Splashing into 2024

Participants in the Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge storm into the Gulf of Mexico at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. The annual New Year’s Day event put on by Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub and Grill, 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton raised $36,051 for Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition and Take Stock in Children. The event has raised more than $400,000 since its inception in 2009. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

The Minions, complete with a Gru and Lucy Wilde, AKA the Ryan family pose for a photo before taking the New Year’s Day Shamrock Shiver plunge at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach between Fourth Street South and 12th Street South. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Danny Moore, who emceed the Shamrock Shiver, shudders Jan 1 in the brisk 67-degree waters of the Gulf of Mexico at Cortez Beach during the charity plunge. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Pirate plungers Anne Bruno, Catherine Bruno, Elaine Buck, Deb Hepler, Debbie Griffin and Jen Chauby emerge from the Gulf of Mexico all smiles on New Year’s Day for the Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Members of the island-based “Sand Circus,” resplendent in their inflatable animal costumes, take in the new year from the chilly waters of the Gulf during the Shamrock Shiver charity event. The "Sand Circus" marked its 10th year of participation. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Jessica Ryherd, Kim Bailey and Lori Pick of Feeding Little Tummies are on hand Jan. 1 at the Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge to promote the nonprofit to New Year’s Day plungers. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Marty Gray ushers in 2024 on the bagpipes during the Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge, held Jan. 1 at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. Gray plays with the Lion Rampant Pipe and Drum group of Sarasota. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson