This past week, Coronado lost one of its quiet giants, Floyd Ross, a man whose impact on our community can’t be overstated. Alongside his wife Mary, Floyd co-founded what has become a cherished tradition and cornerstone of island life: the Coronado Promenade Concerts, affectionately known to locals as Concerts in the Park.
If you’ve ever spent a summer Sunday evening at Spreckels Park, surrounded by neighbors, kids dancing barefoot on the grass, music floating through the air, then you’ve experienced the magic Floyd helped create.
A Legacy of Service and Joy
Floyd didn’t just start a concert series, he built a community tradition. For decades, the Promenade Concerts have brought people together in a way few things do: with music, laughter, and a shared love for this special place we call home. What began as a simple idea to enrich the cultural life of Coronado has become an institution, one that continues to grow and bring joy to thousands every year.
What stands out most to me about Floyd’s legacy is that it wasn’t loud or flashy. It was thoughtful, consistent, and rooted in service, the kind of leadership that’s more about showing up than showing off.
Honored to Carry It Forward
As the current Vice-President of the Coronado Promenade Concerts Board (and its future President) I’m deeply humbled to help carry Floyd’s vision forward. It’s not something I take lightly. Stewarding this beloved tradition into its next chapter means honoring the foundation Floyd built while continuing to evolve and expand its reach for future generations.
I see it as more than organizing concerts, it’s about nurturing community, celebrating local talent, and creating shared experiences that remind us how lucky we are to live here.
A Community Built on Service
Floyd’s life and contributions are a beautiful reminder of just how many people in Coronado give their time, energy, and heart to make this island what it is. From organizations like the Coronado Flower Show, Rotary Club, Junior Women’s Club, and the Coronado Schools Foundation, to the volunteers who power the 4th of July Committee and countless other efforts, this town runs on service.
These acts (big and small) shape the culture and character of Coronado in ways that are easy to take for granted. People like Floyd don’t ask for recognition; they simply act out of love for their community. But when we lose someone like that, we’re reminded of just how important their example is.
Thank You, Floyd
Floyd Ross gave us more than concerts, he gave us connection. On behalf of our entire board, our community, and my own family, I want to express heartfelt thanks. Thank you, Floyd, for the music, the memories, and the legacy we are proud to protect and grow.
And to everyone who’s ever danced in the park, shared a blanket with a friend, or simply felt grateful for a free evening of live music, know that you’ve been part of something special. Something started by one man with a vision, and now carried by a whole community.
Coronado is Calling… because of people like Floyd Ross.