Freedom Boat Club launches Cruisin Tiki bar
Freedom Boat Club has a new addition to its fleet: a floating tiki bar.
Complete with thatched roof and bar stools, the octagon-shaped tiki bar was delivered to the Julington Creek Marina last week. Designed by Fort Lauderdale-based engineer Greg Darby, it relies on a base of 55-gallon drums to provide stability and maintain a smooth ride
“When I first saw the Cruisin Tiki bar on a news video, I knew immediately that I had to have one,” said Lisa Almeida, owner of Freedom Boat Club Jacksonville. “I haven’t seen anything like this in Jacksonville. This will be a fun and hip addition to our local scene.”
Almeida said the boat club would lease it to people for birthday parties and other special events, with a special rate for Freedom Boat Club members.
“This is all about having a good time,” she said. “I can already see it docked at the Landing and entertaining people here for the Florida-Georgia game.”
Cruisin Tiki rentals will also come with a captain for every trip.
“We want our guests to sit back and relax and leave the work to us,” she said.
The Cruisin Tiki will be based at Julington Creek Marina. To lease the boat, contact Daniel Haralambou at (904) 616-1313 or at danielh@freedomboatclub.com.
Social Security seminar
Liberty Advisory Group will host a free seminar on Social Security benefits Saturday, Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library. The seminar will provide information on how proposed changes in the new federal budget act could impact Social Security benefits. Designed for both individuals and couples between the ages of 55 and 67, the workshop will offer information on how Social Security currently operates and how it will work in the future. Seating is limited; to register, call (904) 834-3544.
Chamber After Hours and Ribbon Cutting
The Ponte Vedra Beach Division of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce will host a “Chamber After Hours” and ribbon cutting at King & Associates Insurance Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
This free chamber reception will feature complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments along with the chance to network with other business and community leaders.
King & Associates is located 3202-3 Sawgrass Village Circle in Ponte Vedra Beach. To register, visit www.stjohnscountychamber.com.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Improvements to St. Johns County’s transportation infrastructure will be the focus of the SJC Chamber Economic Development Council’s quarterly breakfast. To be held at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26 at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort in St. Augustine, the presentation titled “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” will include remarks by FDOT District 2 Secretary Greg Evans, who oversees the First Coast Expressway that will eventually connect I-95 in northern St. Johns County to I-10 in western Duval County; the SR-9B extension (St. Johns Parkway); and other projects that affect mobility in St. Johns County. Joining Evans will be County Transportation Development Division Director Phong Nguyen, and Quintin Kendall, vice president for state government affairs at CSX Transportation and the former chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Tickets are $30 for chamber members in advance ($40 at the door and non-members); to register, visit www.stjohnscountychamber.com.
