Salon (noun) – a conversational gathering of notables held at the home of a prominent person.
On Saturday afternoon, Suncoast Waterkeeper held its Suncoast Salon fundraiser at the Sarasota home of Anna Maria residents Bill and Debbie Partridge. The event was a sellout and attracted some of the area’s most ardent protectors of the Sarasota Bay watershed, including the event sponsors, Beachside Management, The Mikki and Walter Frank Family Charitable Fund, Manatee Community Foundation, Whistanfox LLC and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The event was held on the lawn behind the oldest home on Sarasota Bay and was greeted with fabulous weather, a full moon and a beautiful sunset. Tents were placed on the lawn and themed with the organization’s work to protect the Sarasota Bay watershed. The event was catered by Harry’s Continental Kitchen and a wonderful evening of music was provided by The Hedges. The Salon aimed to spark intrigue, excitement and increase commitment to the area’s natural resources. This invite-only event created a unique opportunity for clean water supporters to engage on important local issues and speak to local leaders.
The mission at Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) is to protect and restore the waters on the Florida Suncoast for the benefit of all through community and stakeholder engagement, environmental monitoring, advocacy and responsible legal action. Our goal is clean water for all.
SCWK has curtailed sewage spills, stopped industrial pollution, informed the public about the safety of recreational waters and tackled one of the largest local environmental disasters of our time – Piney Point. Since 2019, the organization’s members have settled eight Clean Water Act citizen suits; five acted against municipalities illegally spilling over 1 trillion gallons of sewage and three aimed to stop industrial facilities from illegally discharging heavy metal-laden stormwater. Combined, the suits contributed more than $500,000 for environmental projects and hundreds of millions of dollars to improve infrastructure.
The salon proved a wonderful opportunity for like-minded protectors of Sarasota and Manatee waters to get together for an evening of discussion, food, music and camaraderie on Sarasota Bay. It also raised funds for the organization to continue its efforts to protect the area’s eco-system and economy. To help with the mission, join the organization, volunteer and donate at www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org.
Brunch for a cause with Suncoast Waterkeeper at the group’s annual Brunch for the Bay fundraiser.
This year’s brunch will be held at the Bradenton Yacht Club on Saturday, Oct. 15 from noon to 3 p.m. Monies raised from the event will go to help fund Suncoast Waterkeeper’s (SCWK) mission to protect and restore the Florida Suncoast’s waterways through enforcement, fieldwork, advocacy and environmental education.
The group uses the funds raised to advance water quality enforcement actions and campaigns like their Eyes on the Suncoast and Sick of Sewage campaigns. SCWK has been effective in educating the public about man-made pollutants (stormwater and sewage) and enforcement with legal challenges to municipalities on Sarasota Bay and surrounding waters. Their investigation of Sarasota County’s sewage system revealed a shocking pattern of longstanding, systematic infrastructure failures and disregard for public health and water quality.
To consolidate its sewage system, the county had decommissioned two tertiary, or advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) plants, to better centralize their operations. However, the remaining plants that Sarasota County leaders increasingly relied upon employed only secondary treatment, leaving billions of gallons of highly nitrogenated wastewater as a byproduct.
At the same time, demand for the reclaimed irrigation water from the county was disappearing as developers, in managing nitrogen in their stormwater runoff, turned to less polluted options, such as well water or highly treated reclaimed water from the city of Sarasota.
Most recently, SCWK filed a successful challenge requiring the city of Bradenton to fix its wastewater system to prevent the continued release of millions of gallons of partially treated wastewater to the Manatee River.
Reports from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program point to the section of Sarasota Bay covered by the Sarasota action as one bright spot in an otherwise troubled bay.
You can help support the group’s efforts and learn about their ongoing campaigns in the Suncoast region by attending the fundraising event. This year SCWK is celebrating 50 years of the Clean Water Act by looking back at the group’s successes under the law and looking ahead at some immediate challenges.
The Clean Water Act allows Suncoast Waterkeeper’s members to bring citizens suits against polluters which benefits all of the citizens and businesses that depend on a healthy bay.
