On Wednesday, January 29, the City of St. Augustine will fly the American flag in honor of 2019 Order of La Florida Award recipient Tom Rahner, who passed away on December 21, 2024. This is part of the City’s protocol to honor deceased former city commissioners and other notable figures, including recipients of the Order of La Florida Award.
Per the requirements as set by the guidelines of the award, the Order of La Florida recognizes those who have, over a long period of time, unselfishly devoted their time and talent to the welfare and betterment of our citizens and heritage and who have exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and have contributed extraordinary services to the community.
The delay in flying the flag in a timelier manner is due to the recent order by President Joe Biden to lower the flags at half-staff in memory and honor of former President Jimmy Carter, which will end of Tuesday, January 28.
In 2019, Rahner and his wife, Jean, were presented with the Order of La Florida Award in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to performing arts in the City of St. Augustine.
The flag will be collected and folded and presented by the City Commission to the Rahner family at a regularly scheduled commission meeting in the future.