
Friends Dylan Rudolph (from left), Jennifer Sabatino, Sharon Sunnies and Kyle Riddle make a stop at the Snook Inn. Photos by Samantha Husted
“He had meningitis in his brain, so he stopped walking, moving,” Elva Nieto said. “He had to start all over again. Then after that he got the seizures.”
Elva cares for Anthony as well as her two other children Daniel, 15, and Mia, 4. She says his seizures are a daily occurrence. They usually strike in the morning.

Elva Nieto with her son Anthony, 12. This year the annual Tour de Taverns event is benefitting the Nieto family, who lost their Bonita Springs home during Hurricane Irma.
Over the weekend 256 bicyclists took to the streets of Marco Island to participate in the ninth annual Tour de Taverns event. The Island Bike Shop donated bicycles to those without, free of charge.

Ray Neil, brothers Kyle and Conner Riddle, Sharon Sunnies, and Jennifer Sabatino share celebratory mimosas at the Snook Inn, the fifth stop of the tour.

The last stop on the tour was The SpeakEasy. Bike riders celebrated by dancing to the music of performer Johnny Fusco.
Jimmy Boylan says he discovered the Nieto family after reaching out to the Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers. After her hearing their unique story, he decided that the people of Marco Island could lend a helping hand.

Entertainer Johnny Fusco provided the tunes for the afternoon.
The Tour de Taverns officially kickedoff at Mario’s Bar and Grill. There, participants were served Bloody Marys and mimosas, alongside a breakfast buffet. Bikers were encouraged to go at their own pace, so long as they made it back to the SpeakEasy by 3 PM. Many traveled in large groups with family and friends.
The next stop along the way was the Crazy Flamingo. The bicyclists then made their way across town to the Salty Dog of Marco Island, which opened just for the occasion. Following the Salty Dog they biked over to CJ’s on the Bay, then down to Olde Marco where they visited the Snook Inn and the Old Marco Pub. Finally, the 256 bicyclists ended their tour at The SpeakEasy, where tons of prizes were raffled off and more money was raised for the cause.

Kyle Foster shows off her Christmas spirit with holiday inspired leggings, socks, and an antler accouterment.
“He was having a blast,” Jimmy Boylan said. “That was my favorite part.”
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