What is Rotary?
The Rotary Club of St. Petersburg turned 100 years old on January 2, 2020. The club was one of the first 200 clubs chartered by Rotary International (today there are over 35,000 clubs worldwide). It was founded by former St. Petersburg Times editor, William Straub and other community leaders.
We’re an international SERVICE club with 1.2M members worldwide, not a social club. Being a social is a byproduct of what we do to help our community and those less fortunate throughout the world.
If you are looking for ways to engage with business men and women committed to serving our community and our world we invite you to become one of 1.2 million Rotarians around the world by joining The Rotary Club of St. Petersburg, the largest and oldest service club in our community.
We invite you to visit us at our Friday meetings at noon at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club (also being broadcast via ZOOM) . It would be our pleasure to have you as a guest. If you would like more information, contact us today!
Club News
Rotary’s Guiding Principles
Rotary’s guiding principles have been developed over the years to provide Rotarians with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world.
We channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of our club’s activity.
4 Way Test
- Of the Things we think, say and do: is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
5 Avenues of Service
1. Club Service
2. Vocational service
3. Community Service
4. International Service
5. Youth Service-New Generations Service

A Word
From Our President
Greetings Fellow Rotarians and Website Visitors:
The 5-year Rotary International “Plan of Action” starts with the Mission Statement: TOGETHER we see a world where PEOPLE unite and take action to CREATE lasting CHANGE across the globe, in our communities and within ourselves. Together – People – Create – Change.
The Rotary Club of St Petersburg has a mission this year to create change. But “it takes a village” and WE are that village in St Petersburg! Join our village to be in Service Above Self!
At our weekly Zoom meetings on Friday at noon, we hear from fellow Rotarians, community leaders and speakers from around the world. Use the “Contact Us” button to request the Zoom Meeting ID and password. Additionally, at our meetings we are enlightened about the ever-changing landscape of downtown St Pete, both politically, socially and architecturally.
This pandemic caused a total “pivot” for people and businesses alike. As Rotarians of Action, we share a strong sense of purpose. As “People of Action” WE are effective problem-solvers. Today, what can you do for the common good? Whether it’s a phone call or heavy lifting of boxes at the Free Clinic service project, ALL hands-on deck as we help to re-shape our today into a greater, more positive and inclusive future!
Your Rotary task for today: Say something nice to someone to brighten their day!
Have a positive, exciting week!
– Liz Heinkel

