VIP headed to AMI for DIY Network shows

All right, stop. Collaborate and listen. Vanilla Ice is coming to Anna Maria Island.

Yes, that’s right. Rapper and reality TV star Rob “Vanilla Ice” Van Winkle is coming to the island to film a new season of his hit TV show “The Vanilla Ice Project.”

“Anna Maria Island is the place to be for sugar white sand and vanilla ice,” Van Winkle said in a March 18 phone interview. “It’s time AMI got a taste of the VIP.”

Van Winkle, famous for his 1990 hip-hop song “Ice, Ice Baby” recently announced he and his production crew purchased a home on 89th Street.

The television program will feature Van Winkle and his construction crew renovating the home from start to finish. Van Winkle said his “rock-star status” gives him almost unlimited access to the best and brightest contractors in the area.

“Anything less than the best would be uncivilized,” Van Winkle said.

“I first heard about Anna Maria Island from my main ninja, Wes Kain. He came, visited there in 2007 and immediately fell in love with the sleepy little island,” Van Winkle said.

The past five seasons of the “Vanilla Ice Project” have featured homes in West Palm Beach, Van Winkle’s hometown. “After five great years, with a sixth season soon to debut, it’s time to roll up in my five-point-oh with the top down so my hair can flow,” Van Winkle said, quoting his famous song.

The pop star also has been featured in “Vanilla Ice Goes Amish,” a spin-off series featuring Van Winkle living and working in a Pennsylvania Dutch community.

Van Winkle said his stop on the island is planned to be similar to his going Amish project. He’ll live and stay here on the island while trying to get involved with the community in various ways.

“Everywhere I go I try and get involved,” he said. “If it isn’t home, then it’s time to roam.”

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the police would be watching Van Winkle and the production crew carefully. “He has every right to be here, but we want the residents to feel safe.”

Van Winkle said he understood the misgivings and was used to discrimination. “It’s cause I got tats,” he said, “And tats don’t sit well with fat cats.”

In February 2015, Van Winkle was arrested and charged with burglary for allegedly stealing furniture from a neighboring house he and his crew were remodeling. All charges were dropped.

“That’s all in the past and the past doesn’t last,” Van Winkle said. “Anyone who holds on is hurtin’ for certain, like Tim Burton.”

Holmes Beach Commissioner Marvin Grossman said he’s a fan of the show and even owns a signed copy of Van Winkle’s single “Ice, Ice Baby.”

“The first thing I’m going to do is shake his hand,” Grossman said. “I’ve been wanting to meet him ever since I saw him perform live in Tampa back in 1992.”

“The Vanilla Ice Project” is scheduled to begin shooting in early 2017 and will air soon after. The production location is being kept a tight secret to avoid potential looting from fans, Van Winkle said.

“Word to your mother,” Van Winkle said. “I can’t wait to get to AMI and show them the VIP.”

And happy April fooling to you for April Fools’ Day!