9th Annual SWFL Meetup

[Scuba]

Continuing the tradition established by Omni, we are planning another SWFL E-R.org get-together as everyone seemed to have a great time at our prior events. This will be #9!

As we have developed a format that works for most, I'm planning on replicating it. We'd be meeting for a late lunch on a Sunday in February at a restaurant in the Sarasota area, most likely Gecko's, just off the Fruitville exit from I-75 at 351 N. Cattlemen Rd., where we've gathered for a number of years. Omni & I considered alternate venues, but weather is a bit too unpredictable to plan an outdoor event this time of year, and Gecko's is easier to get to and park than many other locations since it's right off I-75 and has ample free parking.

As to who's invited, basically it's ERs, OMYs, W*rkers, Spouses/SOs...(and even Lurkers <--we had one a few years ago!)

This initial post is to ascertain if there's any interest? And if 2 pm on Sun. Feb. 15 or Sun. Feb. 22 works for you (both? or which one?)

Please respond with who's thinking of coming and, if so, which date(s) works for you.

Thanks and look forward to seeing you all!

Scuba

 

[latexman]

I’m interested, but DW and I are delayed leaving NC doing medical stuff and our departure is not clear yet. As such, I favor Feb. 22. Thanks, Scuba!

 

[Dtail]

I am interested in attending. Just me. Either date works.
Thanks for arranging Scuba.

 

[38Chevy454]

Count me in, no preference on date at this time.

 

[Lewis Clark]

Both dates work for me, but prefer the second date.

 

[aaronc879]

I was hoping to finally make it this year but yet again....curve ball. I witnessed an assault way back in April of last year and gave a statement to police. Last month I got a subpoena in the mail ordering me to appear in court as a witness in Wisconsin on Feb 19th. I definitely would not be able to make the 15th. A slightly better chance I can make it on the 22nd but not likely. Maybe next year.

 

[omni550]

Scuba,

Thanks for picking-up the reins on this event.

I'm planning to attend. I'm good with either date.

Looking forward to our annual get-together.

omni

 

[FLSUnFIRE]

22nd works for me... 15th I'll be in CA blowing dough.

 

[harley]

As I sit here in my house, unable to face the 22 degree temps outside, I'm somewhat regretting our decision to sell our house down there. It was a good call for us, but I miss the weather and the get together. Wish I could make it.

 

[Scuba]

It looks like Sunday, 2/22 is preferred by most who have a preference, so let’s plan on that. I’ll check with the venue next week now that we have a date and send out confirmed details.

If you know any other ER folks in SW FL who haven’t yet responded to this post, please PM them and make them aware. I’ll also refer to the list Omni gave me and do the same.

Thanks everyone and see you next month!

 

[Lewis Clark]

It looks like Sunday, 2/22 is preferred by most who have a preference, so let’s plan on that. I’ll check with the venue next week now that we have a date and send out confirmed details.

If you know any other ER folks in SW FL who haven’t yet responded to this post, please PM them and make them aware. I’ll also refer to the list Omni gave me and do the same.

Thanks everyone and see you next month!

Thank you for organizing!

 

[FLSUnFIRE]

Yes, thank you! I've got the 22nd on my busy retired-life calendar!

 

[Scuba]

Hi Everyone,
Quick update - we are set for Sunday, 2/22 at 2 pm at Gecko's Grill & Pub on Fruitville, 351 N Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, not far from the I-75/Fruitville interchange. They don't officially take reservations, but I'll call that morning and also arrive early so hopefully we won't have to wait too long to get seated.

Omni gave me a list of prior attendees from the last 3 years so I've DM'd those folks to make them aware just in case they aren't looking at the forum much these days. Thanks for your help, Omni!

I'll be checking back in with everyone in mid-February to confirm final headcount, but please consider 2/22 as our confirmed event date.

Looking forward to seeing you all!

 

[boog]

Thanks Scuba for organizing. We are traveling in February and may be home in time for me to attend on the 22nd. If so, I’ll be there. Won’t know for sure though until probably the week prior.

