Month: April 2026

Today’s Lodge Bike Ride on the Pinellas Trail was a great success—filled with fellowship, good food, and lots of fun! Be on the lookout for our next one on Saturday May 16th.

Join us in welcoming our newest Entered Apprentice Masons, Brothers Joe Booth and Ryan Kincaid, who were initiated last night at Gulf Beach Lodge. Prior to the degree the brothers enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by Dee Marshall, the wife of our Junior Warden, Brian Marshall. — The Lecture was delivered by R∴W∴ Howard Knapp and the Charge by W∴ David Neville. It was a wonderful night of fellowship and brotherly love.

Largo High School Student Awarded 2026 Ernest J. Freeman Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge of Madeira Beach is proud to announce that Ms. Jovana Mutlak of Clearwater has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Ernest J. Freeman Jr. Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $3,500.

Jovana, a senior at Largo High School, has distinguished herself through exceptional academic achievement, maintaining an impressive 3.98 unweighted GPA and a 4.57 weighted GPA. She has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Honor, a recipient of the College Board First Generation Recognition Award, and a member of the National Honor Society.

Beyond the classroom, Jovana has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service. She serves as Co-President of her school’s STEM Club, Vice President of the Largo Cultural Association, and an active participant in Model United Nations, where she has earned honors including Best Delegate and Best Position Paper.

Her commitment to community service is equally noteworthy. Jovana volunteers with Morton Plant Hospital, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Largo Area Historical Society. She has also contributed as a co-organizer of the Pulsera Project and as an International Baccalaureate Ambassador.

The daughter of Serbian immigrants and a first-generation college student, Jovana has worked since the age of fourteen while balancing a rigorous academic schedule. She has been accepted to Brown University, where she plans to study biochemistry on a pre-medical track, with aspirations of pursuing a career in research and healthcare.

The Ernest J. Freeman Jr. Memorial Scholarship was established from a vision by Ernest J. Freeman Jr., who, during his term as Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1984, sought to create a program that would provide meaningful financial assistance to deserving local high school students pursuing higher education. He also envisioned a self-sustaining fund that would continue supporting students well into the future.

Following Brother Freeman’s passing in 1989, the scholarship fund was renamed in his memory and has continued to assist college-bound students each year. In 2008, Brother Albert T. MacMillan further strengthened the program through a generous $100,000 bequest in honor of himself and his son.

Each year, a $3,500 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from select Pinellas County high schools, including Largo High School, to assist with college or university expenses.

The Ernest J. Freeman Jr. Memorial Scholarship continues to recognize students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to community service—qualities that Jovana Mutlak clearly embodies.

Gulf Beach Lodge was out yesterday for our Keep Pinellas Beautiful Trail Clean-up. Great job!!

Gulf Beach Lodge out in the community last night at the John’s Pass Village Friday! Letting our Light shine!

What a great night of Freemasonry at Gulf Beach Lodge last night – here is what was accomplished.

• Those present enjoyed a delicious Shrimp Boil prepared and donated by Brother Aron Zions, Junior Steward.
• R∴W∴ Bobby Kickliter, candidate for the Grand South, was present and spoke to the craft.
• R∴W∴ Bobby Kickliter was recognized as a first time visitor and presented one of our new Lodge coins.
• W∴ Tim Delaney displayed the new Lodge coins, crafted for our 76th Anniversary, and announced that they are available for a suggested donation of $5 each.
• W∴ Bob Meeks, namesake of our Bob Meeks Bikes For Books program was in attendance.
• R∴W∴ Michael St-Laurent was elected as a Plural Member of Gulf Beach Lodge.
• A Petition was read for the Three Degrees of Freemasonry.
• Messrs. Joseph Andre Booth and Ryan James Kincaid were elected to receive the Three Degrees.
• Ms. Jovana Mutlak, of Largo High School, was announced as the 2026 winner of the $3500 Lodge Scholarship.
• Br∴ Charlie Fuller presented the Lodge a US Flag that flew over the US Capitol in memory of W∴ Jim Tizzano.
• A resolution was read and accepted to increase Lodge annual dues by $15.00
• The craft voted to move our Scholarship Funds away from the company that has been handling it and place it with W∴ Shawn Rae’s company for better handling.
• The craft donated $150 to the Boley Center
• Br∴ Carl Bently presented Masonic Education on the importance of the Masonic title “Brother”.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp reported on the Hurricane Recovery progress.
• It was announced that the Lodge will have a table at the John’s Pass Village Friday on April 17th (6-9pm)
• It was announced that there is a Pinellas Trail Cleanup this Saturday at 10am (meeting in the south parking lot of Target on Park Street)
• It was announced that there is a Family Bike Ride on April 25th at 10am.
• It was announced that there will be an EA Degree next Thursday for Messrs. Booth and Kincaid.
• It was announced that there will be a Past Masters Master Mason Degree on April 30th for Br∴ Greg Warr.

Our Senior Deacon, Brother Dago Cruz pictured lower left with our Grand Master, M∴W∴ Taleb “Tali” T. Atala at the OES Grand Assembly. Thank you Brother Dago for representing Gulf Beach Lodge so well.

Join us in welcoming our newest Entered Apprentice, Brother Alejandro Pezzolano. W∴ Mark Niceley sat as Master and R∴W∴ Howard Knapp delivered the lecture and charge.

Members of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge took part in a combined cleanup today in support of the Trash Pirates Of Mad Beach and Keep Pinellas Beautiful. We are happy to help keep our community clean!

We enjoyed a great evening of fellowship and Freemasonry! Here is what we accomplished:

• Those present enjoyed build your own Tacos provided by Brother Aron Zions, Junior Steward.
• Brother Mark Gibbs from Bournemouth, England was in attendance and presented the W∴ Tim Delaney a Master’s Gavel.
• W∴ Joe Engolia, Master in 2001, was in attendance, he now lives in Citrus Springs, Fl.
• Brother Greg Warr returned his FC Catechism and will be Raised on April 30th.
• The craft donated $100 to the VFW Post 9272 in Seminole in memory of Brother George Francey
• The craft donated $100 to the Steven Coakley Foundation in memory of W∴ Jim Tizzano
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp presented Masonic Education on the Importance of Catechisms in Freemasonry.