TAMPA, Fla. — The historic St. Petersburg Woman’s Club, which was damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton, celebrated its grand reopening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Members and volunteers worked months restoring the historic landmark. Monthly meetings and social activities are now being held in the newly renovated building.
“It is the beautiful club we’ve always had, they maintained the tradition but we have modernization,” said Joanne Walker, who served four terms as president and joined in 1976.
“My themes as one of my terms as president was take time to be friendly or you’ll have time to be lonely,” said Walker.
The club prides itself on community service. Members volunteer time dedicated to initiatives including education, the environment, arts, civic engagement, and health and wellness.
“In our creed, it says you live each day trying to accomplish something not merely to exist, and that’s what we’ve always done,” said Walker, who has been a member since she was 26. “So many memories, so many friends, so many fun times, so much charity work.”
The club is also a rich part of family tradition for many generations who use the venue to celebrate many of life’s milestones.
While celebrations and community outreach continue from a newly renovated building, the history and heritage forge into the future.
“The fact that they preserved the history was fabulous,” said Walker, adding that she is passionate about passing on the club’s legacy to the next generation of members.
“I feel very certain, that these new members who have come in, they have already started digging into the community, they’re doing all the hands-on service that we have done over the years and I’m so proud of them,” said Walker.