It all began in the year 1926
However, in May 1924, a group of businessmen determined the need for a civic organization in Panama City, and a charter application was sent for review. That November the Florida District was established and due to organizational changes, the petition to establish a Kiwanis Club in Panama City was not approved until 1926.
The Kiwanis Club of Panama City was formally installed at a dinner meeting at the Pelican Café at 119 Harrison Ave on April 16, 1926. The population of Panama City and the surrounding area was only 5,386 but swelled to more than 30,000 by the mid-1940s. Panama City was the fifth club to be established in Florida with 46 charter members. The first President being Rev. J.C. Leckenby. The Kiwanis Club was the first national civic club in Bay County, and the Exchange Club held their charter banquet two months later. Two other national organizations were already organized locally: the Chamber of Commerce (1913) and the Women’s Club.
The first project was suggested to sponsor Panama City’s first Class D professional baseball team named “The Pelicans”, along with 2 other projects that resolved to advocate forest fire protection and reforestation, and a Farmer’s Market located at Harrison Ave. and Third St. During our first year of existence, the club took action to support issuing bonds to build bridges that would complete Hwy 98 from Pensacola to Apalachicola and beyond. The Hathaway and DuPont bridges were completed in 1928 as a result. In 1947, our club garnered the support of other civic clubs to adopt a resolution to persuade the US Government to donate the jetties and surrounding land to the State of Florida. They then persuaded the State to develop St Andrews State Park and construct paved access roads.
Much has changed in Bay County over the past 100 years, but Kiwanians have been a positive influence over all that has happened. Who knows what the next 100 years will bring, but you bet that Kiwanis will be a viable part of making our community a better place to live.
Why do we need more members?
The answer is simple. More members = More service. People join Kiwanis clubs for the service, but they stay because of the impact. As we look back over the past years, think about all the members that have joined. Some have stayed and some have not. Why?
When we talk to someone about Kiwanis, our goals should be to: Create relationships, rapport, and referrals within the community, tell stories about our impact, connect on a personal level, and most of all have fun!
For all you trivia buffs, let’s test your Kiwanis knowledge.
When did the Kiwanians of the U.S. and Canada begin placing “Peace Markers” along the 4,000 mile border between the two countries?
Attend a meeting to find out the answer.
Did you know the answer last month?
Where and when did the Kiwanis membership purchase the name “Kiwanis” from Allen Browne?
(Birmingham Convention in 1919)
Come join us in celebrating 100 years as a Kiwanis Club on Thursday, September 24th. We’ll have a great meal at Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant along with recognizing those exceptional Kiwanians, installing new officers, and hearing from our Kiwanis District Governor, Mr. Tommy Mills.
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Thanks to
Eric Krebs for his work.
Join Us
Thinking about joining? Read about us Here.
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Grants and Scholarships
Are you interested in a Kiwanis Grant to support a community or school activity or a Community Service Scholarship?
Grant Application Guidelines
We have 13 Service Leadership Clubs in our schools and are currently working on establishing a new Key Club at Rutherford and CKI at FSU-PC and GCSC. All of which need our involvement and support.
Download the SLP Newsletter HERE
The Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote: “Man is born for deeds of kindness; and when he has done a kindly action, or otherwise served the common welfare, he has done what he was made for and has received his quittance.”
Kiwanis gives each of us another way to perform deeds of kindness. When we serve, we fulfill our human nature, and serving is its own reward.
We have ordered two new Free Little Libraires to be placed at Henry Davis Park and across from Cherry St School. Help us keep these clean and filled with books. These will provide 24/7 book access and will remove barriers to reading.