A new tradition
Pensacola Beach Elks dedicate new lodge building
BY LISA NEWELL Gulf Breeze News lisa@gulfbreezenews.com

ABOVE: The U.S. Flag, the Elk flag and the POW/MIA flag fly over the new Elks lodge on Pensacola Beach.

The wait seemed to be worth it as the Pensacola Beach Elks Lodge formally dedicated its new building on Saturday, March 24.

"This was over two years in coming and we are absolutely delighted," said Exalted Ruler Robert Randle. "The three-day weekend with all the dignitaries went absolutely flawless."

The celebrations included dinners, live music and cookouts as well as the lodge dedication ceremony with lodge members and invited guests. On Sunday, the lodge and the ladies organization installed new officers.

Pensacola Beach Elks lodge was formed in 1962 with 122 original charter members occupying a 3,500 square foot building at 661 Pensacola Beach Blvd.

Over the years, storms took their toll on the building. In 1995, Hurricane Erin brought a nine-inch flood. Hurricane Opal arrived three weeks later, bringing 18 inches of water into the building.

But Hurricane Ivan in 2004 dealt the devastating blow, destroying the lodge building and all its contents.

Lisa Newell/Gulf Breeze News Elks Lodge trustees Buddy Scruggs; George Scribner; former Grand Exalted Ruler Robert Grafton; Larry Gunter; Don Stevens; Chris Dugas; and Exalted Ruler Robert Randle present the cornerstone for the new lodge.

While construction began on the new 9,000 sq. ft. building on the site of the original lodge, the Elks moved operations to the third floor of the beach marina building.

In November of 2006, the new building was finished and ready to house the lodge which has swelled to 930 members.

The Elks support youth and veterans groups, as well as many other causes.

Lodge members enjoy the new deck overlooking Little Sabine Bay.