Rotary Club of Pensacola, Inc.

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

Remember: the Rotary Club of Pensacola will not meet today, but we look forward to seeing everyone at the Change of Command Banquet this Thursday.

Thanks to last week’s speaker, our own Terri Jenkins, for talking about the American Red Cross’s mission here in Northwest Florida and the importance of hurricane readiness. We also presented checks to our community grant recipients. Watch this space to learn more about the organizations and their grant-supported programs in future posts!

Next Tuesday our speaker will be Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves. Don’t miss it!

06/08/2026

Last week we heard from Margo Stringfield, an accomplished research archaeologist with the UWF Archaeology Institute who has led a number of historical projects in our area and co-authored several books. Most recently, she spearheaded the “1776 Sampler,” a way to celebrate our local connection to the American Revolution. We learned about Pensacola’s British period, how it came to an end, and how the 1781 Battle of Pensacola is increasingly recognized by historians (including Ken Burns and his team) for the important role it played. Thanks to Margo for sharing this interactive project, and people who want to participate can visit https://1776sampler.com to represent someone who was in Pensacola during this tumultuous time period.

Join us tomorrow as we hear from Terri Jenkins, executive director of the American Red Cross of Northwest Florida, about hurricane readiness.

05/31/2026

Thanks to Perdido Key Rotary Club for adding Bike Stalls to make it much friendlier for Bikers!

05/26/2026

As a reminder, we will not be meeting today. But remember to RSVP to Linda for the June 18 Change of Command Ceremony at Culinary Productions.

Thanks to UWF Women’s Basketball Coach Stephanie Yelton who spoke to us last week about her journey and career in coaching, UWF’s transition to Division I, and what it means for our community.

05/19/2026

A reminder we are meeting at the Pensacola Bay Center today, NOT the Pensacola Yacht Club! Today we will hear from UWF Women’s Basketball Coach Stephanie Yelton.

Last week, our incoming club president, Dr. Judy Bense, talked about her new book, “Early Spanish Florida: Unearthing the History of America’s Oldest Colony.”

We also presented a check to Early Learning Coalition president Al Henderson from our club and Rotary International to support their VPK reading programs.

05/08/2026

The Siege of Pensacola, a significant event in the American Revolutionary War, occurred in the spring of 1781, with the Spanish forces, led by General Bernardo de Gálvez, ultimately capturing the city from the British on May 8.

Pensacola has been under the rule of five different flags (Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and American).

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

As a reminder, the Rotary Club of Pensacola will NOT meet tomorrow (Tuesday), as we are preparing for the Ethics in Business luncheon this Thursday. Last week, we heard from Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association, about the many challenges facing hospitals in Florida — from Medicaid cuts and reimbursement losses, to “nuclear” lawsuits and physician shortages. We also welcomed a new member, D’Aun Johnson, and congratulated John Shaffer on achieving his next Paul Harris Fellow level.

05/01/2026

This morning, several Rotarians were able to attend the naturalization ceremony of new American citizens at the federal courthouse downtown. The Hon. Charles Kahn, magistrate judge for the Northern District of Florida (and Rotarian), presided over the ceremony, and Rotarian Asher Kelly and his wife Grace Kim provided a beautiful musical performance. Grace, who is a naturalized citizen herself, was the ceremony’s featured speaker. Our club has been honored to underwrite the cost of the printed programs for many years, which we hope will be treasured souvenirs for these families. Congratulations to our new fellow Americans! It was an honor to say the Pledge of Allegiance together with you for the first time as U.S. citizens.