Madeira Beach, FL – The Madeira Beach Fire Department invites the community to gather at Patriot Park (424 150th Avenue, Madeira Beach, FL 33708) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 8:45 AM for the annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance Ceremony.
This solemn event honors the 2,977 lives lost during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of the American spirit. Community members, visitors, and local officials are encouraged to attend and reflect together on this pivotal day in our nation’s history.
This year’s ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks, Fire Chief Clint Belk, and other community leaders.
Honoring Tradition and Building Legacy
Madeira Beach held its first 9/11 Day of Remembrance Ceremony on September 11, 2014, following the dedication of the City’s memorial earlier that year. What began as a small but meaningful gathering has since grown into an annual tradition, drawing community members, city leaders, and visitors together in reflection.
Chief Clint Belk emphasized the importance of continuing this tradition:
“This year is similar to years past. This is an important event every year for us, and we are one of a few cities that have a ceremony every year,” said Belk. “Never forget.”
Over the years, the event has expanded to include symbolic gestures such as the placement of 2,977 American flags—one for each life lost—and the raising of the American Flag from Truck 25. Longstanding traditions remain central to the ceremony, including the wreath presentation and the tolling of the bells, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
A Memorial with Meaning
The ceremony takes place at Madeira Beach’s own 9/11 Memorial, which features an 800-pound steel beam from the World Trade Center.
The memorial was first proposed in 2009 by a local citizen and brought to life through a collaborative effort between the City, volunteers, and local businesses. After receiving the beam in 2011, the City partnered with architectural students from the University of South Florida, professional engineers, contractors, and countless volunteers to design and construct the site.
The memorial was formally dedicated on September 11, 2014, and has since served as a lasting reminder of sacrifice, unity, and resilience.
“We have a beautiful memorial with an I-beam from the WTC. Every year we will continue to hold this ceremony,” Belk said.
Remembering a Local Connection
Among the many firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11 was Steven Coakley, 36, of Engine Company 217 in Brooklyn. Though based in New York, Coakley spent much of his time in Madeira Beach, where he owned a home and planned to retire.
His story connects the community of Madeira Beach even more deeply to the events of 9/11, underscoring why the tradition of remembrance matters.
A Day of Reflection
For firefighters, the day carries even deeper weight. “343 firefighters lost their lives. This is the single highest death toll of any event in the history of the fire service. If there is a department not reflecting on this day, they are doing the job a disservice,” Chief Belk reflected.
Last year’s ceremony featured an especially moving moment, when a visiting FDNY firefighter who served on 9/11 shared his personal experience of that day and the months that followed.
Event Details
- 9/11 Day of Remembrance Ceremony
- Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
- Time: 8:45 AM
- Location: Patriot Park, 424 150th Avenue, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
- Speakers: Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks, Fire Chief Clint Belk, and others
- Parking: Available nearby at the Madeira Beach Marina
The event is free and open to all. Community members are encouraged to attend, honor those we lost, and reflect on the resilience of our nation.
For more information, please contact the Madeira Beach Fire Department.