Month: May 2026

Gulf Beach Lodge Final Hurricane Helene Recovery Update:

We are proud and deeply thankful to announce that Gulf Beach Lodge successfully completed the final inspection for our Hurricane Helene Recovery refurbishment on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

This marks the official completion of the permitted recovery and refurbishment work following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Our refurbishing permit was received on April 10, 2025, seven months after the hurricane and the remediation process began. From that point forward, the road was long, difficult, and at times uncertain.

There was a time in early 2025 when the Lodge was not sure whether we would be able to complete this project. But because of the amazing outpouring of support, generosity, donations, and hard work from our members, Grand Lodge, brothers from around the country, family, friends, and supporters, we were able to complete the recovery work using only the funds that were raised.

We extend our sincere thanks to Jeff Fincher, who served as our contractor and guided us with his knowledge, experience, and insight throughout this process.

We also thank every brother, family member, and friend who contributed sweat equity to help bring our Lodge back. That work included hanging insulation, hanging drywall, mudding, taping, texturing, painting, installing bathroom vanities, hanging doors, installing baseboards and door trim, replacing ceiling grids and tiles, and so much more.

We are also incredibly grateful to the wonderful subcontractors who helped make this recovery possible. Their work included fully replacing the electrical system, installing new plumbing, connecting sinks and the urinal, blocking in windows, installing flood barrier systems, working on the hood fire suppression system, and completing many other critical parts of the project.

While there are still smaller projects to address — such as new flooring downstairs, a small section of soffit work, exterior painting, landscaping, and other improvements — these items are not part of the recovery permit and will be handled as funds become available.

Again, thank you to everyone who played a part in this recovery. Your support, donations, labor, encouragement, and commitment made this possible.

It was a rough and rugged road, but together we have successfully ascended to the summit of the mount.

Gulf Beach Lodge is recovered, refurbished, and moving forward.

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

• Those present enjoyed a variety of pizzas provided by the Junior Warden, Br∴ Brian Marshall.
• Mr. Lance Conklin was elected to receive the Three Degrees of Freemasonry.
• 3 Masons were elected into Honorary Membership.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp reported that we passed our Hurricane Recovery Final Permit Inspection and all permitted work has been completed. To say the members are elated would be an understatement. 
• Br∴ Al Yoder reported on the success of our Bikes For Books program held at Seminole Elementary School.
• Br∴ Justin D’Aloisio volunteered to be Chairman of the Bikes For Books program in 2027.
• The Lodge is preparing a certificate for Officer Tracy Funck of the Treasure Island Police who helped with the bikes program this year.
• The craft donated $150 to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation in memory of W∴ Donald T. Harriott.
• The craft took a straw vote on the proposed Grand Lodge legislation changes to give direction to our delegates for the vote at the Grand Communication.

Lodge will be Dark next Thursday as our delegates will be attending the Grand Communication in Orlando.
Official visit of the D∴D∴G∴M∴ will be held on June 4, 2026 (meal 6:30pm – Meeting 7:30pm)
EA Degree for Mr. Lance Conklin – Thursday June 11, 2026 (meal 6:30pm – Degree 7:30pm)

Great day with Brothers, families, and friends from Gulf Beach Lodge enjoying a family bike ride from the Lodge to PJ’s Oyster Bar on Indian Rocks Beach! 🚴‍♂️☀️

Freemasonry is about more than meetings — it’s about friendship, fellowship, family, and creating lasting memories together. Days like this remind us that Brotherhood extends far beyond the Lodge walls.

If you’re looking for genuine connection and a group of men who truly enjoy spending time together, Gulf Beach Lodge is a great place to start.

Members of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge greatly enjoyed visiting Nitram Lodge last night for their Mother’s Day Dinner and Lodge meeting. We sincerely appreciate the warm welcome and outstanding brotherly hospitality extended to us throughout the evening. The fellowship, camaraderie, and spirit of brotherhood shared among all in attendance made for a truly enjoyable and memorable occasion. Thank you to the officers and members of Nitram Lodge for a wonderful evening, and we look forward to visiting again in the future.

