Lapi named 2026 Hotelier of the Year
Tony Lapi, Chairman of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, has been named 2026 Hotelier of the Year by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. The honor was presented Oc. 13 at the association’s Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala at Opal Sol Resort in Clearwater.
Lapi’s career on the islands began in 1976, when he and his wife, Angie, moved from Rochester, New York, to Sanibel and joined partners in purchasing `Tween Waters Inn. The resort at that time consisted of 47 cottages, a small marina, and a modest restaurant. Lapi served as General Manager and later as President and CEO, growing the operation into Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, which now spans more than 300 units across four beachfront properties. Staffing grew from six employees to 230.
He was instrumental in placing `Tween Waters, whose first cottages date to 1931, on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. Lapi stepped down as President and CEO in 2022 and continues to serve as chairman. After Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida later that year, he helped lead the rebuilding of three destroyed properties, including the reopening of `Tween Waters with a new fine-dining concept.
The recognition arrives during `Tween Waters’ month-long celebration of 50 years of ownership under Lapi and Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, running throughout October. Lapi’s previous honors include induction into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame in 2023, Sanibel Captiva Chamber Citizen of the Year, the Gordon Schopfer Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Sam Bailey Award for Outstanding Community Service. His service to the region includes work with VISIT FLORIDA, the Lee County Tourist Development Council, United Way of Lee County, the Florida Gulf Coast University School of Hospitality Advisory Board, and the Captiva Island Historical Society.
“Tony has spent fifty years building something here, and a lot of us have spent our careers learning from him,” said William Oliver, General Manager. “The work speaks for itself, but it is good to see the rest of the state say so.”
Additional information about `Tween Waters can be found at `Tween-waters.com.