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Semmer wins Humanitarian Award

4 min read

Joanne Semmer is a lady of many hats and has accumulated over two dozen accomplishments. She can now proudly add 2008 Humanitarian of the Year.

When asked which one is her proudest accomplishment, Semmer pushes the list aside and doesn’t hesitate on her reply.

“My grandkids,” she said. “That’s a no-brainer. They’re the future.”

Semmer picked up the coveted award at the recent Beach Bulletin ‘Best of the Beach’ Awards ceremony at Pink Shell. She may have to find space on her mantle to add this award among the pictures of her eight grandchildren which occupy much of the space.

Semmer can name her young loved ones like she used to recite a little league lineup card when she held every administrative position except president in her many years of service: 18-year-old Joey; Kristen (age 16); Olivia (12); Jordan (9); Lexie (9); Brandon (5); Ashley (3); and Carley (1).

“My parents were always involved in the community,” Semmer said. “We believe if you live in a community, you need to invest time and energy in it.”

Semmer is deeply involved in the community as evidenced by her participation and leadership role in various organizations.

She is currently president of Ostego Bay Foundation and Marine Science Center; president of Ostego Bay Oil Spill Co-op; team member of and certified for the Fort Myers Beach 4th of July Fireworks and New Year’s Eve Fireworks committees; coordinator for Wednesday dinners at Westminster Presbyterian Church; a Master Naturalist and instructor of the University of Florida naturalists in the wetland module, coastal module and upland module and will be attending school in May to teach the new advance program; Blessing of the Fleet committee member; chairperson of the FMB Mosquito Control district; chairperson of the San Carlos Island Lighting District; judge for the Science Fair; community services supervisor through Ostego Bay Foundation for boy scouts, high school and college students and those who need community service hours by court order; chairperson of former San Carlos Island Community Redevelopment Agency and the newly formed SCICR Corporation; member of first response Emergency Response on both San Carlos Island and the beach with Hazmat training; board member of the Southwest Florida Marine Institute and the San Carlos Island Waterfronts Florida Partnership; recent graduate of Natural Research Leader Institution of UF; past Sunday School teacher; sponsor for several children’s fishing tournaments; certified trainer in hazardous material; and an original committee member to develop the Clean Marina program policy.

Then there is her volunteer work which includes helping at the Bay Oaks Halloween party; the Riverside Retreat at United Methodist camp in Punta Gorda; environmental field trips at Beach Elementary School; and aiding the Beach Fire Commission during its comprehensive 10-year planning committee.

“It’s been an honor to be involved in many community activities,” said Semmer. “One thing compliments the other.”

Where does she find the time?

“I work to support my volunteer habit,” she replied.

Born in Daytona Beach, Semmer moved to the area in May of 1966 when she was 14 years old.

“My dad was building a sewer plant when I was born,” she said. “My sister Betty was born while he was building the Sunshine Skyway.”

Her deceased father, William H. Semmer, was a civil engineer. The family moved around due his job, spending seven years in Orlando and seven years in St. Petersburg.

Her siblings are Betty, Lorraine, Bill and Carlene. Bill is the owner of Semmer Electric and Bonita Bill’s restaurant. Carlene, an Earnest Hemingway scholar, co-authored a book with Hilary Hemingway titled “Hemingway in Cuba.”

Semmer has been a San Carlos Island resident for many years, and her three children grew up on the beach when she lived on Hibiscus Street for 17 years. They are Matt Gray (wife Dana), an electric contractor like her brother Bill, the owner of Semmer Electric and Bonita Bill’s; Tracey Gore (husband Henry), president of the Parents/Teachers Organization at Beach Elementary; and Pam Yates (husband Will), a civil engineer.

So when she’s not taking care of her grandkids, saving animals in need, mentoring children or assisting in her many tasks, shake the hand of someone who knows how to truly lend a hand.