North Florida

On December 6, 2010, Boys Town lost a remarkable friend with the passing of June Strauss, known fondly by most as “Mama June”. In her memory, the site she influenced for so many years, Boys Town North Florida, declared November 1 as June Strauss Day. 

The first week of December saw plenty of cheer at Boys Town North Florida as the campus celebrated its annual Christmas Classic Golf and Tennis Tournaments at Golden Eagle Country Club. The tournaments netted more than $50,000 in funds to save children and heal families.

“The tournaments were a huge success due to our wonderful community supporters,” said Dena Strickland, Boys Town North Florida Development Director. “We could not have ordered better weather. It was absolutely gorgeous during the entire Christmas Classic.”

Ann Scott, Florida’s First Lady, is a true champion for children, and now, a true friend to Boys Town North Florida; particularly the youth in Family-Teachers Trinity and Misty Mackley’s home. 

Scott is a strong ally for literacy, adoption and healthy lifestyles for children; and knows that an early path to success is crucial. That’s why Scott hosted Boys Town youth, among others, for the “Just Read, Florida!” literacy program earlier this year. 

 Boys Town North Florida invites you to our annual Spirit of Youth Gala Friday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the University Center Club! 

Event Information

Boys Town children enjoyed some fall at the annual Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (SMOTJ) Fall Festival!

Preceding the festival, SMOTJ presented Boys Town with a check and headed to the Boys Town North Florida residential campus to celebrate with the youth, many who dressed up in Halloween costumes. Everyone enjoyed Momo’s Pizza, courtesy of the restaurant, Halloween treats and entertainment by several of the organization’s members. Some members played bagpipes and taught the youth how to play drums.

Tree Lighting, caroling, chili and more! 

Tina wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary when she turned 13 at Boys Town North Florida.  

During the fall of 2003, the Boys Town youth had a new group of friends, a nurturing home and fresh school environment. Like many youth, however, she had little in the way of material objects to call her own and no luxury of personal birthday attention other children might have taken for granted. 

Gates That Open (GTO), a Tallahassee business that manufactures automatic gate openers, is opening a lot more than gates these days. They’re opening young minds to possibilities and preparing them for a bright future.

*This article orginally appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat on October 2, 2011. It was written by Jim Lamar.

Once-neglected youths unite as family under care of coach Wayne Longley at Boys Town

 As the football spun through the air end over end, every player and coach on the Godby High sideline watched in silence.

If they could have summoned up a tailwind or suddenly moved the goalposts closer, they would have. If their prayers could have actually pushed that ball through the uprights, they were willing to find out.

Boys Town North Florida youth, staff and supporters enjoyed a memorable evening of music, great food, inspirational messages, and of course, awards, at the 2011 “Bond for Life” Youth Awards Banquet. The annual event recognizes the youth as citizens of Boys Town and highlights each and every child in Boys Town North Florida’s programs.