Business of the Year — Island Grille and Raw Bar
Our 2015 Business of the Year award goes to The Island Grille and Raw Bar. This business is always in the middle of our activities and a supporter of every community event on the island.
They have been the unofficial headquarters of the Tierra Verde Business Partnership for meetings and socials for the past 3 years.
The Island Grille has created an atmosphere for residents to meet and greet, and of course, where “everybody knows your name.”
The Island Grille owners have made a major investment in the future of Tierra Verde by building a new and bigger restaurant in the Tierra Verde Marina Resort for all of us to enjoy.
Thank you to Bob, Colleen, Karen, and Lauren for your hospitality and support of the community.
Person of the Year — Peter Clark
Our person of the year is Founder and President of Tampa Bay Watch, Peter Clark. Peter has spent many years on Tierra Verde and in the waters surrounding the island.
Under his watch, the organization has coordinated more than 100,000 volunteers, installed 10,000 oyster reef units and 1,200 tons of oyster shell to create more than two miles of oyster shell reef communities, planted more than 1MM salt marsh grasses to restore 200 acres of coastal tidal ponds to Tampa Bay.
In 2005, he coordinated the construction of a $4 million marine and education center on the island. Peter has received many environmental awards and works every day to preserve the delicate ecological balance that exists in Tampa Bay . . . something we all benefit from living on Tierra Verde.
Lately, Peter has been aggressively involved in helping the residents with the Shell Key Preserve Shifting Sands issue serving as an objective and scientific voice for the restoration of the Shell Key Pass.
Appreciation Award — Gaye Wurzbacher
We appreciate all the volunteers and special people who make a difference in this community every day. One of those persons is someone who we are all touched by her efforts whether you realize it or not.
She is at the beginning, middle, and end of every project on this island and is responsible for the success of the TVBP events. Betsy Judge called her the “glue of the organization” and Gary Steinhauer says she is “The ultimate personality to have on your team.”
She does all of this without accepting credit or praise for her actions. So with our deepest appreciation we would like to recognize Gaye Wurzbacher for her extraordinary contributions and ongoing commitment to TVBP and the community of Tierra Verde.
Beneficiaries of 2015 Oktoberfest Proceeds
It is with great pleasure we announce the donation of $1,500 to Southern Guide Dogs and $1,500 to Tampa Bay Watch. These outstanding organizations are the beneficiaries of proceeds from the 2015 Oktoberfest. Congratulations, and thank you for the work you do!
