President’s Message

The moment we have been waiting for is here – it’s parade season! After months of planning, prepping, and working behind the scenes, we’re finally stepping into the part of the year that brings everything together.

I’ve been so proud watching how everyone has shown up these past several months. From all the hard work by our committees and our board handling all the last-minute details, to our float work day getting our beautiful Flora Blanca ready, there has been so much care and effort poured into making this season special.

What I love most about KAJ is that the fun and the work go hand in hand. We laugh a lot, we support one another, and we still manage to get things done. The connections being built – between new members and longtime ones – are exactly what makes this krewe feel like home.

As we head into parade season, I’m reminded that Gasparilla isn’t just about the day we roll. It’s about the shared experiences leading up to it, the memories made along the way, and the pride we feel standing together when it all finally comes to live on the streets of Tampa.

Thank you for the time, energy, and heart you give to this krewe. Thank you for showing up for each other and for continuing to honor the legacy of Ann Jeffrey will adding to it in your own way. I cannot wait to experience this season alongside all of you.

Seize the Moment!

Denise

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Sherri Sutton

We are thrilled to shine this month’s krewe spotlight on a member whose creativity, heart, and dedication have made a meaningful impact since the day she joined our krewe – Sherri Sutton.

Nominated by her fellow krewe sisters for her imaginative spirit and devoted committee work, Sherri is someone who consistently brings thoughtful ideas, enthusiasm, and follow-through to everything she does. Her contributions behind the scenes help bring our shared vision to life – and we are so grateful for the energy and care she pours into our krewe.

A Florida native, Sherri grew up in St. Petersburg and formed lifelong friendships early on – including with Krewe sisters Karen Terry and Belle Taylor, whom she met in high school. Their bond has stood the test of time, and being able to share the krewe experience together makes it all the more special. As she puts it, they’re truly like family.

Sherri’s creative roots run deep. She majored in Creative Writing at Florida State University, a background that beautifully complements her imaginative approach to both life and service. Her first professional adventure took her quite literally around the world as a flight attendant with Pan Am, where international travel and meaningful connections with people from many cultures helped shape her perspective and love of storytelling.

Today, she serves as the Executive Director of Reef Renewal USA, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring coral reefs along the Florida Reef Tract. Her passion for this work in unmistakable – not only because of the lasting environmental impact, but because of the incredible team she works alongside every day. With operations centered in the Florida Keys and a coral farm right here in the Tampa Bay area (click here to see a news feature), her work plays a vital role in protecting an ecosystem that supports Florida’s environment, coastline, and economy. Coral reefs contribute billions of dollars annually through tourism, fisheries, and costal protection, and Florida’s reef system has been valued at approximately $8.5 billion when these benefits are considered. Talk about meaningful work with real-world impact!

Outside of her professional and krewe commitments, Sherri is the proud mom of two wonderful children, Samantha and Alexander. She also shares her home with Hershey, her 13-1/2-year-old Labradoodle – who – despite his age – still insists on acting like a puppy.

And in true creative spirit, Sherri has a fun personal hobby that makes us smile: a love of Christmas villages. Her collection includes a Harry Potter-themed village that stays on display year-round, proving that a little magic doesn’t have to be seasonal.

Thank you, Sherri, for sharing your creativity, your time, and your heart with our krewe. We are so fortunate to have you as part of our story – and so proud to celebrate you in this month’s Spotlight.

If you’d like to nominate a member for our Spotlight, please click the link below to complete the form. All submissions will be reviewed and voted on by the Board of Directors. We’re fortunate to have so many incredible women who deserve this honor, and our goal is to eventually highlight each of them. Please know that if your nominee isn’t featured right away, their time will come. Thank you for helping us celebrate our Krewe sisters!

Link to nominate: https://forms.gle/gJbBpngz1U9ngp6e9