By BEN GRAFTON
On Saturday, March 31, a dreary, wet day in Bruce, Florida, a surprisingly large happy crowd, the majority of whom were tribal members in their native dress, braved the rain at the Muscogee tribal grounds to celebrate the dedication of the new federally qualified Muscogee Creek Tribal Health Clinic, that is operated by PanCare of Florida, Inc.
Hamburgers with the trimmings, hot dogs and soft drinks were provided for lunch after which tribal members participated in native dances accompanied by chants with rhythm provided by a very large native drum laid on its side and played by a team of drummers.
At the dedication, Tribal Chairwoman Ann Tucker, welcomed the crowd, followed by remarks by PanCare President and CEO Mike Hill, Walton County Commissioner Scott Brannon and U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller.
The highlights of the dedication were the presentation of a $100,000 operating fund grant to PanCare by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation and a ribbon cutting ceremony with all of the dignitaries having hands on the scissors.