At the event, participants will meet the group’s new Executive Director, Abbey Tyrna. Justin Bloom, founder of Suncoast Waterkeeper, will discuss the importance of these cases in restoring the bay and SCWK’s plans to continue to advocate for the enforcement of pollution laws.
Also speaking at the event is Ph.D. candidate Nick Castillo, representing the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. His talk is entitled, “Does the Clean Water Act protect you from prescription drugs?” Castillo will educate participants on how prescription drugs make their way into Florida waters and eventually into the fish many of us eat.
There has been a lot of news about plastics in our water recently, but we’re just starting to see coverage about the threat of the so-called “forever chemicals,” like PFAS and PFOS. University of Florida Assistant Professor Dr. John Bowden will be in attendance to discuss his research on the subject. Bowden was recently hired by the Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee and tested tap water on Anna Maria Island that is served by the Manatee County water utility. Meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend and hear what was discovered in your drinking water and what it might mean for your health.
Anglers can learn how the group’s efforts are supporting an environment conducive to healthy fisheries, now and for future generations.
Please purchase your tickets today for the annual Brunch for the Bay by visiting the SCWK website.
The Bradenton Yacht Club is located at 4307 13th St. W. on Snead Island.
CORTEZ – A fundraiser will be held for Brian “Hardcore” Haddix at Bunny & Pirates Bazaar on Sunday, Dec. 19 from noon until 5 p.m.
Haddix, 52, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has now metastasized into stage 4 lung cancer as well. He’s also dealt with other health issues in recent years.
“The colon cancer spread and settled in my lungs,” he said, noting he begins chemo and radiation treatments on Jan. 6.
Sunday’s benefit will include a potluck dinner and a musical jam session. Attendees are asked to bring a potluck dish to share, and musicians are invited to drop by to perform at the open jam.
“Let’s do this for Brian! Let’s all get together and show him some love. Stuff a few dollars in his pocket while you are there. He is going to need all the help he can get,” says the benefit preview shared on Facebook.
Donations from local businesses are still sought for fundraising raffle prizes. All proceeds will go directly to Haddix. In addition to the preparations being made by Bunny & Pirates’ owners Elizabeth Shore and Jeffrey O’Connell, Rose Lipke and Cindy Thompson are gathering raffle prizes and other donations for Haddix. Donations can be dropped off at Bunny & Pirates Bazaar, at 12404 Cortez Road W. in Cortez. For more information regarding donations and assisting Haddix, please contact Lipke by text message at 941-405-5374 or by email at Rosemlipke@gmail.com.
“Brian is one of the kindest, most gentle souls the Island has ever known. Even as kids at the community center, Brian had a kind word, a warm smile and a generous attitude that continues to this day. He truly embodies the definition of a pure heart. He’s given so much of himself to all of us individually that it spills into a community service that he doesn’t even realize he’s doing. It’s just his nature. It’s time we all show him how much he means to us and how much we love him,” Lipke said.
“I’ve known Brian for over 25 years. He truly is the kindest soul with a heart of gold. He is accustomed to helping others. Due to his diagnosis and other unfortunate circumstances he now needs us, his ‘AMI Tribe,’ to help him. With his basic needs covered, he will be able to put his energy into his upcoming cancer treatments,” Thompson said.
Publix, WalMart and Winn Dixie gift cards donated directly to Haddix are also very helpful.
Haddix’s truck broke down in August and he now often relies on the MCAT bus service to get around. Efforts are afoot to get him a used vehicle so he can drive himself to medical appointments and run his errands. In the meantime, folks can help by giving him rides.
Island ties
Haddix was born in Lexington, Kentucky. He grew up in Anna Maria, has spent the past 40 years in the area and still lives in Anna Maria.
“We were probably one of the poorest families on the Island,” he said of those early years.
As a youngster, Haddix spent much of his time at the youth center that would later become The Center of Anna Maria Island.
“That’s where our brothership grew,” he said of the enduring relationships formed there.
Haddix graduated from Manatee High School in 1988. During his high school years, he formed a friendship with Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore, who for several years has served as a Manatee County commissioner.
“When I was a teenager, a lot of times I had to walk home from Manatee High School. Carol used to pick me up when I hitchhiked back to the Island. She worked as a nurse at Manatee Memorial Hospital. She’s helped me a lot with my medical issues and also with my son’s education,” Brian said.
