Manatee County will honor the life and legacy of Commissioner Carol Ann Billberry Felts with a dedication and public memorial service on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. at David J. Crane Park in Myakka City.
In recognition of her service to the community, flags will be flown at half-staff throughout Manatee County and at the State Capitol on April 18 in coordination with the memorial.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a statement on Friday:
“To honor the passing of Commissioner Carol Ann Felts, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, and all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout Manatee County from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, April 18, 2026.”
The event will provide an opportunity for residents, colleagues, family members, and friends to gather in remembrance of a public servant whose commitment to community and local government left a lasting impact on the county.
The event will include the official dedication of the Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve. The ceremony will feature remarks, a commemorative sign unveiling, and a video presentation reflecting on her life and impact.
Who was Carol Ann Felts?
Felts was the first chair of Environmental Lands Management Acquisitions on the county commission and was a member of 11 local and regional boards, according to the county’s website.
She was a member of both the Tourist Development Council and the Port Authority.
“Commissioner Felts dedicated her life to serving this community with passion, integrity, and a deep love for Manatee County,” said Commission Chair Tal Siddique, in a news release.
“This preserve stands as a lasting reminder of her impact and the legacy she leaves behind for generations to come. We are also grateful to Governor Ron DeSantis for approving the half-staff tribute in recognition of her service to the people of Florida.”
When should flags be flown at half-staff?
Flags are flown at half-staff to honor deceased government officials, military members, or to mark national tragedy/mourning, ordered by the President, Governor, or D.C. Mayor.
Where should flags be flown at half-staff?
Flags should be flown at half-staff at the White House and all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions.
How to correctly fly your flag at half-staff
On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised “briskly” to the top of the pole for an instant and then lowered slowly to the half-staff position, according to the U.S. Flag Code.
Before lowering the flag, it should again be raised to the top before being lowered for the day.
Do flags fly at half-mast or half-staff?
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.
On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: DeSantis orders flags at half-staff Saturday. Here’s why
Reporting by Francesca Abarca and Chris Anderson, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
