Franklin County TDC Earns Three Statewide Marketing Awards

The Franklin County Tourist Development Council (FCTDC)  won three of the State’s highest marketing awards this week for “The Forgotten Coast Monthly Newsletter” in the Direct Marketing Category,  the “Embrace The Pace Spring Campaign” in Print Advertising, and for the “Coastal Clues: Forgotten Coast Trivia Videos” in Rural County Marketing.  FCTDC director John Solomon and team were presented the prestigious awards Wednesday, September 9, during the annual Visit Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in West Palm Beach.

This marks the eighth straight year that FCTDC director Solomon, along with the Franklin County tourism team of marketing professionals Tana Kendrick (Tidemark Marketing), Cindy Clark (Bay Media), and Royce Rolstad (FCTV), have earned marketing recognition from Visit Florida.

“These awards are Visit Florida’s highest recognition for marketing excellence, and these wins celebrate the hard work, creativity, and dedication poured into showcasing our one-of-a-kind destination,” said Solomon.

Now in its 26th year, the Flagler Awards recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida. The awards are open to all individuals, private businesses, and not-for-profit organizations offering a product or service that promotes tourism to or within the state of Florida. The 2026 Flagler Awards drew more than 300 entries from organizations, large and small.

Working independently, a diverse panel of fourteen judges evaluated each entry’s creativity, innovation, production quality, and effectiveness.  Based on the judges’ cumulative scores, awards were presented to the top three entries in each category: the Bronze Award for the third highest scoring entry, the Silver Award for the second highest scoring entry, and for the highest scoring entry in each category, the Henry Award.

“Franklin County being recognized just one time is an honor. Being recognized for eight years in a row and winning 16 Flagler Awards over that time period is humbling and a true testament to this team’s marketing abilities,” said FCTDC Director John Solomon. “Congratulations to everyone involved in making Franklin County such a wonderful place for people to come and relax. It really is the Florida You Remember.”

“The Flagler Awards are themselves a recognition of excellence. They are by no means participation trophies,” said TDC Chair and Franklin County Commissioner Ricky Jones. “It is always an honor to be nominated because it reflects the seriousness with which marketing and promotion are undertaken on behalf of Franklin County and its residents.”