As a single dad, Haddix raised his son, Elijah Haddix, on the Island. Elijah, now 23, lives in Winter Haven and will attend Sunday’s benefit.
Brian Haddix raised his son, Elijah Haddix, on Anna Maria Island. – Brian Haddix | Submitted
“Brian’s a really nice guy and I love him. I know he’s going through a tough time now and he’s had some struggles in the past,” Whitmore said. “He raised his son on his own. I was homeless when I was young. I know what it’s like to struggle, so I’ve tried to help Brian and Elijah.”
Working man
After high school, Haddix spent 10 years working for Jack Bass Marine Construction. He helped build many seawalls and docks on the Island during the 1990s. He also helped improve many of the Island’s beach access points.
Before the net ban was enacted in the mid-1990s, Brian also spent time crabbing and mullet fishing. He later spent many years working as a doorman at several local bars.
“I’ve worked at practically every bar on the Island and in west Bradenton. That’s how I got to know all the bands,” he said.
In 2010, Haddix worked on a crew that dredged several canals in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. He said he also helped refurbish the pilings on the Anna Maria Bridge on Manatee Avenue.
Haddix administers the Anna Maria Island Locals Facebook page where he shares photos of the Island’s sunsets, wildlife, nature and more. He also shares old photos of the Island and provides historical details about the Island’s past. He also administers the MerLife Facebook page that embraces the love of water and the beauty and mystery it holds.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Privateers invaded the Drift In to raise money for their scholarship fund on Saturday.
“I didn’t know what was going on, I just assumed people here dress as pirates,” said Christopher Davies, visiting from England. “It looks like they’re having a great time.”
RaeJean and Shannon Pendleton make a visit to Santa’s sleigh. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
The Privateers work year-round to raise money for youth in the community, and can be found at just about any event involving children on the Island. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization’s motto is “For Kids and Community” and it shows in their efforts to bring not only financial assistance, but also joy to local kids.
Santa and his sleigh were on hand to take pictures with kids of all ages, and there were plenty of pirate photo ops as well. Money was raised through a lotto board raffle, a huge raffle basket worth more than $1,200, donations to dine at the potluck buffet and cash donations.
A Privateer stands guard over the raffle basket valued at over $1,200. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
There’s no slowing down for the Privateers. They’ll be hosting their Christmas Parade and Gifts With Santa this Saturday, Dec. 11. The parade begins at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and ends on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. If you would like to participate, there is still time; all the details are at amiprivateers.org.
HOLMES BEACH – After a year off due to COVID-19, the community flocked to the Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraising event on Sept. 29 at Hurricane Hanks to show their support for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring’s mission.
The not-for-profit group monitors sea turtle and shorebird nesting on AMI, keeping tabs on population trends.
“We collect scientific data for the scientists in the state of Florida to analyze and see how we’re doing with the turtles,” Director Suzi Fox said. “We do a lot, but in essence, we are data collectors.”
The event has been held at Hurricane Hanks since its inception in 2018, but was paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first year, they raised $3,000, with a large increase to $13,000 in 2019 and a grand total of $16,000 at last week’s event. Money was raised from a silent auction of more than 80 items donated by local artists and businesses as well as T-shirt sales, a 50-50 raffle, a $1 donation from each food and beverage sale at Hurricane Hanks during the event and a live auction hosted by Bob Slicker that raised thousands of additional dollars.
Turtle Watch Wednesday attendees shop silent auction items. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
“This year we came up with a VIP package. It’s a $75 donation, but it’s a 100% donation to Turtle Watch; just another way to add to the fundraising,” said Brian Mathae, owner of Hurricane Hanks. “This organization and the turtles need all the money they can get. This is truly an Anna Maria Island community event. It’s small businesses supporting it by donating all these prizes and the community coming out that makes it successful.”
Proceeds from the Turtle Watch Wednesday event will help purchase a much-needed ATV to help the volunteers move around the beach more efficiently.
The event was well-orchestrated with free parking provided by nearby Hancock Whitney Bank, food and drinks thanks to Hurricane Hanks and great live music by Mike Sales.
