The Palatka Post - Issue 9

ISSUE NO. 9

JUNE 2026

THE PALATKA POST

INSIDE THIS ISSUE EVENTS & FESTIVALS

LOCAL SPOTLIGHTS

SPECIAL ISSUE: JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

INDEX

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 Special Issue: June Highlights

11 Local Spotlights

07 Events & Festivals

13 Travel Diaries

This month at a glance

What’s Happening Around Town

Businesses & People to Watch

Exploring Palatka

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SPECIAL ISSUE: JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

With Florida summer in full swing, Palatka offers many ways to beat the heat.

Boating on the St Johns River is a favorite pastime for many locals, along with kayaking, and of course, fishing. Or stay in the cool air and shop along St Johns Avenue.

June is an ideal month for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, as mammal and reptile activities are at their peak. Discover the richness of nature in Palatka's numerous parks, where you can immerse yourself in the abundance of wildlife and natural beauty.

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FRESH FEATURE Images of America: Palatka Gregory Leonard would visit Palatka as a young boy. Since then, Greg has been fascinated with our town’s history. His desire is to share his love for the beauty and the stories Palatka tells.

The books includes tales of the Spanish and British colonial periods, the US territorial years and statehood, the Civil War and the golden age that followed, and the challendes and opportinities of the 20th century.

CELEBRATE THE BOOK LAUNCH WITH US →

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT BLUE CRAB FESTIVAL The Blue Crab Festival took place last month, attracting numerous visitors from out of town. Attendees had a particularly enthusiastic response to the delicious food and lively entertainment. The docks were bustling with boats, while guests enjoyed the festivities from the river.

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THIS MONTH AT SUMMER NIGHT LIGHTS June 5th: Summer Kickoff Party • Raffle drawing • Live music of familiar classics • Beer, wine, and food • Celebrate the opening of the new event series June 19th: Rhythm on the River • Live folk and blues music • Beer, wine, soul food Join us both Friday nights from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the Riverfront Park for two funfilled summer evenings you won’t want to miss We’re always looking for volunteers and vendors to help make this event possible — check the link below to get involved!

WANT TO BE A PART OF THIS EVENT? 5 | Palatka Post

In June, Palatka basks in the golden glow of sunshine and the relaxed vibes of summer, where live music fills the air. Here's what's happening this month.

JUNE EVENTS IN PALATKA

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Images of America - Palatka: Meet the Author!

The Larimer | June 3 | 6:00 pm Join us for a special ticketed Book Launch & Meet + Greet with author Greg Leonard!

Enjoy light refreshments & hors d’oeuvres, hear the stories behind the book , join in on a live Q&A, and get your book signed

Summer Night of Lights Palatka City Dock & Boat ramp | June 5 | 5:00 pm A new event lighting up Riverfront Park — bringing live music, local vendors, food trucks, and a vibrant night market atmosphere to the riverfront.

Sunset River Tours Palatka City Dock & Boat ramp | June 5 | 7:00 pm Sunset views, river breezes, and the perfect way to wind down your evening. Join Boathouse Riverfront for their Sunset Cruises along the St. Johns River — a 1.5-hour experience you won’t want to miss.

Morning River Cruise Palatka City Dock & Boat ramp | June 6 | 10:00 am Start your day on the water. Join Boathouse Riverfront for their Morning Cruises along the St. Johns River — a relaxing 2-hour ride with beautiful views and fresh river air.

Musical Bingo Leo’s Fine Sushi | June 6 | 7:00 pm Join us and you're in for a night of fun! Instead of numbers on your cards, we’ll play classic rock songs! Don’t worry, we’ll call out the song names, no need to guess.

Acoustic Circle Songwriter Showcase The Larimer Arts Center | June 7 | 3:00pm A round robin of local musical talent – in an intimate setting with plenty of audience participation! Come enjoy the afternoon in the cool halls of the Larimer Arts Center!

