Wesley Chapel made a significant advance toward establishing an Elks Lodge when over 134 potential members signed the Petition for a Dispensation to Institute the Lodge.

The action was taken during a meeting held in the Harley-Davidson of Wesley Chapel Meeting Room on October 1, 2025. The petition has been forwarded to the Florida State Central District Deputy and the Florida State Elks Association’s State Sponsor. After review and approval, it will be submitted to the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for final approval, according to Jerry Bianchi, Chairman of the Organization Committee.

Those who signed the Petition included residents from Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, and New Tampa. Once the dispensation is received, a date, time, and location will be scheduled for the institution of the lodge.

Bianchi explained that everyone initiated at the time of the Institution will hold Charter Membership. He mentioned that membership rolls will remain open until then and that meetings will continue to be held regularly to process membership applications.

The Organizing Committee voted to set the application/initiation fee at $25.00. The annual dues will be determined once the Lodge’s By-Laws are developed and approved. It was also announced that the new Lodge will be officially sponsored by St. Petersburg Lodge No. 1224.