Sponsors included A Paradise Realty, Mike Sales Entertainment, J n’J Graphics, Florida Underwater Sports, CabanUp, Harbor Lane Court Vacation Rentals and The Anna Maria Island Sun.
HOLMES BEACH – Come to Hurricane Hanks on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 4-6 p.m. for good food, live local music and live and silent auctions to help raise money for sea turtles and shorebirds.
The Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday is a fundraiser for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, whose volunteers protect sea turtles and shorebirds on Anna Maria Island beaches.
Loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species, and green sea turtles, an endangered species, both nest on Island beaches, as do least terns, a threatened shorebird species.
The indoor-outdoor event will provide plenty of room for safe social distancing with an outside bar, and newly-designed Turtle Watch masks will be available free to everyone who attends.
Limited VIP seats will be available inside Hank’s to follow COVID-19 precautions, and will include a T-shirt, swag bag, free drink specials and more for $75; call 941-778-5788 for reservations.
Appetizer specials will be served during the event, with $1 donated to Turtle Watch by Hanks for every food item or drink sold. The first 75 people to attend will receive a complimentary first beer or wine courtesy of A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals.
Volunteer auctioneer Bob Slicker will emcee silent and live auctions, and a 50-50 donation raffle also will be up for grabs. New Turtle Watch T-shirts will be available for a $20 donation.
Local music legend Mike Sales will provide the entertainment and has a special surprise for attendees, who will be the first to… well, you have to attend to find out!
Ample parking will be available this year courtesy of Hancock Whitney Bank next door.
The first annual event in 2018 raised $3,000, with the total increasing to $13,000 in 2019. The event was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Sponsors are A Paradise Realty, Mike Sales Entertainment, J n’J Graphics, Florida Underwater Sports, CabanUp, Harbor Lane Court Vacation Rentals and The Anna Maria Island Sun.
HOLMES BEACH – A fundraiser held at the Anchor Inn raised more than $33,000 for the teenage son of longtime Anna Maria Island resident and bartender Courtney Call.
Call, 42, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on June 5, leaving behind her 16-year old son, Matthew Curry. Call previously worked at the Anchor Inn in Holmes Beach and at TommyKnockers in Bradenton Beach. Some of the money raised may also be used to help pay some of Courtney’s final expenses.
Anchor Inn owners Darla and Bobby Tingler hosted the Wednesday, June 23 fundraiser, which was preceded by the Friday, June 18 beach memorial and fundraiser at TommyKnockers that raised about $550.
Bradenton Beach residents Sarah Santos and Kaitlind Lawrence played significant roles in securing from individuals, couples and businesses on and around Anna Maria Island and beyond the donated silent auction and Chinese raffle items for the Anchor Inn fundraiser.
The donated items included vacation rental and resort stays, dining experiences, gift certificates to numerous local restaurants, bars, retail shops, fishing excursions, recreational activities, as well as donated art and more.
Numerous local businesses and individuals donated silent auction and raffle items to the fundraising efforts. – Submitted | Darla Tingler
The 50/50 raffle raised $2,200, including the 50% share of the winnings the raffle winner donated back to the cause. The Anchor Inn also gave out bottles of liquor as prizes for the free raffles.
A group of West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighters collected $190 among themselves and donated that to the fundraising efforts.
“These firemen took money out of their own pockets. That gave me goosebumps,” Darla Tingler said.
“We had a painting called “A Table for Two” that was valued at $2,500,” she added.
“Thank you to all that volunteered and a huge shout out to all those that donated,” Tingler said.
“We had over 100 donations. Sarah and Kaitlind pretty much put it together. They’re the ones that made the calls for donations. My mom always taught me to look at the bright side of things and through this tragedy, there was the bright spot of the community coming together to help,” Tingler said.
“The overwhelming support from our local businesses and people is truly heartwarming,” said Santos, who owns and operates AMI Boat Tours. “The way our local community comes together to support and help each other in difficult times such as this never ceases to amaze me. Matthew is a special kid and he will forever be part of our local family.”
According to Tingler, Matthew was visiting family members in Maine at the time of his mother’s unexpected passing. Tingler said family members and close family friends are still working out the legalities and details as to where Matthew will live and who will take care of him. Tingler and others are also working out the legalities of providing a 16-year-old with such a significant amount of money, and a trust fund may be part of the solution.