Sunset River Tours Palatka City Dock & Boat ramp | June 12 | 7:00 pm Sunset views, river breezes, and the perfect way to wind down your evening. Join Boathouse Riverfront for their Sunset Cruises along the St. Johns River — a 1.5-hour experience you won’t want to miss.

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Morning River Cruise The Larimer Soundstage: Shayla Nelson Palatka City Dock & 15 Boat ramp The Larimer | May | 7:00 pm| June 13 | 10:00 am

Start your day on the water. Join Boathouse Riverfront for their Morning Cruises along the St. Johns

Experience incredible talent rightbeautiful here in Palatka and enjoy a air. night out filled with River — a relaxing 2-hour ride with views and fresh river music and atmosphere

Family Art Workshop - America the Beautiful The Larimer | June 13 | 2:00 pm Explore patriotic themes through art as families create projects inspired by American landscapes, symbols, and colors. This workshop celebrates creativity, unity, and summertime fun.

2nd Saturday Art Receptions The Larimer | June 13 | 5:00 pm

Meet the artists, explore current exhibitions, and enjoy an evening of art and community in downtown Palatka.

Swing and a Miss Jazz Quintet Concert & Brunch The Larimer | June 14 | 2:00 pm Bill Prince on keys, Paula Prince on saxes & flute, Bill Cain on vibraphone, Danny Flanagan powers the pulse, and Ric Mosley locks it all in on bass. They keep the groove fresh and unpredictable.

Summer Lights Much Ado Night Aboutof Nothing The Larimer May 17 | 2:00ramp pm &| June 7:00 pm Palatka City| Dock & Boat 19 | 5:00 pm AAlively of lighting love, rivalry, gossip, and unexpected What starts as playful newtale event up Riverfront Park — bringing twists. live music, local vendors, food matchmaking trucks, and a quickly a web of deception where nothing is quite as it seems. vibrantturns nightinto market atmosphere to the riverfront.

Palatka Bird Expo Putnam County Fairground | June 28 | 9:00 am

Calling all bird lovers! The Palatka Bird Expo is flying into town for a full day of feathered fun, shopping, and education.

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SPECIAL ISSUE: GET FEATURED

Our community calendar highlights the events that make Palatka special — and we want to include yours. Submit your event to be featured on our website and in future editions of The Palatka Post.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT Palatka Post | 10

SPECIAL ISSUE:

From unique boutiques to beloved bites, our Local Highlights spotlight the businesses that keep Palatka vibrant. Share your favorite merchant or dining spot for a chance to be featured on our website and in The Palatka Post.

LOCAL SPOTLIGHTS

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NEEDFUL THINGS Named after Stephen King’s book ‘‘Needful Things’, this bookstore checks all the boxes. From new, used, and antique books, there are plenty of options to browse through. They also support the community by carrying books written by local authors. The space also features a cat, an amenity every bookstore should have.

Located at 908 St. Johns Ave, Palatka, Florida 32177

YOUR NEW FAVORITES BROWNIE’S OUTPOST, BOOT SHOP, AND RANGE Explore the unique offerings at Brownie’s, where you can spend an entire evening visiting all three distinct storefronts. Start by getting fitted for a stylish new pair of boots, browse and collect an antique firearm, and then put your skills to the test by practicing your aim. End your night with a delightful dinner at one of the charming nearby eateries.

Located at 713 St. Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177.

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Discover Palatka through our travel diaries—featuring must-see spots, local favorites, and hidden gems.

TRAVEL DIARIES

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PALATKA TRAIN STATION The Palatka Station is served daily by two different trains. Travel all along the East Coast without having to drive. The station also houses the David Browning Railroad Museum, operated by the Palatka Railroad Preservation Society. The museum showcases: A model train layout depicting Palatka and surrounding areas Historic documents, photographs, maps, and railroad signs Artifacts from regional railroads, including the Atlantic Coast Line and Florida East Coast Railway

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ISSUE NO. 9

JUNE 2026

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