Calling All Southwest Florida Salt Water Cowboys
Some areas of Florida have traditional cowboys, the kind that ride horses. However, in more areas than not, the Sunshine State has salt water cowboys. This kind loves the water and all things associated with it. They ride waves instead of horses. The Heights Foundation is calling all Southwest Florida salt water cowboys to join a party for a purpose in Fort Myers next week.
Salt Water Cowboys
It’s the second annual Salt Water Cowboy event, taking place under a big tent on the water at MarineMax on McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. The charity event raises much needed funds for the Heights Foundation and it’s many programs that have changed the landscape of the economically depressed Harlem Heights neighborhood. The primary one being education.
The Heights Foundation built and operates a charter school, provides after school and summer programs as well as music programs and tutoring for the kids. For their families, the foundation provides job training and a host of support services to lift the family unit as a whole in hopes of breaking the cycle of poverty. They have made a huge difference in transforming the entire community as well as helping in the massive Hurricane Ian recovery effort. The Harlem Heights community is found on Gladiolus Drive.
![Gina Birch holding a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon at an auction](https://sunny1063.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2023/10/IMG_9356-300x225.jpg)
This hard to find bottle of Pappy Van WInkle Kentucky Bourbon was one of the items up for auction last year for the inaugural Salt Water Cowboy auction.
The first annual event featured auction items such as python hunting in the Everglades, getaways and tickets to top rated concerts, wine dinners and lots more. Similar items are on both the silent and live auction block this year. The event features a plated dinner, live music, dancing and a chance to meet some of the smart and talented kids you are helping by attending.
Salt Water Cowboy is October 20th starting at 6pm. Get more information and purchase tickets here. Advance ticket sales only.
Wild Videos For Southwest Florida Boaters
Labor Day Weekend is traditionally big for boaters. However, in Southwest Florida, almost every weekend is good for boating. Small spaces, wide open water, boaters often have to be creative when it comes to making sure passengers are comfortable. Boating is not a one size fits all kind of activity. In addition, it is not always glamorous. However, it is almost always fun. Here are some wild videos for Southwest Florida boaters for TikTok Tuesday.
![Man and son on a high-speed ride on his boat, smiling and hair blowing](https://sunny1063.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2023/09/GettyImages-71795897-300x200.jpg)
Boating is a popular past time in Southwest Florida. Even after Hurricane Ian damaged so many vessels and changed the waterways. Boaters can’t get enough of the local waters.
I don’t have a boat but am fortunate to have friends that do. I’m always amazed at the tricks and hacks they come up with to accommodate passengers. Some of them are here. There is also a funny video that all boat owners understand regardless of how many vessels you have owned over the years. The videos also show a couple of really cool accessories and super cool upgraded for those who like to get in the water, not just on in.
Over the weekend, thousands of beach and boating photos and videos crossed my social media feed. I pulled five of the most interesting ones involving boats and boating to share here. You do not need a TikTok account to watch these videos. We’ll use mine. All you have to do is scroll down and then hit play. They are all office friendly and also kid friendly. If you have a boat or have been a passenger on one, you will relate.
Here they are. Wild Videos For Southwest Florida Boaters for TikTok Tuesday.
Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.