Sarasota-Manatee Council-Navy League of the US

06/23/2026

Happy 87th Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary!

Since 1939, dedicated Auxiliarists have served as an invaluable force multiplier for the U.S. Coast Guard, advancing recreational boating safety, educating the public, conducting vessel safety checks, and supporting missions that help safeguard our nation’s ports, waterways, and coastal communities.

Today, we celebrate the proud legacy of service and volunteerism that has strengthened maritime safety and security for nearly nine decades.

To the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary—thank you for your unwavering dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to serving others. Your contributions make a lasting difference every day.

Happy Birthday, and Semper Paratus!

06/18/2026

📅 What’s on your calendar for Wednesday, June 24?

If you have a free evening, we’d love to see you at Big Top Brewing Company on Fruitville from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM for a great time of networking, camaraderie, and supporting our maritime community!

Reserve your spot today:
https://www.navyleague-sarasota-manatee.org/events

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join Us for the Next Sarasota–Manatee Council Get Together! 🇺🇸⚓

The Navy League Sarasota-Manatee Council invites you to an evening of fellowship, friendship, and fun at our next informal SMC Get Together!

Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the Navy League community, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members and guests, meet new friends, and enjoy a relaxed evening together.

📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Big Top Brewery & Restaurant
3045 Fruitville Commons Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34240

This is a no-host event, so guests may purchase food and beverages individually from the menu.

We encourage all members to bring a guest and help us strengthen the camaraderie and fellowship that make our Navy League community so special.

👉 RSVP with this link: https://www.navyleague-sarasota-manatee.org/events , by June 22, 2026 so we can provide the restaurant with an estimated attendance count.

We look forward to seeing you there!

06/15/2026

⭐ Member Spotlight Series | Navy League Sarasota-Manatee Council ⭐

This week, we are proud to spotlight LCDR Seneca Johns, U.S. Navy (Ret.), whose nearly 23-year naval career reflects a remarkable journey of leadership, dedication, and service.

Seneca began his Navy career in the enlisted ranks aboard submarines, completing multiple Western Pacific deployments aboard USS Bremerton (SSN-698) before earning his commission through Officer Candidate School. He later served as a Surface Warfare Officer, including as a plank owner aboard USS Dewey (DDG-105), and deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in support of operations in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf.

After earning a Master of Science in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School, Seneca transitioned to the Information Warfare Community, serving at key operational commands including U.S. Central Command and U.S. Fifth Fleet before retiring as a Lieutenant Commander.

Today, Seneca continues supporting our nation's defense as a Department of Defense contractor and remains committed to serving the Sea Services through his involvement with the Navy League Sarasota-Manatee Council.

Thank you, Seneca, for your dedicated service and continued support of our Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and their families. We are honored to have you as part of our Navy League family. 🇺🇸⚓

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06/14/2026

Today we honor the flag that's flown over our ships, our bases, and everyone who has ever stood for it across every branch of service. The Navy League is proud to stand alongside the Sea Services and all who've defended what that flag represents. Happy Flag Day.

06/12/2026

We are proud to share that the Sarasota-Manatee Council was recognized at the Navy League of the United States 2026 National Convention in Norfolk, Virginia, for excellence in council operations, communications, and sea service support.

Our council received the following national awards:

🏆 Meritorious – Council Performance Award
🥇 Platinum – Newsletter
🥇 Platinum – Social Media
🥉 Bronze – Website
⚓ Medium Council Sea Service Unit Adoption Excellence Award

These awards reflect the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our board members, volunteers, partners, and members who help advance the Navy League’s mission to support, educate, and advocate for our nation’s sea services.

Thank you to everyone who contributes their time, talent, and passion to make our council successful. We are honored to receive this national recognition and look forward to continuing our support of the Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, Merchant Marine, and our local youth programs.



Steve Bartek Matthew Wooddall Erin Chance Saba Doug Crowder Lorna Ow-Elroy Robert McChesney Jerry St Germain

06/12/2026

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Resolute held its Change of Command Ceremony on June 11, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida, presided over by Rear Admiral John “Jay” Vann, Deputy Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command.

During the ceremony, Commander Ian Starr transferred command to Commander George MacDonnell. Commander Starr was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding leadership during his two-year command tour.

The ceremony also marked an important milestone as Resolute prepares to relocate its homeport from St. Petersburg to Portsmouth, Virginia, later this summer.

Representing the League Sarasota-Manatee Council were President Gene Moran, 1st Vice President Lorna Ow-Elroy, and Board of Directors Erin Chance Saba, Matthew, and Steve Bartek. The Council was honored to be recognized for its continued support of Resolute and Coast Guard units throughout the region.

We thank Commander Starr for his dedicated service and wish Commander MacDonnell and the crew of Resolute fair winds and following seas as they embark on this new chapter. ⚓🇺🇸

06/01/2026

Join Us for the Next Sarasota–Manatee Council Get Together! 🇺🇸⚓

The Navy League Sarasota-Manatee Council invites you to an evening of fellowship, friendship, and fun at our next informal SMC Get Together!

Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the Navy League community, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members and guests, meet new friends, and enjoy a relaxed evening together.

📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Big Top Brewery & Restaurant
3045 Fruitville Commons Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34240

This is a no-host event, so guests may purchase food and beverages individually from the menu.

We encourage all members to bring a guest and help us strengthen the camaraderie and fellowship that make our Navy League community so special.

👉 RSVP with this link: https://www.navyleague-sarasota-manatee.org/events , by June 22, 2026 so we can provide the restaurant with an estimated attendance count.

We look forward to seeing you there!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Their courage, dedication, and selfless service helped protect the freedoms we cherish today. We will never forget their sacrifice, and we will continue to honor their legacy with gratitude and remembrance.

The Navy League stands in solemn tribute to all who gave everything for our country.

05/24/2026

Happy 76th anniversary to the U.S. Maritime Administration.

76 years ago today, MARAD was established to promote and develop America's merchant marine. From investing in our maritime workforce to maintaining readiness for national defense, MARAD's mission remains as critical today as it was in 1950.

The Navy League is proud to stand alongside MARAD in strengthening our nation's maritime enterprise.