BRADENTON BEACH – Kyle Shell’s Saturday, Dec. 28 fundraising celebration of life raised $6,074 to help his 17-year-old daughter, Kaya Sage Shell, attend college in hopes of becoming a doctor.
Additional donations given directly to Kyle Shell’s mom, Gayden Shell, brought the day’s fundraising total to $8,074.
On Dec. 20, Bunny & Pirates Bazaar owners Elizabeth Shore and Jeffrey O’Connell hosted a benefit at their Cortez establishment that raised $1,000 for Kaya Shell.
All totaled, the extended Anna Maria Island community has raised $10,539 for Kaya’s future college education.
Kyle Shell, 42, passed away at his Bradenton Beach home on Dec. 3 as a result of heart failure.
Planned and coordinated by Sarah Santos, Courtney McGough, Chase Purtill and others, the Saturday, Dec. 28 celebration of life and fundraiser took place at the Sports Lounge and the Drift In in Bradenton Beach.
Local businesses donated the multitude of gift cards, gift certificates, gift baskets, cruise packages and more that were on display inside the Sports Lounge as part of the silent auction and raffles.
The Sports Lounge donated this gift basket filled with Kyle Shell’s favorites. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
There was also a 50/50 drawing and several people who bought tickets wrote Kyle Shell on their tickets instead of their own names. This resulted in the late Kyle Shell winning the $1,500 drawing that was donated to his daughter.
Kyle Shell’s former Tangled Mangos bandmate, Mike Cunningham, won the Kyle Shell-inspired gift basket donated by Sports Lounge and filled with two bottles of Fireball whiskey, a bottle of Evan Williams bourbon, four cans of Diet Coke and a pack of Parliament cigarettes.
Inside the Drift In, folks lined up and gladly handed volunteer Trey Powers $5 in exchange for a plate of food from the bountiful buffet donated and prepared by several local restaurants. The food offerings included Thai snapper nuggets, shrimp cocktail, chicken wings, black bean soup, seafood gumbo, pulled pork, pasta, brats, chili, salads and more.
Outside in the Drift In parking lot, Dos-Macs members Mike McConnell and Mack Black provided the musical entertainment, joined by special guests Mike Cunningham on percussion and Rich Dugan and Steve Paradis on guitars and vocals.
Kaya Shell traveled from Colorado with her mom, Mariah Hofmeister, to attend the fundraiser. They were joined by several other family members who also traveled to Anna Maria Island.
“It’s good to see how many people loved my dad and how many lives he impacted,” Kaya Shell said during the final hour of the afternoon event.
At the time, it was estimated approximately $5,000 had already been raised for her.
“Wow, that’s awesome,” Kaya said.
A few minutes later, Gayden Shell said, “Seeing this done for my son is the most humbling thing I’ve ever seen. I’m thankful to everyone that’s come out. Kaya’s going to be able to go to college and that’s what we did this for. This means as much to her and her family as it does to me.”
On Sunday, Sarah Santos said, “I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support shown for Kyle. Our tight-knit community truly comes together when called upon. Thank you to all the local businesses for their generous donations, thanks to the volunteers and thanks to all who came out to support Kyle and his family. It really was a true testament to the loved man he was.”
Contained in this wooden box, some of Kyle Shell’s ashes were spread in Longboat Pass. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Ashes and flowers
At 10 a.m. that morning, 28 friends and family members gathered along the bay at the southeast end of Coquina Beach. Assembled in a circle and holding hands, they shared a silent prayer and spoken memories of Kyle Shell.
Gayden Shell spread some of her son’s ashes in Longboat Pass before the benefit began. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The group then walked under the Longboat Pass Bridge and gathered along the shoreline where Gayden Shell entered Longboat Pass to spread some of her son’s ashes while Kaya and others tossed flowers petals into the water.
Friends and family members gathered in tribute to Kyle Shell at Longboat Pass on Saturday, Dec., 28. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Updated Oct. 4, 2019 | HOLMES BEACH – The Second Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday this afternoon at Hurricane Hanks raised money and the spirits of the volunteers who monitor Anna Maria Island beaches for turtle and bird nesting.