 

[nvestysly]

Thanks for letting me know about the event via PM. I was able to attend last year and hope to do so again sometime. Alas, 2026 will not be the year! I have a conflict.

For anyone who's on the fence, and perhaps feels awkward about meeting people "in-person" rather than simply an online presence, don't be concerned... you will have fun!

Hope you have a good turnout. Looking forward to seeing you again in 2027.

 

[simple girl]

We have a conflict this year as well. Hopefully we will catch up with everyone next year! Enjoy!

 

[deserat]

Late to this thread. I now live near enough to go. Either Sunday proposed in Feb works for me.

Just saw date and location was firmed up. I'll be there.

 

[Wille]

My wife and I are interested in attending.

 

[Amy T]

I'm interested in February 15th. Oh now I see it is already the 22nd. I would like to try and make it. Is there a more direct communication about this event?
Great idea. Would be nice to meet in person. Not sure I can do the 22nd.

 

[FLSUnFIRE]

I'm definitely in for the 22nd... I'll be busy living my best post-FIRE life as I travel and blow dough between now and then I so might miss the "official" invite/headcount post.

Hi Everyone,
Quick update - we are set for Sunday, 2/22 at 2 pm at Gecko's Grill & Pub on Fruitville, 351 N Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, not far from the I-75/Fruitville interchange. They don't officially take reservations, but I'll call that morning and also arrive early so hopefully we won't have to wait too long to get seated.

Omni gave me a list of prior attendees from the last 3 years so I've DM'd those folks to make them aware just in case they aren't looking at the forum much these days. Thanks for your help, Omni!

I'll be checking back in with everyone in mid-February to confirm final headcount, but please consider 2/22 as our confirmed event date.

Looking forward to seeing you all!

 

[jazz4cash]

I was hoping to finally make it this year but yet again....curve ball. I witnessed an assault way back in April of last year and gave a statement to police. Last month I got a subpoena in the mail ordering me to appear in court as a witness in Wisconsin on Feb 19th. I definitely would not be able to make the 15th. A slightly better chance I can make it on the 22nd but not likely. Maybe next year.

Sorry but have to ask. Are you being forced to return or stay in WI to satisfy subpoeba? Is that a burden financially or otherwise?

 

[aaronc879]

Sorry but have to ask. Are you being forced to return or stay in WI to satisfy subpoeba? Is that a burden financially or otherwise?

I am being forced to attend this trial on the 19th. I live in the area so not that big of a deal except it may prevent me from being able to go to Florida this winter. I may not have made it to Florida anyway since my Mom is still recovering from her fall and it doesn't look like she will be recovered enough to drive herself for at least another month. I probably have to stay local this winter anyway.

 

[BeachOrCity]

I am planning on going.

 

[Scuba]

Hi Everyone! Below is a recap on RSVP's so far. If you're a "Maybe," please try to firm up your RSVP either way this week. If you're a "Yes" and your plans have now changed, please let me know. Also if you'll be bringing a +1, please let me know that too so the restaurant can plan accordingly. Otherwise if you are on the "Yes" list and I don't hear otherwise, I'll look forward to seeing you next Sunday afternoon - 2/22 at Gecko's at 351 N. Cattlemen Rd., just west of the Fruitville/I-75 interchange.

If you haven't RSVP'd yet, feel free to do so this week. And Amy T, you asked about direct communication. Feel free to DM me with any questions, or you can text me at 562-508-5875.

I'll arrive early to get us on the list since we can't make an official reservation and will bring name tags. See you soon!

Yes
Deserat
Wille - 2
FLSUnFIRE
Beach or City
Omni550
LewisClark
38Chevy454
Dtail
Scuba - possibly 2 (we have a 12 week old puppy, so not sure DH will come with me)

Maybe
Boog
Amy T
Latexman

 

[boog]

My “maybe” is now a “no”. Sorry to miss the meetup this year - hope everyone has a good time!