April 11, 2022 (Palatka, Fla.) - Community Hospice & Palliative Care is presenting Rev. Karl Flagg and Rev. Johnnie Shaw with the Community Legacy Award on April 21, at noon. The Community Legacy Award honors members of the community who represent a servant’s heart through actions of community service, education, and community initiatives. This unique opportunity honors exceptional individuals who have positively led and influenced our community, who have chosen to serve the public and represents a life dedicated to selflessly helping others. This is the second year this award was presented to members of the community.

Rev. Flagg, a native of Palatka, Fla., has deep roots in the community as a graduate of Palatka Central High School in 1977. Continuing his education at Miami-Dade College with an associate degree in Funeral Service Education. Rev. Flagg also attended St. Johns River College studying Organizational Management Studies, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to study Pastoral Studies in Jacksonville. Rev. Flagg, who was the Mayor of Palatka from 2000 to 2011, currently is the President & CEO of Karl. N. Flagg Memorial Chapel, as well as a senior Pastor in his 30th year at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church. Rev. Flagg’s previous positions include Director of Chaplain and Support Services for the Putnam County Sherriff Office, Commissioner, Putnam County, District 3, Code Enforcement Board, City of Palatka, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Putnam Community Medical Center.

Rev. Shaw began his journey to Palatka, Fla. when he was 19 years old, deciding to leave his life working on a farm in South Carolina. He joined the Church of God in Christ in 1959 and was quickly promoted to Deacon and then shortly after, Chairman of the Deacon Board, and President of the Trustees Board. In 1990, Rev. Shaw was assigned as Pastor of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Daytona Beach, Fla. where he served for seven years. In 1997, he was appointed Pastor of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ in Palatka, Fla. Under Rev. Shaw’s leadership, the church has accomplished many things including purchasing additional church properties and upgrading facilities. In 1997, Rev. Shaw purchased the entire Pistal Community where land was cleared for future projects of the church.

“I have known these two individuals for a long time, Rev. Shaw and Rev. Flagg have been nothing but legends in their own right,” said Kenyarda Feathers, Community Relations Representative for Community Hospice & Palliative Care. “From community involvement to leading phenomenal churches, these are two impactful men. I am thankful to be a part of honoring them for all the work they have done in this community.”

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About Community Hospice & Palliative Care

Established in 1979, Community Hospice & Palliative Care is an innovative national leader in palliative and hospice care, as well as providing programs and services to meet the diverse needs of the communities it serves. During its 42-year history, through the support of more than 1,000 employees and 1,000 volunteers, the organization helps approximately 1,600 patients per day to live better with advanced illness – at home, in long-term care and assisted living facilities, in hospitals and at its 10 inpatient care centers. No one is ever denied care due to an inability to pay. To learn more about the support and services of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, visit CommunityHospice.com