MARK YOUR CALENDARS — The Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic is BACK this year! November 15-16, south of the pier. More details to come. Hope to see you there! (fb)

A day at the beach with those you love. That’s what Tommy cherished and what’s always been at the heart of The Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic. He didn’t really care about competing, but he loved that contests would bring people together. The Tommy was founded by the community, and last weekend we got to see that spirit continue two decades later as the community organized a paddle out and expression session, speaking to that enduring value of celebrating the life of people who have impacted us. Special thanks to @rastaaarobbb for initiating the gathering; @badd_mon7 and @lizlobiznach for coordinating; Flea Shaw, Bob, and @_ryanconklin and @_patrick_conklin for collaborating on the surfboard raffle; and the @flagler_boardriders for leading the raffle, which raised $750 dollars for the Bunnell Food Bank. We think it’s important to do this every year, still as a memorial for Tommy but also broadened out as an opportunity for us to celebrate the lives of others who are no longer with us—AND those who are. If there’s one lesson we have learned through all of this, it’s that we are not alone in our mourning. Getting under the weight of something heavy and carrying it is a lot easier when you have someone walking with you. If you have lost someone and are having a hard time, feel free to reach out so we can be there for you the way the community was and is for us. See you in the water. (fb)