Welcome to Beekeepers of Volusia County, a community of passionate beekeepers dedicated to promoting responsible beekeeping, pollinator conservation, and education. Whether you’re an experienced apiarist or just beginning your journey into beekeeping, our club provides a supportive environment where members can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and learn best practices for maintaining healthy hives. Through hands-on workshops, guest lectures, and hive demonstrations, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for honeybees and their essential role in our ecosystem.
Our club is committed to sustainable beekeeping practices and community outreach. We collaborate with local organizations, schools, and environmental groups to raise awareness about pollinators and their impact on food production. Members enjoy opportunities to participate in hive inspections, honey harvesting, and mentorship programs designed to help new beekeepers get started. Whether you’re interested in keeping bees, supporting pollinator habitats, or simply learning more about these fascinating creatures, we invite you to join us and be part of our growing beekeeping community!
Officers and Committee Persons:
Jeordie Rahaim is a retired clinical psychologist who caught the beekeeping bug some
8 years ago. He and his wife, Laura, operate their apiary, Bees of Pineapple Palace
LLC, on Art Center Ave in New Smyrna Beach. It is a relatively small operation
generally keeping from 12 to 30 colonies.
Jeordie Has been a Beekeepers of Volusia County member since he began keeping
bees and served as Vice President as well as President of our club. He has been a
frequent presenter at club and community functions and is currently enrolled in the
Master level of the University of Florida Master Beekeeper Program. He provides
mentoring assistance to newer beekeepers.
Information Coming Soon!
Information Coming Soon!
Elisabeth LaTorre’s journey into beekeeping began long before she ever donned a veil
or tended a hive. As a child, she was captivated by an observation hive built into a local
environmental center—an early spark that never quite went out. Years later, her passion
for gardening and growing her own food brought her face-to-face with the importance of
pollination. Struggling with low fruit and vegetable yields, she began researching and
soon discovered that bees might be the missing link.
Her curiosity led her to attend a Bee Keepers of Volusia County meeting, where a
presentation by Dr. Jamie Ellis opened her eyes to the fascinating world of honey bees.
From that moment on, Elisabeth was hooked. She spent two years immersing herself in
learning about these vital pollinators before finally taking the leap into beekeeping
herself.
Now with over a year of hands-on experience, Elisabeth continues to grow as a
beekeeper, balancing her love of learning with a deep appreciation for the bees' role in
both her garden and the larger ecosystem. As Secretary of BKVC, she brings a fresh
perspective and genuine passion to the board.
Information Coming Soon!
Information Coming Soon!
Information Coming Soon!
Charles Bennett is the Website Manager for the Club’s Website.
He has been keeping bees since March of 2020 and has been a member of the Beekeepers of Volusia County for four years.
Charles and his wife Susan reside in the Glenwood area of DeLand. He and Susan have 5 grown children, 9 grandchildren and two lovely young Springer Spaniels named Baylee and Lucy.
Club Meetings and Address
Our club meets on the 4th Wednesday at 5:30pm for a Practical Session and 6:30pm for the General Meeting
We meet at the IFAS Extension Building which is located on the campus of the Florida Fairgrounds.
The address is:
3100 East New York Avenue
DeLand, FL 32720