It was a walk down memory lane for a sold-out crowd of over 150 at the Captiva Civic Center April 9, as Tony Lapi, chairman of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, shared stories of his years at the helm of the iconic ‘Tween Waters Inn. It was the closing event of the season for the Captiva Island Historical Society.

Long-time 'Tween Waters associates Holly Monroe 
and Tim Jarvis share stories with Tony

Tony Lapi, who is a board member of CIHS as well as other island organizations, enthralled the crowd with stories behind his recently released book “Tales of an Island Innkeeper.” Tony also signed copies of his book, with proceeds from the sale donated back to the historical society.

According to CIHS President Tom Libonate, the gesture is just one example of Tony's and his wife Angie’s benevolence.

As his wife Angie watches, Tony Lapi signs copies
of his book “Tales of an Island Innkeeper”

“Anyone acquainted with Tony knows of his remarkable generosity. His financial giving is only topped by the personal time he so generously gives to island organizations,” Libonate told the crowd.

Joining Tony on the makeshift stage were longtime ‘Tween Waters employees Holly Monroe, who worked her way up to become comptroller of the resort, and Tim Jarvis,responsible for most of the nighttime entertainment at the resort and better known as “the crab race guy.”

People wait to have the book “Tales of an Island Innkeeper”
signed by author and CIHS board member Tony Lapi

The trio talked about how the resort became “the place” to go for nightlife not only on the islands, but also throughout Southwest Florida.

Bringing in major bands who took the Crow’s Nest stage to sold out crowds, Jarvis explained the resort was one of the first to have a cover charge anywhere in the area.

The crowd laughed throughout the evening at tales about the genesis of events like the annual Oktoberfest, and ‘Tween Waters’ famous Halloween parties.

“I’ll never forget some of the crazy Halloween costumes, like the group that dressed as the Titanic,” Tony remembered. “Two people dressed as parts of the ship broken in two, and a few were the icebergs and some were dressed as survivors with life preservers and white faces like they were floating in ice.”

Tony Lapi joins several other Captiva Island Historical Society
board members, from left, Mary Jane Vinson, Ginny Reiss,
Blair Wyatt Berry and Kathy Ferrari

During the question and answer section, several audience members shared their own memories and asked questions like, “Where did everyone park for those crazy parties?”

The book is a compilation of over 50 years of memories at ‘Tween Waters and a must read for not only patrons of ‘Tween Waters, but anyone who loves Captiva and a good laugh.

"Tony has been part of Captiva’s colorful history for 50 years and the diligent steward of the historic property that is ‘Tween Waters Inn,” Libonate added. “His is a story that needed to be told.”

Tony’s book is available for sale at the gift shop at ‘Tween Waters Inn, Captiva Cruises’ gift shop at McCarthy’s Marina and on Amazon.

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company once again supports the CIHS as the Season Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 schedule of programs.

Photo credit: Kathy Ferrari & Mary Jane Vinson, CIHS Board Directors

Watch the video of the program.