Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce Donates to Escambia County Sheriff Foundation’s Blazer Academy

CommunityChamberPress Release

Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce Donates to Escambia County Sheriff Foundation’s Blazer Academy

For Immediate Release
Perdido Key, Fla., April 22, 2025 –– In celebration of International Women’s Month, which is recognized annually in March, the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce (PKACC) is proud to announce its annual charitable donation to a local nonprofit that exemplifies leadership, empowerment, and community service. This year, the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce’s Women Mean Business Committee selected the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation’s Blazer Academy to receive a $500 donation in support of its impactful youth development programming.

The Perdido Key Area Chamber celebrated International Women’s Day on March 7, 2025, with its annual International Women’s Day Leadership Luncheon, an event that brings together women leaders and community members to recognize the achievements of women and raise support for a worthy cause. Each year, the PKACC’s Women Mean Business Committee selects a nonprofit whose mission aligns with the committee’s vision of fostering leadership, opportunity, and support within the community.

“We are so honored to be able to support this incredible program by the Sheriff’s Foundation,” said Tammy Thurow, President/CEO of the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce. “After learning more about the program during one of our Leadership Perdido Key sessions and seeing all they do, it was truly inspiring and fit the mission of our committee and Chamber. Supporting leadership, mentorship, and positive role models in our community is something we wholeheartedly believe in.”

The Blazer Academy, led by the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation, is a dynamic leadership and mentorship program designed for young men and women ages 13, 14, and 15 in Escambia County. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Blazer Academy began in March of 2021 and serves as a mentoring and leadership initiative for youth in the community. The program empowers youth with tools for success through structured workshops that focus on courtesy, responsibility, empowerment, and respect. Both the Male Blazer Academy and Female Blazer Academy utilize role-playing scenarios to develop interpersonal skills and confidence necessary for the leaders of tomorrow. Deputies and community leaders serve as mentors, guiding students through real-life skills that help shape them into strong, confident, and civic-minded individuals. 

The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to support such a powerful initiative in the local community and commends the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation for its continued investment in the future of our local youth. For more information about the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation and the Blazer Academy, visit www.escambiaso.com/blazerAcademy.

About the PKACC's Women Mean Business Committee
The Women Mean Business Committee is an initiative of the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce that aims to support, engage, and empower women in business and leadership throughout the Perdido Key and greater Pensacola. The committee hosts events throughout the year to provide networking opportunities, professional development, and community involvement, including the annual International Women’s Day Leadership Luncheon.

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Pictured from Left to Right: Chief Tommi Lyter - Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Tammy Thurow - PKACC President/CEO, Sheriff Chip Simmons - Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Madelyn Bell - PKACC Membership & Events Director, Whitney Lucas - Escambia County Sheriff Foundation President, and Ronnie Rivera - Escambia County Sheriff's Office Neighborhood Specialist.
 

Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce Donates to Escambia County Sheriff Foundation’s Blazer Academy