Welcome to the home page of the Dalmingo Society, one of over 50 chapters of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA).

The Dalmingo Society traces its origin to the evening of December 10, 1999 when a group of antique fire apparatus owners discussed the possibility of forming a SPAAMFAA chapter in the Tampa Bay area. The name “dalmingo” was chosen to provide the chapter with a lighthearted title to reflect the membership’s desire to focus on the “fun” aspects of the hobby.

A “dalmingo” is a ficticious species of bird that is part Dalmatian and part Flamingo (it’s a Florida thing). Although the Dalmingo Society’s fulfillment of its stated goals and objectives would be seriously undertaken, the Dalmingo Society members wanted to create an atmosphere that would emphasize the enjoyable aspects of the hobby.

On January 13, 2000, a final decision was made to petition the National Organization to become an official chapter. On February 29, 2000, the Dalmingo Society’s request for incorporation in SPAAMFAA as the 60th chapter was approved by the national Board of Directors. Since that time the chapter has grown from the original 17 members to a high mark of triple that size.

In 2004 the chapter successfuly hosted the 2004 SPAAMFAA Annual Meeting and Convention in Treasure Island, Florida. In February 2010 the chapter will again play host to the national convention, this time in Tampa, Florida.