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Written by Bobbie Vance

Members and officers of Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge #2387 attended the Cocoa Beach High School senior awards presentation May 10 to award 19 $1,000 scholarships. Of these, 16 were academic scholarships presented by Robert Janes, Exalted Ruler, right, and trustee Dean Rosenquist (not pictured). These were funded by donations, proceeds from game nights, and other events such as gift raffles and commercial bingo games at the Super Bowl party, Kentucky Derby, and Cinco de Mayo parties. The lodge also kicked off a grassroots effort this school year for students who have other interests and to provide a career path or an alternative to college. Member Gene Phillips, left, and Robert Janes, Exalted Ruler, right, presented three vocational and technical trades scholarships, which were funded by lodge members. This new scholarship program was welcomed by Cocoa Beach High School and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department of the Brevard County Public Schools.

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Written by Carol Lee Spages

On May 4, in honor of International Firefighters Day, New Port Richey Elks Lodge #2284 presented a large tray of cookies and a thank you poster to the members of New Port Richey Fire Company 1 and 2.

Pictured from Company 1 are Captain Tom Christian; Elizabeth Groves, Inner Guard/Americanism Chair; and firefighters Tiffany Williams and Javier Espinales.

Pictured from Company 2 are Captain Eric Slafky, Elizabeth Groves and firefighter Corbin Mitchell.

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Written by Jessica Bouchard

On March 13, Bradenton Elks Lodge bingo players donated $500 to Hooves with H.E.A.R.T.

Pictured are Danny Tabor, PSP; Valentino; and Danielle of Hooves with H.E.A.R.T.

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Written by Jupiter Elks

On March 5, Jupiter Elks Lodge #2469 awarded four high school seniors each a $1,000 scholarship. The funds were raised from the Tuesday night charity bingo.

Pictured in the front are Nathan Vertes, Lea Abito, Hannah Espersen and Helina Hoim, scholarship recipients, along with Jill McDaniel and Amanda Murphy, Scholarship Committee members.

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Written by Susan Kikta

In January 2024, Tarpon Springs Elks Lodge #1719 partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization dedicated to building, assembling and delivering twin beds and bunk beds to children in need. The local chapter’s co-president is a Tarpon Springs resident and is very excited to work with the lodge. SHP has provided more than 2,900 beds in their five-year history, but they continue to receive an average of 130 bed requests per month.

Pictured Jan. 20 are the more than 30 lodge volunteers who built 50 beds using $5,000 from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. Also pictured are Jim Baker, SHP director; Steven Kikta, Exalted Ruler; Ann Baker, SHP director; and Mary Kurchinski, Elks National Foundation Lodge Grants Coordinator.

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Written by Tracy Carroll, PER

On March 8, Green Cove Springs Lodge invited officers from the Green Cove Springs Police Department and the Clay County Sheriff's Office for dinner and a donation of 170 stuffed animals. These were donated by members and guests throughout February in the lodge's annual Comfort Campaign, which provides new stuffed animals for law enforcement officers to hand out to children on their calls in the community.

Pictured are Tracy Carroll, PER; Greg Hughson, PDD; GCSPD Officer Sarah Holien; GCSPD Public Information Officer Josh Lee; CCSO Chief Scott Moreland; GCSPD Sargeant Austin Graham; Lynn Elrod, Exalted Ruler; GCSPD Chief John Guzman; GCSPD Sargeant Chris Hess; and CCSO Lieutenant Mike Layne.