Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille was named a finalist for a 2024 Industry Appreciation Award from the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development. The awards celebrated Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ the Southwest Florida workforce and shape their industries. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille was nominated for the Community Spotlight Award.
The Community Spotlight Award highlights businesses’ outstanding contribution to the local community over the past year. Finalists initiated or supported specific community projects or causes with measurable impacts.
“We were honored to be recognized as a finalist for the Community Spotlight Award,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. “Giving back to our community and supporting local organizations is a huge part of what Doc Ford’s stands for. “We’re always looking for meaningful ways to make an impact on the community.”
Doc Ford’s Fort Myers Beach team members frequently donate their time at Lakes Park, recently building and installing a miniature version of the Fort Myers Beach restaurant as part of the popular Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad train ride which winds around lakes and small villages. The team also helped install Halloween decorations for the Fall Festival and participated in the Scarecrows in the Park event. Team members have also donated their time to the Gladiolus Food Pantry.
Proceeds from specialty cocktails at Doc Ford’s raise money to support children’s hospitals and water quality issues. HM Restaurant Group also supports local nonprofits dedicated to conservation, community and the environment. The “Ding” Darling Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament has raised nearly $1.3 million for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge since 2012. The 13th annual tournament will be held May 9, 2025.
The Lee County Economic Development Office provides business assistance to retain existing businesses, attract new businesses and encourage entrepreneurship to ensure Lee County has a strong economy, thriving communities and broadly shared prosperity.
The Horizon Council is a public-private advisory board established in 1991 to advise the Lee Board of County Commissioners on economic development issues. The council’s mission is to improve Lee County’s business environment, retain and encourage the expansion of existing businesses, and attract new and diversified employers. It is the only public-private partnership of Lee County Government and business leaders.
The Horizon Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization established as a fundraising vehicle enabling people and businesses to actively support the program of work of the Horizon Council and the Lee County Economic Development Office.
Renowned for its legendary guest experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with locations on Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach, the St. Petersburg Pier and Jungle Terrace in St. Petersburg.
Owned and operated by HM Restaurant Group, award-winning Doc Ford’s offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Beloved for its sauces, spices and signature Yucatan shrimp served daily, it’s highly regarded by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular seafood restaurant. Established on Sanibel in 2003, Doc Ford’s is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner. The Pier restaurant was named the county’s No. 1 Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023. Doc Ford’s also offers live music most nights at its Fort Myers Beach and St. Petersburg Pier locations.
