Preserve Our Panthers (POP)

Educate the community and raise awareness for the preservation of the Florida panther.

History of the Panther Mascot at PBSC

When Palm Beach Junior College opened its doors in the Fall of 1933, there weren't enough students to field a baseball team. When sports were introduced, the mascot name was the “Rebels”. Over the years, the Rebels name fell out of favor and was changed to the “Pacers”. The Pacer was a harness racing horse. Finally, the College changed its name in 1988 to Palm Beach Community College. In 1991, the Board of Trustees designated the Florida panther as the PBCC mascot. In 2008, a committee was formed to name the panther mascot. A call went out to vote on names that were suggested by students, alumni, faculty, staff and the public. Palmer was the chosen name. Palmer the Panther represents the College in sports, academic pursuits and student activities. Since 2010, the College became Palm Beach State College, due to the bachelor’s degree offerings, and are still known as the Panthers.

Eissey with panther

President Edward Eissey with a Florida panther

Conservation

The goal of this group is to show our Panther pride while making students aware of efforts that they can do to help preserve our panthers.

Plight of the Panther

Please read some of the info below about the plight of the Florida panther.

Protection

The state of Florida has seen the massive decline of the Florida Panther over the last 85 years. The main reason panthers die is getting hit by cars. To protect the Florida panther, the main thing that can be done is to follow set speed limits on rural roads, Alligator Alley, the Florida Turnpike, and even I-95. Below are links to some of the wildlife corridors and maps of individual panthers.

Links to Florida Panther Preservation & Conservation
Learn what to do if you encounter a Florida panther.

Florida Panther videos

Contact Info

(561) 868-3077 or smithlv@palmbeachstate.edu