{"id":185273,"date":"2026-03-10T05:55:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T05:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/185273\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T05:55:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T05:55:14","slug":"cihs-to-honor-lapi-with-guardian-of-history-award-sanibel-captiva","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/185273\/","title":{"rendered":"CIHS to honor Lapi with Guardian of History Award – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\nTony Lapi will be recognized with the Captiva Island Historical Society’s Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award on March 16 at The Community House on Sanibel.<\/p>\n

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CAPTIVA ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCEITY
\nThe Captiva Island Historical Society’s Guardian of History Award is named after Betty Anholt.<\/p>\n

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One man\u2019s leadership, legacy and dedication to the island\u2019s history and culture will be celebrated.<\/p>\n

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 \u2018Tween 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 \u2014 the third ever to be bestowed.<\/p>\n

The historic \u2018Tween Waters Inn has long stood as a symbol of the island\u2019s character and charm \u2014 a treasured landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A longtime islander who served at its helm for years, Lapi\u2019s thoughtful stewardship preserved not just the iconic inn, but an enduring piece of Captiva\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll be celebrating soon 50 years of the \u2018Tween Waters and Tony\u2019s time down here,\u201d CIHS Secretary and Public Relations Director Kathy Ferrari said. \u201cIn 50 years, he\u2019s done so much for the preservation of history on that property and beyond, just protecting this island.\u201d<\/p>\n

She noted that it was a process for Lapi to get the property registered as a historic place.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe definitely deserves to be honored,\u201d Ferrari said. \u201cHe is an amazing person.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re very very lucky to have him on our board, as well,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

A true steward of Captiva history, Lapi recently released a book, \u201cTales of an Island Innkeeper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe book is fascinating and it tells such a rich history of not only the island and him being here, but it\u2019s also entertaining,\u201d Ferrari said. \u201cHe donated all of the proceeds back to the historical society.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not an annual recognition, the Guardian of History is named after Betty Anholt.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was the first recipient,\u201d she said. \u201cShe is a walking encyclopedia of Captiva history and the area.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially right now, with what is happening on Captiva, to help preserve the history here is so important,\u201d Ferrari added. \u201cThere 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

There will be heartfelt testimonials shared in Lapi\u2019s honor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be some guest speakers,\u201d she said. \u201cThey will be people who know Tony very well.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition, there will be a brief video tribute.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a film that\u2019s been put together by Ken Sneeden, our documentarian,\u201d Ferrari said. \u201cA lot of highlights of \u2018Tween Waters and some photos of way back in the day \u2014 and as things evolved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Attendees will enjoy hardy appetizers, plus desserts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019ll be stations of hors d\u2019oeuvres,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Cocktails, including beer and wine, will be provided.<\/p>\n

Florida Trust Wealth Management is the presenting sponsor for the CIHS\u2019s season.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe continue to be grateful to Florida Trust Wealth Management,\u201d Ferrari said. \u201cThey have made our season possible, and we do greatly thank them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tickets are $100.<\/p>\n

The public is invited to attend.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be a little trip down memory lane for those who know Captiva and \u2018Tween Waters, and it\u2019s a chance to really thank Tony for all he\u2019s done, even if you don\u2019t know him personally,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

For tickets, visit http:\/\/www.captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit online or contact mail@captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org.<\/p>\n

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.<\/p>\n

\u2026..<\/p>\n

IF YOU GO<\/p>\n

What<\/p>\n

Guardian of History Award Presentation<\/p>\n

Who<\/p>\n

Captiva Island Historical Society<\/p>\n

When<\/p>\n

March 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Where<\/p>\n

The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel<\/p>\n

Details<\/p>\n

Tickets are $100<\/p>\n


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