The Black Hammock Association began as a water conservation and sort of a water watchdog group. The concern was water quality in the Hammock and water diversion into the Hammock. The organization was begun in roughly 1984 by John Loving and John Williams and other concerned local individuals. Then called the Black Hammock Water Association. Growing, in 1989 the group was incorporated and progressed as defenders of the community, constantly involved with the goings on in Seminole County, especially at the Commission level. The organization has constantly fought the good fight for Rural Black Hammock to this day, though the vision has changed with the times.
Over the years, there have been many brave and intrepid leaders involved with the BHA. Tom and Sue McCord were two individuals who were the driving force during the early years and on into the next century. Tom was an incredible gatherer of information as well as a fine speaker. He was our President for many years and he was Vice-Pres, Secretary and then Treasurer at one time or another. Sue was the backbone of getting the information to the people. Pushing our newsletters and hand delivering them to all the residents. She also was very prominent in at our meetings and a darn good cook and baker. They were both involved for over 20 years. We definitely learned an enormous amount about how to exist in a Rural Area surrounded by City and County governments that were difficult to convince that we like it like this. Please do not tread on us. As the motto of the first state of Florida says “LEAVE US ALONE”.
Julie Hammersely, always had stories from way back in Hammock History. Peggy Powell, for years the newsletter editor and writer. Lisa Thompson and her husband Mike, forever faithful and supportive of our group. Lisa was the Black Hammock egg supplier and meeting organizer. Also, our first legitimate Historian. Mike is a past vice-president. Terry Warburton, a long- time resident was a past Secretary. Skip VanDuyne a past President and Member at large. Bill Patton and Virginia Thomas both former board members. Thanks to Mark Sullivan, Laurie Hall, Steven Hicks, Gerald Vaughn and Marvin Couch, as well as others, for their input and help along the way as members and officers.
Then there was Jim Logue. Jim was a towering individual with a presence that demanded an audience and respect. Jim always stood up for the entire Rural Areas of Eastern and Western Seminole County. There were so many stories told by him that could enlighten any individual for hours that it was truly unbelievable. Jim had literally walked every inch of the Hammock, including probably, your own property, you just weren’t aware of it. A mans’ man only begins to explain Jim Logue. He was certainly not a saint and surely did not pretend to be one. He was President of the BHA for over a decade and really elevated the Black Hammock Association to a powerful organization to be considered and listened to by all. Always a very passionate speaker, he was able to drive the BHA point home.
Robert King has been a huge factor in the Associations’ unfolding. Forever involved in advising and strategizing with and for the organization, he has been an incredible wealth of information both politically and historically. An informed individual in every way, if one had a question about how it used to be in and around the Hammock, Robert King was definitely the one to go to. Robert was a member at large in the Association for more than 25 years. Robert has always been a protector of the Hammock and Lake Jesup, forming the “Friends of Lake Jesup” over 20 years ago to encourage recognition of the fact that Jesup is savable. Before the “BRIDGE” over the lake went in, Robert was a factor in helping to encourage a raised bridge, dual retention ponds and wildlife corridors on both sides of the Lake. The County, the Expressway Authority and the State of Florida agreed to those requests. Only after we relinquished the struggle to have no “BRIDGE”, following their agreement in writing, did ALL THREE GOVERNING BODIES RENEG. Robert King’s input and knowledge of the “how to” and his quiet force in “what to” is invaluable. We would certainly welcome Roberts’ re-emergence into our organization.
Shari King, a wonderful idea person and doer instead of talker was a factor with the Association ever since she moved to the Hammock. She is still very involved with Rural goings on currently and was VP in our organization for several years.
As we move forward with our endeavors to preserve our way of life out here, involvement from everyone is crucial. We have 373 members at this time and we are connected to more than 15 like- minded organizations. We are getting the word out continually that Chuluota, Geneva and Black Hammock are important in Seminole County and that we STAND TOGETHER in making that known. We invite you all to join our group and those that are members now, to stay engaged. With the new ACCENT ON DEVELOPMENT and our re-invented economy our area is more vulnerable and sought after than ever.
BHA