Sweet Success: Sumter County Launches Beekeeping Club

 A new beekeeping club is creating quite a buzz in Sumter County. Founded in 2024, the Sumter County Beekeeping Club is dedicated to promoting the art and science of beekeeping, providing a supportive community for beekeepers of all skill levels, and advocating for the health and sustainability of honeybees and other pollinators.

"We recognized a growing interest in beekeeping throughout Sumter County, but noticed a lack of resources for beginners in Sumter and the surrounding counties," said Tim Reed, the club's president.

"Our mission is to provide a supportive community for both novice and experienced beekeepers in our area, while also educating the public about the vital role of pollinators."

The club is a diverse group of individuals united by a common passion for beekeeping. Reed emphasized the club's inclusive nature, stating, "Everyone is welcome whether you have bees or not. Whether you're a beekeeper with years of experience or a beginner eager to learn, our club offers a welcoming environment for all."

Membership in the club comes with numerous benefits, including access to beekeeping resources, club buys for discounts on equipment and supplies, and (coming soon) a subscription to a monthly newsletter filled with tips, news and upcoming events.

 "Our meetings are not just educational, they're also fun and social," Reed said.

"We have a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and great speakers at each gathering. It's a fantastic way to connect with fellow bee enthusiasts."

At the upcoming July 18 meeting, attendees will have the privilege of hearing from Lisa Reynes, a retired bee inspector. Her expertise promises to provide valuable insights for both newcomers and experienced beekeepers alike.

The Sumter County Beekeeping Club offers a variety of programs and activities:

1. Educational Workshops: The club hosts regular monthly meetings covering a wide range of beekeeping topics, from hive management and disease prevention to honey harvesting and bee-friendly gardening.

2. Mentorship Program: New beekeepers are paired with experienced members through a mentorship program, offering guidance, hands-on training and support to those just starting their beekeeping journey.

3. Advocacy and Outreach: The club actively engages in public education.

The Sumter County Beekeeping Club welcomes new members of all experience levels. They meet on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Panasoffkee Community Center, located at 1589 C.R. 459, Lake Panasoffkee, Fl.

Those interested in joining can attend the next meeting at 7 p.m. on July 18 to hear Reynes speak and learn more about the club's activities. Potluck to come soon.

"If you have questions or want to learn more about our club, we'd love to hear from you!" Tim and the other officers, encourage Interested individuals to reach out via email at sumtercountybeekeepers@gmail.com, through the club's website at https://sumtercountybeekeepers.com/, or visit one of the monthly meetings.

As this new club takes flight, it promises to add a sweet new dimension to Sumter County's environmental and agricultural efforts, inviting everyone to learn about and appreciate the importance of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem.

Join the Sumter County Beekeepers Club at our next meeting and be a part of a vibrant community dedicated to the thriving future of bees and beekeepers alike!

"Where the bees go, we go in four years", Albert Eisenstein