In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Polish American Society in St. Petersburg has faced significant damage to their historic club, with repairs needed across the building. From roof and gutter replacement to restoring their iconic maple dance floor, the club has been working tirelessly to restore its spaces and preserve its legacy. Their goal of raising $150,000 for the repairs is ambitious but crucial to ensure the future of one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.

The Old Southeast Neighborhood Association (OSNA) understands the hardship caused by these storms, as our own neighborhood was also affected, with many homes experiencing flooding and fallen trees. When the Harborage Marina generously provided OSNA with a $1,250 grant, we were fortunate to match that with an additional $1,250 from our general fund, bringing the total to $2,500. Recognizing the importance of the Polish American Society to our community, OSNA made a $1,000 donation to support their relief efforts.

The Polish American Society’s mission to restore and preserve its historic building is essential not just to the Polish community, but to the broader St. Petersburg area. As one of the last traditional social clubs in the city, it plays a key role in preserving Polish culture and offering a unique community gathering space for residents of Old Southeast and beyond.

“We are deeply grateful for OSNA’s support during this time of need,” said the Polish American Society Board of Directors. “The generous contribution helps us continue our restoration efforts and ensures that we can keep offering a place for the community to come together for years to come.”

The restoration work continues, and the club is optimistic that it will be ready to reopen later this winter, with plans for a celebration featuring some of St. Pete’s favorite polka bands. As we enter the season of giving, OSNA encourages residents to continue supporting the Polish American Society’s mission to preserve this historic institution for future generations.

For more information on how you can contribute to the restoration efforts, or to learn about the progress of the club’s repairs, visit the Polish American Society’s website. Let’s come together as a community to support our neighbors and help restore what makes our neighborhood so special.