South District

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Written by Florida Keys Elks

Florida Keys Elks Lodge #1872 held its eighth annual Ladies Dolphin Tournament June 10-11. More than 90 anglers from around the country participated. This event is the lodge's largest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds going to various charities, including the Elks National Foundation, the Harry Anna Trust Fund and the Vets on the Water program. Thanks to the year-long promotions and the tremendous support from local sponsors in the Middle Keys, the lodge raised more than $30,000. The grand champions, No Tan Lines, won the top prize of $3,000 with a combined weight total of 65.4 pounds. The second place winners were Angler Eddy’s, who won $1,500 with 42.3 pounds. The third place team, Blue Heaven, won $1,000 with 30.4 pounds. Mia Diaz won $1,000 for the largest dolphin caught, at 25.8 pounds. Callie Diehl, 14-year-old from Lakeland, Florida, caught the largest dolphin by a junior angler, at l6.7 pounds. All winners were also awarded trophies and other prizes. This event takes many volunteers and a lot of hard work throughout the year. The event coordinators were Diane Harbaugh, honorary life member, and Denny Tarbell, PDD, Lodge Advisor.

Pictured are Sandra Nikitich of Islamorada and Christina Veath of Tavernier, grand champions; Mia Diaz of Miami, who caught the largest dolphin; and Callie Diehl with Mate Jesse Hall and Captain Skye Stanley.

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Written by Laz Suarez

On May 31, Miami Elks Lodge #948 donated a trailer-load of school supplies courtesy of Florida Elks Charities to the Belafonte TACOLCY (The Advisory Committee of Liberty City Youth) Center in Miami, Florida. Laz Suarez, Florida State Elks Association Marketing Manager and Miami Lodge member, was given a tour of the facility. According to its website, the TACOLCY center reaches over 5,000 youth and parents annually and is a nonprofit organization in Liberty City (a neighborhood in Miami) offering “a safe haven where children, youth, young adults, families and mentors come together in a variety of activities to strengthen the bonds and skills that produce healthy, educated, confident and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.”

Pictured are a staff member; Laz Suarez; a staff member; and Shownda Pagan, TACOLCY Center CEO.

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Written by Florida Keys Elks

On Nov. 14, Florida Keys Lodge held its lodge-level Soccer Shoot and hosted 40 community children from ages 5 to 14. Six participants moved on to the district competition and two placed first to go on to the state Soccer Shoot Jan. 8.

Pictured are Soccer Shoot volunteers Morgan Sayre, Jennifer Belz, Kristina Landino and Nishith Bryan.

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Written by Florida Keys Elks

On Oct. 23, Florida Keys Elks Lodge members attended the Founders Park Trunk-or-Treat event as a way to be visible in the community. Members gave away more than 500 red ribbons and candy in honor of Red Ribbon week. Pictured are Linda Sullivan, member; Elroy the Elk (Brian Sayre); State Drug Awareness Vice Chair, Denny Tarbell; and Angela Sayre, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Florida Keys Elks

During Florida Keys Lodge’s annual Flag Day ceremony June 14, local Scout Troops 912 and 914 retired more than 400 flags. The event included many members of the community.