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge, located in Madeira Beach, continued its long-running “Bob Meeks Bikes For Books” program today at Seminole Elementary School. The program, which began in 2017, was named in honor of Brother Bob Meeks, Gulf Beach Lodge member who originally created the initiative to encourage reading and reward academic achievement among elementary school students. Through the program, a boy and girl from each grade level, Kindergarten through 5th grade, at a selected school, receive a brand-new bicycle after being selected as the students who read the most teacher-approved books during the school year.

The bicycles were presented to the student winners during a special ceremony held at Seminole Elementary School on Friday, May 15th. Gulf Beach Lodge partnered with the Treasure Island Police Department bicycle officer, Tracy Funk, along with their Public Information Officer Jason Beisel, who provided bicycle safety instruction for the students and families in attendance. The department also supplied bicycle helmets and safety lights to help ensure that each child rides safely. Gulf Beach Lodge also partnered with Nolan Bueller, son of Brother Dom Bueller, who procured backpacks, lights, key chains, and coloring books from the Florida Department of Transportation for the students. In addition, Gulf Beach Lodge partnered with Oldja Enterprises Kitchen & Bath, which generously provided the truck used to transport the bicycles to the school.

Freemasonry has long supported public education, teachers, and programs that encourage learning and personal growth among children. Seminole Elementary School continues to foster an environment that encourages academic achievement, creativity, and student success through the combined efforts of educators, parents, and community partners. Programs such as Bikes For Books help reinforce the importance of reading while rewarding students for their hard work and dedication throughout the school year.

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge No. 291 was chartered in 1950 and has served as an active force in the Gulf Beaches community for more than 76 years. Its members come from all walks of life and share a commitment to community service, charity, and fellowship. Freemasonry is open to men ages 18 and older who seek opportunities to improve themselves while giving back to their communities. Anyone interested in learning more about Freemasonry or membership opportunities may email gro.e1791218423gdolh1791218423caebf1791218423lug@p1791218423ihsre1791218423bmem1791218423.

Members of Gulf Beach Lodge attended the Suncoast Master Mason Association Meeting last night at our Lodge. Great meal, wonderful fellowship.

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

• Those present enjoyed a delicious Chicken Pot Pie prepared by Dee Marshal.
• W∴ Dieter a first time visitor from Austria was welcomed and presented a Lodge coin, he also presented the Master a special jewel from his Lodge in Austria.
• W∴ Allen Norwich presented Brs∴ Richard Hightower, Russ Wood, Chip Cahal and Al Yoder, their Masonic Leadership Training Certificates.
• W∴ Joe Engolia presented the Lodge W∴ Irven L. Albright’s Past Master Apron which will hang in the library. In exchange W∴ Joe was presented his personal PM apron.
• A Petition for the Three Symbolic Degrees was read.
• Br∴ Greg Warr was in attendance for his first business meeting as a Master Mason.
• Three resolutions were read for Honorary Membership and will be balloted upon on May 21st.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp reported that the Petition which was read came to us through our Lodge Awareness Program on Social Media.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp reported that all work covered under our Hurricane Recovery Permit has been completed, and a final inspection will be scheduled in the near future. The project was completed $30,777.00 under the original estimated cost, while remaining fully within the hurricane recovery funds available.
• Br∴ Al Yoder reported for the Bikes For Books program that all 12 bikes have been purchased and that we will be making the presentation at Seminole Elementary School on Friday, May 15th at 8:45 am.
• The craft approved advancing our Grand Lodge delegates (Master and Wardens) $500 each for their attendance at the Grand Communication in Orlando this month.
• The craft gave direction to our delegates on how they want the Lodge to vote on the first eight pieces of proposed legislation.

Join us in warmly welcoming our newest Master Mason, Brother Greg Warr (picture center with beard), who was raised last evening by the Past Masters of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291.

The night began with an outstanding steak dinner prepared by Junior Steward Brother Aron Zions, followed by a delicious Key Lime Pie courtesy of Dee Marshall.

We were honored to have 39 Brothers in attendance, including a first-time visitor from Oklahoma and a strong showing from our Brothers of Nitram Lodge.

R∴W∴ Howard Knapp presided in the East, delivering the Charge and Bible presentation, while W∴ Bobby Burkett delivered an excellent lecture.

A memorable evening of fellowship, tradition, and brotherhood.