By Andrea Martone
The Navy League of Sarasota-Manatee is a vibrant organization dedicated to supporting the sea services, preserving maritime history, fostering patriotism through multi-effort community engagements. With a mission that emphasizes national security and maritime interests, this council also plays a crucial role in connecting local citizens with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.
The council – one of 180 councils of its kind – actively engages in various initiatives, including scholarship programs for local students. Each year, they award scholarships to outstanding seniors involved in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs and children of sea service veterans. These scholarships not only support education but also encourage leadership and community involvement among youth in Sarasota and Manatee counties. In addition to educational outreach, the Navy League of Sarasota-Manatee is committed to recognizing local service members. The Navy League of Sarasota-Manatee exemplifies how local organizations can make a significant impact.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. They recently won a Platinum Mackie Award in 2023 for their communications efforts. The Mackie Awards are given annually by the Navy League of the United States to recognize councils for excellence in communications. Additionally, the Sarasota-Manatee Council was named an “Outstanding” council in the 2023 Council Performance Awards. These awards recognize councils that “strived for excellence in multiple areas throughout the prior calendar year” based on their annual reports detailing council activities. Receiving both a Platinum Mackie Award and an Outstanding Council Performance Award in 2023 indicates that the Sarasota-Manatee Council was recognized as one of the top-performing Navy League councils nationally.
Each year on Veterans Day, The Navy League sets up a tent near the annual Parade in Sarasota and offers hand-outs about their organization and speaking with the public about their work in Pinellas, Sarasota and Manatee counties, as well as the nine Sarasota County schools where they promote youth outreach, one of their primary goals. It is through the schools programs that 13-to 16-year-old boys and girls “become inspired,” says Gene Moran. “Our ROTC units provide learning experiences such as flight academy in Pensacola, Florida (simulators), and we support $1,700 to individuals for them to attend.”
Moran says the nonprofit historically raised funding they needed through golf tournaments, but now they have introduced “tiered sponsorships” to raise the funds they need to do their good will.
“We also support two active Coast Guard ships stationed in St. Petersburg,” Moran adds. “We buy technology for them and perks such as barbecue grills and other amenities to make the sailors’ lives enhanced.
“Locally, we have traditionally offered two, $5,000 Academic scholarships and two (but last year, three) National Flight Academy ($1.7k each) scholarships.”
In addition, they make cash donations to the units’ operating funds. Last year that was about $7,500.
They also sponsor an awards luncheon in April where they recognize their best students and scholarship awardees.
Retired Navy Captain Dick Petrucci has been with the Navy League since 2002. “We are not a military organization per se, but a civilian group that wants to help since there is a lot of commonalities between us.”
Petrucci adds that they hope to attract a younger membership to raise awareness to the younger generation of how important it is to keep maritime history alive. “Freedom of the Seas is paramount to the safety of our seas and logistics for economies. We want to help people see that broader picture.”
Their dedication to promoting maritime heritage and supporting those who serve ensures that both current – and future – generations understand the importance of our naval forces. For more information about how you can partner with them in celebrating our heroes and fostering a sense of pride within our community: www.navyleague-sarasota-manatee.org, or email NLSMCPartnerships@gmail.com. Membership is $25 yearly.
PHOTO: Members of the Navy League of Sarasota-Manatee County include high ranking retired naval officers: Gene Moran, Navy League President and a retired Navy Captain; Steve Bartek, Youth/Scholarships Director; Robert McChesney, Navy League Trustee and retired Navy Commander; Dick Petrucci, Retired Navy Captain, and Andy Morabe, Logistics coordinator. Photo by Andrea Martone.