Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille honored as finalist for 2024 Industry Appreciation Award

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille was named a finalist for a 2024 Industry Appreciation Award from the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development. The awards celebrated Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ the Southwest Florida workforce and shape their industries. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille was nominated for the Community Spotlight Award.

The Community Spotlight Award highlights businesses’ outstanding contribution to the local community over the past year. Finalists initiated or supported specific community projects or causes with measurable impacts.
“We were honored to be recognized as a finalist for the Community Spotlight Award,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. “Giving back to our community and supporting local organizations is a huge part of what Doc Ford’s stands for. “We’re always looking for meaningful ways to make an impact on the community.”

Doc Ford’s Fort Myers Beach team members frequently donate their time at Lakes Park, recently building and installing a miniature version of the Fort Myers Beach restaurant as part of the popular Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad train ride which winds around lakes and small villages. The team also helped install Halloween decorations for the Fall Festival and participated in the Scarecrows in the Park event. Team members have also donated their time to the Gladiolus Food Pantry.

Proceeds from specialty cocktails at Doc Ford’s raise money to support children’s hospitals and water quality issues. HM Restaurant Group also supports local nonprofits dedicated to conservation, community and the environment. The “Ding” Darling Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament has raised nearly $1.3 million for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge since 2012. The 13th annual tournament will be held May 9, 2025.