ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2026) – Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille locations at the St. Petersburg Pier and Jungle Terrace raised $3,394 in 2025 for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Petersburg, one specialty cocktail at a time. The St. Petersburg Pier location contributed $2,220, while the Jungle Terrace restaurant donated $1,174. Through the restaurant’s hospital drink program, one dollar from every specialty cocktail sold from the bar menu is donated to local hospitals.
Since the program launched in 2006, Doc Ford’s four locations, including two in Southwest Florida, have donated a cumulative $140,309 to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. In St. Petersburg, proceeds from the Pier location benefit Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, while the Jungle Terrace restaurant directs its donations to the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The Southwest Florida restaurants raised $3,915
in 2025. This year marks the first time Doc Ford’s has supported the C.W. Bill Young Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital provides critical, lifesaving pediatric care and the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center delivers comprehensive medical services to eligible veterans, from primary and preventive care to specialized and long-term treatment.
“Our customers continue to make an impact on the lives of local children, veterans and families simply by ordering a specialty drink,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s. “Through this program, we are proud to support Johns Hopkins All Children’s
Hospital and the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center and the essential care they provide to children and
veterans in our community.”
The program earmarks a dollar from the sale of five cocktails inspired by the past and created by
customers, including Sanibel Stoop, Hook Line & Sinker and My Rummy Valentine.
Philanthropy and community outreach have been hallmarks of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille since its founding on Sanibel Island in 2003. HM Restaurant Group, Doc Ford’s and its employees contribute to a variety of important causes year-round, raising money, awareness and donating their time at local nonprofit organizations, including Community Action Stops Abuse, Tampa Bay Watch’s Shells
for Shorelines, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tampa Bay and the Ronald
McDonald House on the campus of All Children’s Hospital.
Employees also participate in the “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, which has
raised over $1.57 million for conservation and water-quality research at Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling
National Wildlife Refuge. The 14th annual tournament is May 15, 2026.
“As a local company, we believe in being part of the solution to the challenges facing the
community,” said Harrity.
Renowned for its legendary guest experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11
a.m. to 10 p.m.
Doc Ford’s offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Beloved for its sauces, spices and signature Yucatán shrimp served daily, Doc Ford’s is highly regarded by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular seafood restaurant. The restaurant is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’
Choice winner. The St. Petersburg Pier location was named the nation’s No. 1 restaurant for Best of the
Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023.
Contact:
Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations, 239-275-5758,
[email protected]