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox was thrilled at the community’s support and their participation in the fundraiser for the not-for-profit organization.
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox, left, with 50/50 raffle winner Laura Bell Adams. – Cindy Lane | Sun
“This is amazing,” she said, tearing up as she addressed the crowd, which produced $11,000 in donations, more than tripling last year’s $3,000 in donations. “Thank you so much!”
Mike Sales set a tropical mood with live music and emceed the event, which featured both silent and live auctions, a 50/50 raffle and specially-designed T-shirts available for a donation.
Jeannie Sowers, a frequent Island visitor from North Carolina, donated a live auction item, a Robert Wyland giclee on canvas of a sea turtle in Hawaii that brought $800 from Jennifer Lipham.
Mike Sales set a tropical mood and emceed the second Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday. – Cindy Lane | Sun
Harbor Lane vacation rentals in Holmes Beach donated a free stay won by high bidder Tracey Edwards for $1,100, and more than 50 local businesses provided items for the silent auction.
Laura Bell Adams won the 50/50 raffle and donated her half of the $770 back to Turtle Watch.
Nicole Skaggs won a prize basket from Waterline Marina Resort in Holmes Beach for $550.
Proceeds from the event will go towards turtle-friendly lighting and community education about the importance of following turtle lighting laws to keep nesting mothers and hatching turtles from becoming disoriented, Fox said.
Turtle Watch has documented 52 disorientations of turtle mothers and hatchlings so far this season. More than 30 turtle nests are still on the beach waiting to hatch between now and the end of the season on Oct. 31.
A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals, Hurricane Hanks, J&J Graphics and the Anna Maria Island Sun sponsored the event.
Jeannie Sowers donated a Robert Wyland photo on canvas for the Turtle Watch Wednesday live auction. - Cindy Lane | Sun
The AMI Paddlers turned out en masse to support Turtle Watch. - Cindy Lane | Sun
T-shirt sales were brisk at Turtle Watch Wednesday. - Cindy Lane | Sun
The silent auction at Turtle Watch Wednesday drew crowds. - Cindy Lane | Sun
Sharon Hoatland, left, of A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals, holds up an auction item as auctioneer Bob Slicker sells it for $800. - Cindy Lane | Sun
Casper the rescue dog enjoyed people watching at Turtle Watch Wednesday. - Cindy Lane | Sun
The New Year got off to a great start on Cortez Beach when as many as 150 people watched and participated in the annual Shamrock Shiver, a fundraiser with a costume contest judged by the audience and participants before they walked into the Gulf waters.
Clancy’s Irish Pub in Bradenton was the sponsor and the proceeds from the entry fee and after-splash party at Clancy’s will go to Caring for Children Charities d/b/a Florida Winefest and Auction.
Unlike those polar bear events up north, the biggest hazard to the splashers was sunburn, not frostbite. The water was warm to the tourists and visitors, but a little too cool to those who live there.
Once again, the costume costume was proof that there is no shortage of insanity when it comes to this annual event. The costumes ranged from a pastor in a robe to a group of Clancy’s employees and relatives with red and white shirts with a “Where’s Waldo” theme. The winner was Robert Nott, dressed in Amish garb. He survived a three-way tie with “Red Tide” Ron Stout, who dyed himself red and vowed to push red tide “out to the deep Gulf,” and the “Where’s Waldo” gang.
Also of note were Paul Devine with an inflatable sea turtle on his back who delighted the crowd by stooping down and dropping plastic eggs on the sand and when everybody else was walking to the Gulf, he scooted along on all fours, leaving his owns unusual tracks. Also, Bill Capilatano wowed them with a cloak over a T-shirt wth a monkey’s face.
It was all in fun and thankfully, the county didn’t have to shut down the beach when “Red Tide” Ron Stout entered the water. He did express his wish that he could get the red dye off his skin.
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The only red tide at this year's Shamrock Shiver. - Tom Vaught | Sun
CORTEZ – The Cortez Kitchen and the friends of longtime employee Delmar Apolonio held a fundraiser on Tuesday, Dec. 18. The money raised will help grant Apolonio’s final wish: to be returned to his Brazilian homeland.
