Stan called attention to the slideshow he created, which had been playing on the screen. The slideshow showed the rebuilding process of the Cape St. George Lighthouse. (Photos: before the collapse, during recovery and rebuilding.)

Invocation: Hib Casselberry led the group in prayer.

New Members: Stan welcomed and introduced new member: Michael Koontz, and members attending their first meeting: Michael Osterloh and Jean Marani.

First to Register: Gayle Stemac awarded prizes to the members who were first to register: Beverly Oakes and Jerry & Pat Biggs.

Recognition: Stan recognized Representative and Senators who were unable to attend: Senator Fasano, sponsor of SB734; Representative Proctor, sponsor of HB371; Co-Sponsors: Representatives Kendrick, Hukill, Aubuchon, Bogdanoff, Heller, Roberson, Seiler, Snyder and Domino. Stan also thanked the aides to the Senators and Representatives, who have played a significant role in the process.

Stan recognized Bill Roberts, author and former resident at the Cape St. George Lighthouse. He then recognized George Evans with a gift for his tireless efforts in support of the FLA. Most recently, writing numerous letters to Senators and Representatives in order to achieve approval on the lighthouse specialty license plate.

FLA 365 Club: Stan awarded Al King a certificate and gift for his donation, which made him the newest member of the FLA 365 CLUB.

Host: Stan recognized James Burnett, Director of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, who was not present. He then introduced and awarded a certificate to Ranger Andy Edel, host of the St. Marks Lighthouse meeting.

Ranger Edel spoke to the members about work to the refuge and lighthouse after a previous hurricane. Andy gave an overview of the refuge and the wildlife that live on the refuge. He stated the refuge has been named one of the Top 50 Bird Watching Sites in the world.

He also talked about transfer issues concerning the lighthouse. Last fall the Coast Guard obtained the funds to have the lead removed from the grounds around the tower. They are hoping to transfer the lighthouse from the Coast Guard to the Fish & Wildlife Refuge, possibly around Florida Lighthouse Day, in Sept.

Andy thanked the St. Marks Photo Club for their volunteer work on special events and today’s tour of the lighthouse. He explained to members what they will experience on their visit to the lighthouse and cottage and gave directions to the refuge.

Stan welcomed Rick Cain, from the St. Augustine Lighthouse.

Special Guests: Stan introduced Rep. Matt Hudson, co-sponsor of HB371, and awarded him a certificate for his support. Rep. Hudson introduced his aide, James Mullins. Matt delivered a powerful and encouraging speech to the members.

Next Stan introduced Malinda Horton, Ex. Director of the Florida Association of Museums. Malinda explained to the members how the budget affects everyone. She spoke about the economic impact of the state supporting historic preservation and the arts, and the return on tourist dollars spent; which has been reported as a $10 return on every dollar spent on Historic Preservation and an $8 return on funds invested in arts.

Stan briefly talked to members about how to Raise Your Gaze. He used projects at Cape St. George and Crooked River as an example.

Then Stan introduced Fred Gaske, Director of the Division of Historic Resources and the SHPO – State Historic Preservation Officer. Fred spoke to members about the Division of Historic Resources. He explained the National Register and reported that 17 FL lighthouses are on the register, which he exclaimed is quite impressive. He spoke about the Historic Preservation Grants Program and announced that since 1983, 47 Historic Grants have been awarded to Florida lighthouses. These grants were for things from brochures to restoration and rehabilitation of lighthouses.

Break: The members took a 15 minute break.

Stan announced that Dennis Barnell has offered to supply his phone number to anyone interested in visiting the site of the Cape St. George lighthouse. Stan provided directions for members to stop by Crooked River and Cape St. George.

Stan introduced Ranger Pam Darty, from Cedar Key. Pam invited all members to the island the 3^rd weekend in October for the open house.

Secretary: Christi Sessions stated the previous meeting minutes were distributed in writing, available in the FLASH and on-line. No corrections or questions so the minutes were accepted.

Treasurer: John Kennedy provided a breakdown on the last quarter’s income and expenses.

Key figures reported thru Mar. 31, 2008: Total CH/SV/CD: $61,789.45, Total Assets (including inventory: $76,135.12

Ex. VP: Eric Martin announced he is now the president of the Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation. Eric also sent letters to anyone who did not renew their membership with FLA for 2008.

Stan informed the members that the board had voted and approved to simplify general membership dues. Everyone will join at (a) Individual $25 or (b) Family $35. Stan explained that membership dues, merchandise and meeting revenue is used for FLA operating expenses. Any additional donation, which may qualify for one of the clubs (i.e.: FLA 365 Club) will be designated for lighthouse preservation projects. Stan stated, "This ensures the money is going for its intended purpose."

VP of Membership: Ken Smith reported, on behalf of Dede Smith, we currently have 315 paid membership and 71 complimentary memberships. We had 6 new members in the last quarter.

VP of Fundraising: Charley & Lottie Knox were not present.

VP of Meetings: Gayle Stemac gave instructions for climbing the lighthouse at St. Marks.

She announced the July 26^th meeting, due to the extreme heat, will be inside at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa.

Our October 18^th meeting, we will climb both Cape St. George and Crooked River, and the meeting will be at the East Point Firehouse.

In January 2009, we will have an afternoon meeting and climb at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse at night.

The April 2009 meeting will be in Pensacola. Gordon Levi has agreed to be our military sponsor and the meeting will be held at the Naval Aviation Museum.

She is currently making plans for the remainder of 2009.

VP of IT, Webmaster: Stan Beckstrom gave an update on Jupiter being designated an Outstanding Natural Area. He reported he had turned over the Reef Lights webpage to Eric Martin. Stan stated that several of the Accuweather stations had been shut down so he moved several lighthouse weather reports to the nearest operating station.

Stan Farnham acknowledged Gladys Llanes, who is an assistant to US Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart.

Committee Reports:

Education: Anne Stewart stated, it was suggested that the FLA slightly change the name of our award for the Florida History Fair. It will be called the Lighthouse and Maritime Heritage Award, and we looking forward to having a recipient this year.

Photography: Stan Farnham announced that we are currently seeking a chair and volunteers for the photo committee. Several members have expressed an interest in another photo contest and we will need volunteers to manage the project. A notice will be posted in FLASH.

PR Committee: Ken Smith discussed paranormal investigation of lighthouses and media coverage.

Lighthouse Reports: See the "Lighthouse Reports" section for those that submitted information.

Cedar Key- David & Alice D’Amicol presented Ranger Pam Darty with a tent and banner for her to use on the island during open houses. Alice explained that they raised the funds to purchase the tent at the Cedar Key Open House last October. Alice took photos of visitors at the top of the lighthouse and placed them in specially designed Cedar Key Lighthouse Covers.

Pensacola- Dianne Levi gave a brief history on the closing of the Pensacola Lighthouse. The Pensacola Lighthouse Association has worked since that time on reopening the tower for tours. They recently received a 20 year lease on conducting tours and are now working on acquiring insurance so the tours can begin. To start, they will offer tours on Saturdays from 12-4 and eventually add more days and hours.

Adjournment: President Stan Farnham adjourned the meeting at 11:33 a.m. and Rip Puls began the auction, which raised $662.00.