by SC Features Writer Reanna Haase
In 1976, shortly after getting married and moving to the area for the promise of new endeavors, Tony Lapi began his journey to rescue the beloved ‘Tween Waters Inn on Captiva Island. He reflects on that 48-year journey in his recently released memoir, “Tales of an Island Innkeeper.”
Lapi weaves the history of Sanibel and Captiva Islands with his stories of memorable guests, employees, and incidents at the inn. His work with the Captiva Island Historical Society inspired him to share his stories of the past with the public, so he hired a ghostwriter.
Lapi chose Bill Schreiber to write his memoir. “When he finished,” shared Lapi, “he said, ‘You know, I don’t say this about everybody, but this book is very special.’ There’s nothing like it because very few people stay at a property as long as I have.”
‘Tween Waters sits between Pine Island Sound and the Gulf of Mexico and welcomed the first overnight guests in 1931. When Lapi came along in 1976, the inn had fewer than 50 cottages. While 19 nostalgic cottages remain today, there are 137 additional accommodations, a spa, and multiple dining options on the inn’s 13 acres of coastal charm.
First serving as General Manager, then President and CEO, and now as Chairman of the Board, Lapi has seen the inn’s evolution first-hand. He began writing down his reflections two years ago and kept the book a secret from almost everyone, including his wife of 52 years.
Since the book’s release in January, Lapi has received very positive feedback. “I’ve got a folder full of emails and different things people have texted me about how much they’ve enjoyed the book. It brought back great memories,” he said.
“It’s from guests who’ve been coming here for 30 or 40 years and guests who just started coming two or three years ago. So, it’s been rewarding in that sense,” he said.
Lapi also shared his gratitude for one of the inn’s loyal guests, Barry Braun, who shared his talents to help Lapi realize his vision of using a photo he captured for the cover of his memoir.
“I knew Barry was a good artist because he’d always give me sketches of different cottages and things when he would come,” explained Lapi. He took the photo to Braun and asked him to create a painting. “We used that painting for the cover. So, that’s kind of special,” Lapi said.
“Tales of an Island Innkeeper” can be purchased at MacIntosh Books + Paper on Sanibel, at the Captiva Cruises gift shop on Captiva, or online.
Dedicated to giving back to the island that has fueled his career, Lapi is donating all of the book’s proceeds to the Captiva Island Historical Society. He will talk on a panel with some of his past and current inn employees at an event by CIHS from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 9 at the Captiva Civic Association, 11550 Chapin Lane.
Lapi detailed that this event will be casual, allowing attendees to ask questions about his experiences. After the panel, he will stay to sell and sign books for those interested in purchasing. Attendance at the event is free of charge. However, reservations are preferred as seating is limited– more details can be found here.
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