BRADENTON BEACH – Island Time Bar & Grill continued a five year tradition on Saturday afternoon when hosting the annual We Will Never Forget fundraiser that salutes first responders and military personnel and memorializes the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

According to Island Time owner Bill Herlihy, some in attendance Saturday were in New York City or the Pentagon when the 9/11 attacks took place, including Navy veteran Bill Carey, who was in the Pentagon on that fateful day.

“In this age of negativity toward police and some first responders, it’s very important that we remember that day in 2001 and show our appreciation every day for the men and women who put their lives on the line,” Herlihy said.

The event itself raised over $4,000 for Manatee County Emergency Service Memorial Fund that supports local first responders and their families should someone be injured or killed in the line of duty. In honor of this being the fifth annual Never Forget fundraiser, Herlihy and his business partners John Hardesty and Keith Daum donated an extra $1,000 of their own make it an even $5,000.

Active and retired fire and emergency personnel, police officers and military members were honored with a complimentary buffet. Buffet sales offered to the public contributed to the fundraising activities that also included auctions, raffles, T-shirt sales and the net profits Island Time generated during the four hour event.

Across the street in Jake Spooner’s lot, members of West Manatee Fire Rescue, Manatee County Emergency Medical Services and the Bradenton Beach Police Department interacted with youngsters who got close-up looks at a firetruck and firefighting gear, an ambulance, a police boat, a police cruiser and a quick response vehicle used by paramedics cross-trained as lifeguards.

Complimentary face painting and other youth activities further enhanced the family-friendly event.

“We really beefed it up from previous years. We had our best turnout ever, and we were thankful for the good weather,” Herlihy said. “A special thank you to all the sponsors, and the business community that donated auction items and raffle prizes.”

U.S. Army veteran and Bradenton Beach Mayor Jack Clarke attended the event, as did Ward 3 city commission candidate Ralph Cole.

Clarke and his wife Karen were the high bidders on the grand prize auction package that included a two-night stay at the BridgeWalk Resort, dinner for four at the Bridge Street Bistro and a sunset photography session.

“Highest marks to Bill Herlihy and the crew at Island Time for a terrific job on this year’s 9/11 memorial event. As a veteran, I make it a point to attend every year, and this was the best by far,” Clarke said.