• Donor Gift👉Choose your sponsorship Level HERE

✅ Your support makes the difference. Whether you purchase Glock sweepstakes tickets, sponsor the Oktoberfest, contribute directly to the Call Center Fundraiser, or volunteer your time, you are helping us fulfill our mission and strengthen Republican victories in 2026.

Together, we can register more Republicans, support strong candidates, and deliver wins up and down the ballot.

Flagler County Republican Club – October Meeting

The Flagler County Republican Club invites members and guests to join us for our next monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 50 Town Center Blvd, Palm Coast, Florida 32164. This month’s program promises to be both informative and engaging, with a special focus on an important issue close to home.

The evening begins with a Social Hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., offering an opportunity to connect with fellow Republicans, enjoy refreshments, and strengthen the bonds of fellowship that drive our mission forward. The formal meeting will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.

All are encouraged to attend and take part in an evening of community, conversation, and civic engagement. Whether you are a long-time member or new to the Republican Club, this is an excellent chance to stay informed, support local leadership, and hear firsthand about efforts making a difference in Flagler County.