Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club

11/03/2026

Homelessness is an issue that impacts our community in ways many may not fully understand. Behind every statistic is a person, a story, and circumstances that often go unseen.

Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club invites you to join us for an opportunity to learn directly from the experts working on the front lines of homelessness. Join us at: Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club Presents: The Faces of Homelessness Panel discussion.

Panel Experts Representing:
The Salvation Army Lakeland
Lighthouse Ministries
Travis Doodles - Worth & Purpose
Homeless Coalition of Polk County
Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland - Talbot House Ministries Center for Women & Children

Come hear different perspectives, gain a better understanding of the challenges individuals and families face, and learn about the resources, services, and efforts taking place right here in our community.

Whether you serve in a nonprofit, work in community outreach, or simply want to become more informed, this is an opportunity to learn something valuable.

Join us, bring a friend, and be part of the conversation. We hope to see you there!

11/03/2026

World Polio Day Proclamation from our Lakeland mayor and city commissioners recognizing the four Rotary Clubs in Lakeland and the efforts of all Rotarians to rid the world of this paralyzing awful disease. From 122 to 2 countries left! Almost there, and we won't stop!


Rotary District 6890
The Lakeland TigerTown Rotary Club
Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club
Rotary Club of Lakeland South
The Lakeland Rotary Club

10/30/2026

We recently completed our club’s first annual Beautification Project for the Learning Resource Center of Polk County.

Rather than a typical Rotary Club gift—a check—we put our volunteer force behind the dollars and created a beautiful, welcoming environment for the children and families who come to the Learning Resource Center of Polk County for educational enrichment and development.

When children come to the Learning Resource Center for tutoring and support through programs like Camp Ready, many begin with significant gaps in their expressive language and cognitive skills.

Through the support and resources provided by the LRC, these students grow and develop, showing what a solid educational foundation can do to propel them forward in the classroom.

10/27/2026

We received some sad news today about one of our own. Mike Baccus passed away. I have pasted below DG Linda Johnson's email to the District Members.

Rotary Friends and Family,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear Rotary brother, Michael “Mike” Baccus, on the morning of October 26, 2026.

Mike’s beloved wife, Past District Governor Chevon Baccus, shared that he passed quickly and peacefully. As Chevon said, “God’s got him now.”

Please keep Chevon and the entire Baccus family, both related and Rotary, in your thoughts and prayers. Mike and Chevon had been married since February 12, 1983, sharing a lifetime of love, service, and wonderful memories.

Mike loved Rotary and was always ready to lend a hand. There was hardly an event, project, or fundraiser at his club, Rotary on the Ridge, that he didn’t participate in. He was a charter member and served as the club’s treasurer, as well as on our District 6890 Finance Committee.

During Chevon’s year as District Governor in 2024–2025, Mike was her rock and constant supporter. Many of us will remember him being lovingly referred to as the “Governor’s Arm Candy.”

Mike’s commitment to Rotary extended to The Rotary Foundation. He was a member of the Bequest Society and PolioPlus Society and was presented with his Paul Harris Fellow +8 recognition just last week. Together, Mike and Chevon are also Major Donors.

Mike also dedicated his professional life to helping others and retired after a career as a special education teacher.

Mike had a wonderful gift for making people feel welcome. Every Christmas Eve, he cooked Christmas dinner for family and friends in their home. If you were invited once, you had a standing invitation to return every year. And boy, oh boy, could Mike cook!

He also loved the theatre and was wonderful in the many roles he played over the years. The Lake Wales Little Theatre was his home away from home, where he served as an active board member and shared his talents in sound and lighting design and technical work.

A Celebration of Life is planned for:

Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Lake Wales Little Theatre
411 N. 3rd Street
Lake Wales, FL

The celebration will take place during what would have been Mike’s 75th birthday weekend—a fitting time to honor a life so full of love, laughter, and service.

Cards may be sent to:

Chevon Baccus and Family
1013 Campbell Avenue
Lake Wales, FL 33853

Memorial donations may be made to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Donate | My Rotary

Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We are grateful for the friendship, generosity, and lasting impact he shared with so many.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Linda Johnson
District Governor, Rotary District 6890
2026–2027

10/25/2026

Earlier this week, the four Rotary Clubs of Lakeland came together at Swan Brewing for PINTS TO END POLIO! An evening of fellowship, fun, and purpose in support of Rotary International’s efforts to !

Between the live music, great food, raffle, and auction tables, it was a great night bringing our community together for an important cause.

Together, Lakeland Rotary Club, Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Lakeland South, and Lakeland TigerTown Rotary Club raised awareness and funds to help eradicate polio around the world. 🌎

Thank you to everyone who joined us, along with our generous hosts, donors, and community partners who helped make this event possible. Every contribution brings us one step closer to a world free of polio!

10/25/2026

10/02/2026

Thank you, Brandon Fisher, with Gatorland Orlando, for your presentation and discussion with our club this morning! We enjoyed learning more about the incredible animals and species at Gatorland, including how they live, their natural habitats, and the important role they play in Florida’s ecosystem.

Many questions followed to learn more about the different species of pythons, including how they are cared for bred as pets. We appreciate Brandon taking the time to share his knowledge and give us a deeper look at these exotic pets and the history of how they have become invasive to our state.

Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting featuring: Brandon Fisher - GatorLand 🐊🐍

09/19/2026

🌟 Rotary Member Spotlight: Jose Martinez 🌟

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Jose Martinez, proud member of the Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club and owner of Mootown Scoops!

Jose brings an entrepreneurial spirit, a heart for community, and a commitment to building relationships through Rotary. As a local business owner, Jose understands the importance of connecting with others, supporting fellow businesses, and investing in the community we all call home.

When Rotary was founded in 1905, one of its original purposes was to bring business and professional leaders together to build meaningful relationships and create opportunities through networking. Before long, fellowship and a united heart for service became central to the Rotary experience.

That spirit continues today. Rotary gives business and community leaders an opportunity to connect, learn from one another, support each other, and most importantly, put those relationships to work in service to others.

We’re grateful to have Jose as part of our Rotary family and appreciate the passion, perspective, and entrepreneurial spirit he brings to our club.

🍦 Be sure to support Jose and MooTown Scoops and say hello the next time you see him at Rotary!