AMI benefit: Big spenders, turtle lovers

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer shakes hands with Tyler Lancaster of Holmes Beach, who won a $2,700 bid for a ride-along with the chief at the Oct. 22 benefit at Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach. Two ride-alongs with the chief were auctioned, with the other bringing in $2,725. The event raised more than $30,000 for AMITW. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring supporters check out the silent auction offerings — more than 150 donated goods and services — at the sixth annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday benefit, held Oct. 22 in the parking lot of the S&S Plaza and hosted by Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. AMITW’s goal is to purchase two UTVs, as well as fund educational outreach programs.

Bob Slicker of Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez leads the benefit’s live auction. “Make sure you’re bidding,” he said. “You don’t want to go home a loser.”

AMITW executive director Kristen Mazzarella invites people attending the sixth annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraiser in Holmes Beach Oct. 22 to raise a glass to her predecessor, the late Suzi Fox, for whom growing AMITW and looking over sea turtles was a passion.

AMITW volunteer Jerry Miller uses a female loggerhead display to explain sea turtle nesting to attendees of Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday.

VIPs mingle at the sixth annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday benefit, held Oct. 22 at Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.