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Holiday Flag Placement

  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read


Every holiday weekend, Surfside Beach shines a little brighter thanks to the volunteers of the Save Our Beach Association (SOBA). Our members proudly place American, Texas, and Military flags along the main entrances and Bluewater Highway to welcome residents and visitors with a display of unity and patriotism. These flags are purchased by our members, installed by volunteers, and removed with the same care — a tradition that reflects the spirit of our community.


Flags are placed on the Thursday or Friday before Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, and removed the following Tuesday.


Download instructions in PDF format here:


General Volunteer Instructions

  • Each color‑coded section on the map is assigned to a team of three: one driver, one driller, and one flag placer.

  • Each team needs:

    • One truck

    • One drill with a 1‑7/8” x 18” auger

    • The required number of flags for their section

  • Team leaders coordinate pickup times and ensure each team has equipment and supplies.


Drilling Tips (All Sections)

Do not cover the back of the drill; this causes overheating and drains the battery - use only the pistol grip.

Have the flagpole ready before removing the auger — dry sand collapses quickly.



1. RED SECTION — City Hall, Parkview, and Fort Velasco

Requirements:

  • 1 truck, 3 volunteers

  • Drill with 1‑7/8” x 18” auger

  • 8 Texas Flags

  • 14 U.S. Flags

Placement Instructions:

  • City Hall: 3 Texas flags — one on each side of the parking lot and one directly across the street, centered.

  • Parkview to Fort Velasco: 5 Texas flags spaced evenly, approximately 6 ft from the road, on the park side.

  • U.S. Flags: 14 flags placed at the center of each block on the beach side, behind the ditch, maintaining a straight line.

2. BLUE SECTION — Main & Beach Entrance

Requirements:

  • 1 truck, 3 volunteers

  • Drill with 1‑7/8” x 18” auger

  • 25 U.S. Flags

  • 7 Military Flags

  • 3 “Flag Display by SOBA” signs


Placement Instructions:

Surfside Beach Entrance Sign:

6 Military flags in this order:

  1. Army

  2. Marine Corps

  3. Navy

  4. Air Force

  5. Space Force

  6. Coast Guard

  7. MIA/POW

  8. Circle K Corner: 1 U.S. flag

  9. Sharkies Area: 2 U.S. flags on either side of the entrance

  10. Parking Lot: 21 U.S. flags spaced about 20 paces apart on the grass beyond the pavement

  11. Palm Tree Section across Street: 6 U.S. Flags



3. GREEN SECTION — Main Entrance to Santar Loop

Requirements:

  • 1 truck, 3 volunteers

  • Drill with 1‑7/8” x 18” auger

  • 26 U.S. Flags


Placement Instructions (Bluewater Highway):

  • Space flags to match the rhythm of the power poles on the beach side.

  • Keep flags at least six feet from the golf cart path.

  • If two poles are unusually close, adjust to maintain consistent spacing.

  • Maintain a straight line by checking alignment with the previous three flags.


4. YELLOW SECTION — Santa Loop to Southwind Court

Requirements:

  • 1 truck, 3 volunteers

  • Drill with 1‑7/8” x 18” auger

  • 33 U.S. Flags


Placement Instructions:

Bluewater Highway:

  • Match spacing to power poles on the beach side.

  • Stay at least six feet from the golf cart path.

  • Adjust spacing only when poles are irregular.

  • Keep a straight line by sighting back along the last three flags.


Southwind Drive:

  • 1 flag on each side of the street entrance

  • 4 flags along Southwind Drive

  • 1 flag on each side of #2 Southwind


5. PURPLE SECTION — Southwind Court to City Limits

Requirements:

  • 1 truck, 3 volunteers

  • Drill with 1‑7/8” x 18” auger

  • 33 U.S. Flags

Placement Instructions (Bluewater Highway):

  • Follow power pole spacing on the beach side.

  • Maintain at least six feet from the golf cart path.

  • Adjust spacing only when poles are irregular.

  • Keep a straight, consistent line by checking alignment with the previous three flags.


 
 
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