Florida Restaurant to Host AYCE Emergency Services Benefit

Sept. 08--MANATEE -- Island Time Bar and Grill at Bridge Street and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach usually has its full focus on the beverage and food needs of beachgoers.

But one day a year, the laid-back bar also focuses its attention on first responders and the nation's armed forces.

"It's a way to show our appreciation to these people who put their lives on the line for us every day," Bill Herlihy, owner of Island Time Bar and Grill, said Friday.

The fifth annual Never Forget 9/11 Fundraiser is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Island Time, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach.

All the money raised from the event goes to the Manatee Emergency Service Memorial Fund to aid families if their first responder is injured or killed in the line of duty, Herlihy said.

Tickets purchased for $15 in advance of Saturday's event grant access to an all-you-can-eat buffet of chicken wings, ribs, hamburgers, hotdogs, macaroni salad, corn and other vegetables.

The buffet is $20 per person at the door.

But all police personnel, firefighters, EMTs, members of the military with a valid ID and a guest get a complimentary ticket to the buffet as well as soft drinks, beer and wine, Herlihy said.

"Last year, we raised just over $3,000, which exceeded our goal by $500," said Christina Merenda, a manager and event coordinator at the Island Time.

A band called True Blue, comprised of firefighters, will perform from noon to 4 p.m., Merenda added.

"I think it's important that we don't forget the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and our first responders, so we started this the first year we were in business," Herlihy said.

The first year, there were only about 50 people who came, but last year's turnout was around 150, Herlihy said.

"Our attendance at the fundraiser is usually about 50 percent first responders and military," Herlihy added.

This year's event gets something new -- an educational kid's zone -- in a field adjacent to Island Time, Merenda said.

"We will have cotton candy, edible sand art, face painting and a balloon toss," Merenda said. "It will be a 'bring-your-camera' atmosphere,"

Officials with the West Manatee Fire Department will bring a fire engine and ambulance. The Bradenton Beach Police Department will have a police car and boat on hand.

"The first responders from these agencies will be in gear and will be stationed in the field where they will talk about equipment, pass out fire hats and answer questions," Herlihy said.

The Manatee County EMS is also bringing a new quick-response vehicle that EMS is launching, consisting of cross-trained lifeguards and EMTs, Herlihy added.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and a silent auction, Merenda added.

Information: 941-782-1122.

Richard Dymond, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7072 or contact him via Twitter@RichardDymond.

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