Around the mid-1910s, Civic Clubs were coming into existence and forming into national and international organizations. Florida Kiwanis Clubs formed into a separate Florida District in 1924, and were divided into 3 geographic divisions, which encompassed the Bay County area. The real estate boom in Florida during the 1920s stimulated growth in this area and forty-six business and civic leaders of Bay County met at the Pelican Café in 1924 to affiliate with Kiwanis International. However, due to the reforming of the Florida District, it was not approved until April 16, 1926. The Kiwanis Club of Panama City was the first national civic club to be organized in Bay County and has had almost 100 rich years of growth. The only other organized clubs were the Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Club.
The club began its meetings at the Pelican Café on Thursdays, at noon each week. However, the Café burned within a year and prompted a move to the newly constructed Dixie Sherman Hotel, on Wednesdays. The Hotel was demolished in 1970, and luncheons were scheduled at the Elegant Onion, on Eleventh Street. After this business closed, the meeting was held for a short time at the Panama Country Club and then moved for several years to the Four Winds Restaurant, on the Panama City Marina. After the Four Winds was removed, the club moved briefly to the Best Western Bayside Inn and then to the St Andrew Bay Yacht Club for many years.
The Kiwanis Clubs of the United States were open to men only as members until changed in 1986, which granted membership to both men and women, making us a true community-based club.
Inspirational Moments for Kiwanis“More than 2300 years ago, Menander of Athens said: “To live is not to live for one’s self; let us help one another.” This is the philosophy of Kiwanis, a way of thinking that is truly ageless, in all times and all lands.
As we celebrate 100 years of service as a Kiwanis club, we must realize that our existence is dependent on members. Why? Because kids need adults who care. That’s why people join Kiwanis clubs. They’re local groups of like-minded volunteers who make a difference. Friends. Neighbors. Anyone who loves serving together to change children’s lives – we are serving the kids who need us most. We have a long history of service, and all of our accomplishments can be credited to those individuals who call themselves “members”. Ask someone to become a part of the solution and start the next century of service.
For all you trivia buffs, let’s test your Kiwanis knowledge.
When and where was the first
Kiwanis International President
elected?
Attend a meeting to find out the answer.
Did you know the answer last month?
(Benevolent Order of Brothers)
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Pancake Days
April 9 – 11, 2026
66th Annual Event!
Notice: The $5 per month dues increase went into effect January 1.
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