Apolonio, 54, was recently hospitalized and his short battle with cancer ended on Friday, Dec. 14. The fundraiser was planned prior to his passing. The remaining funds will be used to aid Apolonio’s family.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 3930 17th St. in Sarasota. Apolonio’s body will then be sent home to Brazil.
Apolonio’s sister, Dagmar Apolonio and her daughter Ashiley Livingston (Delmar’s niece) live in Sarasota and attended Tuesday’s event.
“Thank you for everything,” Dagmar said of the fundraising efforts.
“We’re going to fly him back home. My mom, my brothers and all my family want to see him. They can’t believe what’s going on. Everything happened in two weeks,” she said of the sudden turn of events.
Former Cortez Kitchen owner Pete Barreda attended Tuesday’s fundraiser, as did Delmar’s sister, Dagmar Apolonio, and his niece, Ashiley Livingston. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Apolonio’s longtime friend Linda Ames and her husband Gene helped organize the fundraiser. Ames, a local business owner, met Apolonio more than 20 years ago when Pete Barreda opened the Cortez Kitchen.
“His last wish was to get back to Brazil and that’s what this is about. He was a beautiful soul and he will be missed. I think we’re going to make our goal and then some,” Ames said during the event.
“It was an amazing turnout and the business community gave so much. The community came together to cover the cost of Delmar’s last wish,” she said later in the week.
A friend remembered
Earlier this year, Apolonio and Marisela Vega started their Sarasota-based M&D Residential Cleaning service. Prior to that, Cortez Kitchen manager Nancy Taillon-Alloe worked with Apolonio for more than a decade.
“I worked with Delmar from day one, when I first started here almost 13 years ago. He was here when the previous owners Pete Barreda and Marisela Vega had it. He’s been an icon here in the village and he’s going home to Brazil. That’s what this fundraiser is all about. Initially it was to assist with his treatment,” Alloe said.
Barreda spoke highly of his friend and former employee.
“Delmar was an incredible individual and somebody we could all learn something from. He worked for me for many years. He was always even-keeled. I never had to tell him what to do and he always did the dirty work. It’s amazing how many people’s lives he touched, which I never realized until last week when we started putting this together. I’m proud to be his friend and see all these people come together whose lives were touched by Delmar. He’s touched my life immensely. The guy was just unbelievable,” Barreda said.
Cortez Kitchen owner Joe Oelker said Apolonio worked for him off and on for 14 years: “He was dishwasher, sushi roller and cook. Whatever you wanted done, he’d do it. He was good at everything he did. He had a great work ethic and he was a real good friend. We’re definitely going to miss him.”
The fundraiser included two 50/50 drawings, a silent auction and raffles for several items donated by local businesses, including restaurant certificates, limousine rides, fishing trips and more. Tim Chandler and TH&C both performed free of charge and contributed their tips to the fundraising efforts.
Swordfish Grill General Manager Bob Slicker met Apolonio more than 10 years ago and served as Tuesday’s master of ceremonies.
“Delmar was probably the nicest guy I ever met. He gave one of his kidneys to his brother years back and we had a fundraiser here for that when Pete owned it. I called him ‘Delmar the Magnificent’ since the day I met him because he was always happy and up,” Slicker said.
Local artist Rose Lipke was among those selling raffle tickets and assisting with the fundraising.
Nancy Taillon-Alloe, Kim Thomas and Rose Lipke were among those selling raffle tickets as part of the fundraising efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“When Pete opened The Kitchen, Delmar, me, Pete, Marisela, Kris Vingelli and Misty Smith were part of the first crew here. He was one of the most fun and easiest people to work with. He never had a bad word. He’d do anything for you and he was the first one in and the last one out,” Lipke said.
Lipke said Delmar had only been sick for a couple weeks and his cancer metastasized rapidly, including into his remaining kidney.
“He was a sweet guy. It’s sad,” said longtime Cortez resident Jane von Hahmann.
The mission at Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) is to protect and restore the waters on the Florida Suncoast for the benefit of all through community and stakeholder engagement, environmental monitoring, advocacy and responsible legal action. Our goal is clean water for all.
