PET Florida

08/31/2026

Our 25th anniversary is quickly approaching, so we have found ourselves reminiscing!

This pic of a happy gathering in Bangladesh back in 2017 caught our attention because it shows two happy recipients of our handcycles. The note on the back of the photo indicated the recipients were from the same family, and we assume that those celebrating with them are family and friends – likely joined by the missionaries who coordinated the placements.

To read more make sure you are subscribed to our monthly newsletter: [email protected] 🔗

08/26/2026

We would like to extend a warm thank you to AMIkids Clay County for inviting us to their summer graduation, and we congratulate all of their recent graduates!

AMIkids-Clay County provides education, counseling, and behavioral development programs to help youth overcome adversity, reach their potential, and build brighter futures.

Their students often volunteer alongside us and help bring our PET carts to life. They always bring positive energy, a willingness to serve, and tremendous respect for our volunteers and the work we do. Pictured here is one of their students riding a PET cart!

We are grateful for this continued partnership with AMIkids and look forward to working together to make an impact in our community for years to come!

07/30/2026

What a way to celebrate our 25th anniversary! Join us October 1–3, 2026, for the Mobility Worldwide Annual Conference, hosted by Penney Retirement Community as part of its Centennial Celebration. The conference will be held at 3495 Hoffman Street, Penney Farms, FL 32079.

This year's conference honors the legacy of Mobility Worldwide co-founder Larry Hills. PET Florida, located on the campus of Penney Retirement Community, is also celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Your conference registration includes admission to the Annual Legacy Banquet on Friday evening. Learn more here: https://mobilityworldwide.org/2026-annual-conference/

07/25/2026

We hope everyone is enjoying summer with family and friends! ☀️ Our July edition of From the Group Up is now out! Take a peek:

“When missionary Sid Rooy moved to our Penney Retirement Community 25 years ago, his wife, Mae, had concerns about his ability to slow down. She had never known him to be anything but his Energizer Bunny self.

Fortunately, those fears were quickly dispelled the day he wandered into the garage of fellow missionary Larry Hills (we shared Larry’s story a few issues ago). What caught Sid’s interest was the contraption Larry was putting together—some kind of industrial-grade three-wheeler with no pedals.”

Want to read the full newsletter? 📧 Email [email protected] to be added to our email list and receive more inspiring stories about our volunteers, community partners, and the people behind PET Florida’s mission.

07/06/2026

Part of any successful nonprofit marketing and public relations strategy is effective merch! You want people to know who you are and what you stand for. Your mission. Your vision.

Don and Anna were rocking their PET Florida merch this ! Want your own T-shirt?

Make a donation of $100 to PET Florida and subscribe to our newsletter, and we'll send you a FREE T-shirt or cap.

But wait, there's more! Make a donation of $150, and we'll send you both a T-shirt and a cap!

To take advantage of this special, email us at [email protected].

07/01/2026

Thank you to Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins for stopping by our shop while visiting Penney Retirement Community last Friday! We are grateful for your support.

06/12/2026

We are still standing strong! If you would like to visit us to learn more: petflorida.org 🔗

A framed reminder of how it all began.

In 1994, missionary Larry Hills shared a need he witnessed in Africa: people disabled by polio and landmines had no practical way to move across rough terrain. Together with Rev. Mel West and product designer Earl Miner, that need became a mission and eventually a movement that has restored mobility to thousands around the world.

This frame hangs in the Penney Farms shop, honoring the three men whose faith, compassion, and ingenuity helped launch what was then known as the PET Mobility Project.

Today, volunteers continue building Mobility Carts, honoring the legacy these men began more than 30 years ago.

06/04/2026

Thank you for your support!
The Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs

05/20/2026

Thank you to the Rotary Club of St. Augustine Sunrise for your support!

A Saturday morning well spent—and the impact will last for years.

Recently, the St Augustine Sunrise Rotary, part of Rotary District 6970, volunteered at PET Florida, Personal Energy Transportation with The Gift of Mobility. They helped build three-wheeled, hand-powered wheelchairs for those in need around the world.

This volunteer-run program constructs and distributes three-wheeled, hand-powered wheelchairs that can last upwards of twenty years. This durability is thanks to a powder coating system funded by a district grant, along with contributions from the Rotary Club of Fleming Island, Inc., The Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs, the Interact Club of Green Cove Springs Junior High School, Orange Park Rotary, Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise, Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunset, and Rotary Club of St. Augustine, Sunset, as well as generous supporters from Mobility Worldwide/PET Florida in Penney Farms.

These hand-operated Personal Energy Transportation vehicles are provided to men, women, and children worldwide who are unable to walk due to limb loss from illness, birth defects, land mines, or war.

05/14/2026

Wonderful! 🎉