FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2025) – Employees from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie
Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach found footballs, shoes, gloves, hats and even Christmas decorations
during the 10th annual Tunaskin Beach Keepers Club’s beach cleanup in February. Participating for a
second consecutive year, 13 team members from both restaurants filled 12 large garbage bags in three
hours, collecting lost and discarded objects.
“We are always happy to lend a helping hand, especially for an initiative that has so much impact
on our local community and our beautiful beaches,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant
Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company. “Our beaches play an important
role in Southwest Florida’s economy, tourism and conservation efforts. Keeping them clean and free of
litter is critical for wildlife as well as residents and visitors. This is an annual program we will continue to
support.”
Doc Ford’s also donated bean dip and ceviche meals for 350 volunteers.
Founded in 2016 by clothier Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel, the Beach Keepers Club’s Fort Myers
Beach event started as a way to connect and give back to the community by cleaning up local beaches. It
has grown from 86 volunteers to hundreds of participants today and has since expanded to Sarasota and
Key West. The program also raises funds for Keep Lee County Beautiful.
Conservation and environmental initiatives are at the core of HM Restaurant Group’s
philanthropic philosophy. The company supports nonprofit organizations throughout Southwest Florida,
including donating $1 from specialty cocktail sales at Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company to Captains
For Clean Water’s commitment to improving the health of the Florida Everglades and Florida Bay.
Doc Ford’s is also the title sponsor of the annual Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon
Tournament, a fundraiser for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Now in its 13th
year, the tourney has raised nearly $1.3 million. The 2025 event is May 9.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company are
renowned for delivering a legendary guest experience.
Inspired by the title character of Southwest Florida author Randy Wayne White’s novels, Doc
Ford’s is beloved for mouth-watering sauces, spices and fresh seafood featuring Caribbean Rim flavors,
including its signature Yucatan shrimp. A local favorite for residents and visitors alike, Doc Ford’s offers
four locations, including Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Jungle Terrace in St. Petersburg and the St.
Petersburg Pier. A perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner, the pier restaurant was named the No.
1 restaurant in the country on the global travel site’s Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats for
2023.
Visit docfords.com for menus and locations.
Recognized as a 2023 Yelp Top 100 Florida Restaurant and ranked Tripadvisor’s No. 1 of 74 Fort
Myers Beach restaurants, Dixie Fish Company is revered for delicious fresh food in an ideal location
complemented by a beach atmosphere, complete with live music and picturesque views overlooking
scenic Matanzas Pass. An original Florida fishhouse, the restaurant’s origins date back to 1937 when it
was primarily a fish market.
Visit dixiefishfmb.com for menus.
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Contact:
Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations, 239-275-5758,
[email protected]
participated in the 10th annual Tunaskin Beach Keepers Club’s beach cleanup.