Greetings:

It is now time to make your plans to attend the Florida State Elks Association Midyear Convention. Our convention is being held again this year at the Plantation on Crystal River located at 9301 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. The dates of the convention are Thursday, November 8th through Saturday, November 10th. The link to the hotel website and the agenda for all meetings may be found in the quick links on the left. Dress for all activities is business casual. Gentlemen are urged to wear jackets, tie optional.

Please be informed that all reservations must be made directly with the hotel and that the cutoff date for reservations is Monday, October 8^th or when our room block is sold out. After this date rooms and rates are subject to availability. To make your reservation you will need to call the Plantation reservations department at (352) 795-4211. Let them know you wish to make a reservation and refer to “Florida State Elks Midyear 2018”. The room rate is $112 plus 9% tax or $122.08 per night for a standard room. Standard accommodations are spacious and bedding selections include both King and Double/Double options. This year, there is also a limited number of Golf Villas (based on availability). These villas are great for sharing! These are two-story villas and are perfect for couples, families, or groups. There is an open loft-style bedroom that has either a king or two double beds with down comforters upstairs and a spacious living area downstairs with a sofa sleeper bed. The room rate for a villa is $172.00 plus 9% tax (single/double occupancy). Please be informed that when making your reservation you will be asked to provide a reservation guarantee.

Everyone attending, including spouses, guests, FLOE delegates, etc., is asked to preregister with the FSEA so we know who will be attending and so we can have a name badge waiting for you when you sign in at the Elks registration table. The link to online registration can be found in the quick links on the left. The Elks registration table at the Plantation will be staffed during the convention from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday.

A couple of notes about the Plantation on Crystal River:

• Check-in time is 3:00 p.m.Check-out is at 11:00 a.m.
• Hotel pet policy is pets allowed. There are an extremely limited number of pet allowed rooms at the Plantation. They are based on availability and will be first come, first serve.
• The hotel hascomplimentary on-site parking.
• The hotel has bell services available.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service is available in the lobby, public areas, and guest rooms.

On Friday morning, the ladies from FLOE (Florida Ladies of Elks) will be sponsoring a breakfast with Author/Comedian/Magician and Vietnam Veteran Frank Joliff. from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The cost per person is $20.00. To register, use the quick link on the left.

Andy Milwid, the Chairman of the Grand Lodge Auditing & Accounting Committee will be our guest presenter. Andy will be presenting on Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. and his presentation is titled Understanding Your Lodge’s Audit Report. All Elks are encouraged to attend.

The midyear general session complete with reports from all our committees and programs will be held on Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This session and the Major Projects Presentation on Saturday are the two events that are required to be attended by at least the Exalted Ruler and two other members from each Lodge.

The Major Projects meeting will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude at 11:30 a.m.

On Saturday, we encourage everyone to stay another night and book an afternoon activity at the Plantation. The links to different activities can be found in the quick links on the left. Some available options include a host of water activities, golf, and the on-site/full-service Aveda© spa.

Saturday evening, we will be hosting a buffet dinner and cash bar from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The menu will be an Old South style buffet! The cost of this event is $35.00 per person. There will be a cash bar and music!

To summarize, here is your to-do list:

1. Make your reservation at the Plantation on Crystal River by phone.
   2. Preregister with FSEA for your name badge(s) using the quick link.
2. Plan your Saturday afternoon activities!
   4. Purchase your ticket(s) if you plan to attend the Saturday evening buffet and cash bar.

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Meetings & Events Manager, Dana Beatty by e-mail at dana@floridaelks.org.

We look forward to seeing you at the November meetings!

Carl T. Seibert

COO/State Secretary