Group’s ownership transferred to members
By Kyle LoJacono
Each year, people pour into conference rooms to watch the best high school athletes sign their letters of intent to play in college, but a very different signing brought crowds to Zephyrhills.
Nearly 100 east Pasco County shuffleboard enthusiasts found their way to the Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club (ZSC) Feb. 27 to witness the start of a new era. The ZSC, at 5207 Eighth St. in Zephyrhills, had been owned by member Bob Perkins, but he signed ownership of the building to the 127 in the group.
“I wanted to give the club back to its members,” Perkins said. “They’re the ones who enjoy it and use it, so it should be theirs. It was always my plan to give it to the members in my will, but I decided it would be easier on everyone if I did it now.”
The ZSC was formed April 4, 2007 when the building with the courts was bought by Perkins from the Tourist Club of Zephyrhills after the latter group had some financial problems. Perkins wanted to keep the shuffleboard courts open for all the members, so he took the economic risk.
“We, the members, were and still are extremely grateful,” said Chuck Moulton, ZSC treasurer. “His vision was for the club to always be maintained as a facility for shuffling even after he was no longer able to participate.”
Perkins, whose wife Diane was also at the signing, sad he still plays at the courts almost every day during the four months they winter in Zephyrhills. The rest of the year is spent in Wisconsin.
“We must be the luckiest shufflers in Florida,” Moulton said. “Not many people are as generous as Bob and Diane. Bob observed the need and was able to fulfill that need.”
After the club was formed nearly four years ago, the group’s membership increased and donations were collected to make improvements to the courts. One of the larger additions was coverings over all 16 of the ZSC’s courts.
“I think it looks much better than when we started in 2007,” Perkins said. “The hard work of the members has made it look so good. It’s really special to think that we were able to save it from closing and to see what it looks like today.”
Club membership is $45 per person or $75 per couple for one year, or $15 per month for more seasonal residents. There are no resident restrictions to join. The fee also includes membership to the Florida Shuffleboard Association.
The ZSC hosts many club, area, central district and state shuffleboard tournaments each year. It also has an exchange night with the Betmar Shuffleboard Club each Tuesday and Thursday night to create area competition and fun.
The club also has morning pickup games and relaxed play each afternoon during the winter months. There are also instructional programs for the winter season for both novice and advanced shufflers. For more information on the club, call (813) 779-9513 or visit www.zephyrhillsshuffle.com.
