Sarasota Kiwanis reflects on 93 years

Members of the Sarasota Kiwanis Club met Friday to celebrate the 93rd birthday of the branch. 

During the weekly luncheon, members took a moment to recognize former club president Hugh Jackson “Jack” Floyd who died on Nov. 4 at age 92. A long-time Kiwanis member, known for impeccable attendance to meetings, Floyd served as president of the group from 1972-75. 

“If we could only all have the same convictions as Jack did as a member,” said JoRita Stevens. 

President Terry McGannon shared a correspondence that Floyd had sent when he was unable to attend a Kiwanis event over the summer due to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

“Toast to my 92 years. The almighty hasn’t shortened me anything,” McGannon read to the group.  

A service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8 at First Sarasota The Downtown Baptist Church, 1661 Main St. for Floyd. 

Members bowed their heads in a moment of silence for Floyd before continuing the luncheon. 

Luncheon guests from the Booker High School Key Club included Arlenis Ramirez and Melisa Escobar. Together the two led the group in reading the Six Objects of Kiwanis International. 

The featured speaker for the luncheon was member and local historian Jack LaHurd. He gave a presentation on the early years of Sarasota and the influence that the Kiwanis club had on its growth including the first mayor A.B. Edwards who was a member.