CIHS to honor Lapi with Guardian of History Award
One man’s leadership, legacy and dedication to the island’s history and culture will be celebrated.
The Captiva Island Historical Society (CIHS) will hold its Guardian of History Award Presentation on March 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. Parent company of the ‘Tween Waters Inn & Marina, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Chairman and CIHS Board Director Tony Lapi will be honored with the Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award — the third ever to be bestowed.
The historic ‘Tween Waters Inn has long stood as a symbol of the island’s character and charm — a treasured landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A longtime islander who served at its helm for years, Lapi’s thoughtful stewardship preserved not just the iconic inn, but an enduring piece of Captiva’s history.
“They’ll be celebrating soon 50 years of the ‘Tween Waters and Tony’s time down here,” CIHS Secretary and Public Relations Director Kathy Ferrari said. “In 50 years, he’s done so much for the preservation of history on that property and beyond, just protecting this island.”
She noted that it was a process for Lapi to get the property registered as a historic place.
“He definitely deserves to be honored,” Ferrari said. “He is an amazing person.”
“We’re very very lucky to have him on our board, as well,” she added.
A true steward of Captiva history, Lapi recently released a book, “Tales of an Island Innkeeper.”
“The book is fascinating and it tells such a rich history of not only the island and him being here, but it’s also entertaining,” Ferrari said. “He donated all of the proceeds back to the historical society.”
Not an annual recognition, the Guardian of History is named after Betty Anholt.
“She was the first recipient,” she said. “She is a walking encyclopedia of Captiva history and the area.”
“Especially right now, with what is happening on Captiva, to help preserve the history here is so important,” Ferrari added. “There are certain people who stand out in the community. People who have a tie to the community and are ambassadors of that aspect of our island deserve to be recognized.”
The special tribute reception will open with welcoming remarks by CIHS Board President Tom Libonate. Also serving on the board as a director, Anholt will offer a few of her own remarks.
There will be heartfelt testimonials shared in Lapi’s honor.
“There will be some guest speakers,” she said. “They will be people who know Tony very well.”
In addition, there will be a brief video tribute.
“There’s a film that’s been put together by Ken Sneeden, our documentarian,” Ferrari said. “A lot of highlights of ‘Tween Waters and some photos of way back in the day — and as things evolved.”
Attendees will enjoy hardy appetizers, plus desserts.
“There’ll be stations of hors d’oeuvres,” she said.
Cocktails, including beer and wine, will be provided.
Florida Trust Wealth Management is the presenting sponsor for the CIHS’s season.
“We continue to be grateful to Florida Trust Wealth Management,” Ferrari said. “They have made our season possible, and we do greatly thank them.”
Tickets are $100.
The public is invited to attend.
“It’ll be a little trip down memory lane for those who know Captiva and ‘Tween Waters, and it’s a chance to really thank Tony for all he’s done, even if you don’t know him personally,” she said.
For tickets, visit http://www.captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org/.
For more information, visit online or contact mail@captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Guardian of History Award Presentation
Who
Captiva Island Historical Society
When
March 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where
The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Tickets are $100