1. Minutes for 4-9-19 were read and approved. Treasurer’s report can’t be updated because of all the
money coming and going due to the Earth Day and Field Day purchases, a total, for now, was given but
will be updated by next month. Guests and new members introduced themselves. It was nice as we
have several new members due to the Earth/Field Day.
a. Old Business
i. Earth Day—Fern updated us on the success of Earth Day, and that she stayed under
budget in buying purchases for this event (purchases were discussed the last meeting).
ii. Field Day—Shalome updated us on the success of Field Day, the event brought in
$730.34 and in 59 participants from children to adults. Shalome brought up the fact that
we needed to try to hold the event earlier in the year, but we need a large event like
Earth Day or Chick Days prior to Field Day to publicize our event to ensure success.
b. New Business
i. President Stepping Down—Buddy Rich our president has stepped down. He is going to
Kenya to pursue beekeeping in Africa. This was an effort with his church and a church in
Africa to share beekeeping with those in Africa. Fern the current VP will take over as
President until November when we will hold an election.
ii. 4th of July Picnic—a brief discussion was had about when to have the picnic. Tom offered
to man the grill. Joey will check to see if he can host the event at his house. If we have
nobody that offers to host this event, it will have to be at the church on Tuesday, July 9.
If it is at a member’s house, it will be had at their convenience.
iii. Donations from other Bee Clubs—Shalome got a call from Bee Clubs in the south
around Gainesville, they would like to make donations to our club. The club voted to
accept the money and we would vote on what to do with the money when it comes.
Shalome will call and accept.
iv. Donation to NBHCA—Since NBHCA hosted our Field Day, we feel we should offer
them a small gift or a monetary donation for their kindness in hosting us from Field Day.
They went over and above our expectations with hosting our event. Shalome has an
action to discuss with Will what they might need for their school or bee club.
c. Speakers
i. Jimmy Davis—our current inspector introduced himself and explained his job. He ensures
we are following Beekeeper’s Best Management Practices, and for AFB. Those are his
main duties, other than helping us manage our hives by answering our questions. His
contact information is Phone:352-504-1985 email address is
James.Davis@FreshFromFlorida.com
ii. Elmore Herman—Elmore is our Regional Representative with the State Beekeeper’s
Association. He covers 18 counties that are in our region which is the 1 st Region. He has
been in beekeeping for over 50 years and has over 600 hives. He explained to us the
many laws the State Beekeeper’s Association has lobbied for and helped us local
beekeepers from being able to legally sell our honey to have a state license plate.
Elmore encouraged us to join the state association, it is only $30 per year, and they only
have one meeting per year, normally in Gainesville. Elmore also needs a list of our losses
from the hurricane as there was $200,000 donated to help beekeepers; Elmore just
needs to know what our local losses are. Please contact him with those losses. An
addendum will be added to expound upon the State Beekeepers Association and what
they have done for us.
Florida State Beekeepers Association – What they have done for us
1. July 2009—Florida Department of Agriculture adopted the first standard of
identity of honey in the nation. Honey is now a protected commodity.
2. In 2011—Legislature passed a law providing protection of beehives under the
Office of Agriculture Enforcement. Theft of a beehive constitutes grand theft in
the 3 rd degree and a felony in the 3 rd degree.
3. In 2011—Passage of law (F.S. 812.015) defined a beekeeper as a “Farmer” under
the Right To Farm Act.
4. In 2011—Florida Legislature enacted House Bill 7209 allowing individuals to
manufacture, sell, and store certain types of “cottage food” products in an
unlicensed home kitchen.
5. In 2012—Florida Legislature passed the most aggressive law in the nation
protecting the continuation of beekeeping in Florida. Placement of beehives now
comes under the sole authority of the Division of Plant Industry. New Best
Management Practices will define the proper placement of beehives in residential
areas.
6. In 2012—a rule was passed defining bees as a beneficial agricultural commodity.
Beekeepers may now conduct live removals of nuisance bees, provided they use
non-pesticide methods and be registered under F.S. 586.
***This is a testament to the Florida State Beekeepers Association, Florida Legislature, and the Florida
Department of Agriculture’s willingness to assure the continuation of beekeeping in Florida and the
preservation of honey bees.***
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