‘Thank You’ Party Planned for Recently Retired City Manager

by SC Reporter Ariadna Ampudia | photo by SC Assoc. Publisher Chuck Larsen

The Sanibel community will be hosting a thank you party in honor of Judie Zimora’s retirement as city manager, after 20 years of service. The event will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way.

The Friends of Judie Committee, a group comprised of island businesses, service groups, non-profit organizations and private citizens, organized the event for local residents to honor and show appreciation for what Zimomra has done for their community.

John Henshaw, a city councilman and member of the Friends of Judie Committee, said the group has been working on Zimomra’s party for months and is excited for Sanibel to have the opportunity to thank her.

“What my goal is, that on December 4, Judie might have a tear in her eye because she’ll realize how important she has been to our city and how much she is loved by our residents,” Henshaw said.

He pointed to Zimomra’s handling of Hurricane Charley in 2004 as one of her most memorable accomplishments, among many, due to how quickly the island was able to recover. Sanibel is naturally in tune with nature and Zimomra strongly continued to preserve the habitat, Henshaw added.

Tom Sharbaugh, a member of the Friends of Judie Committee, said for Zimomra to work two decades in one community is remarkable and unique. Sharbaugh previously worked with Zimomra and the city as a past president of the Sanibel Bicycle Club and describes the collaboration he had as one of the best experiences.

“This event is an example of what I love about our town,” Sharbaugh said. “There’s things that have caused the town to rally together and meet as a group to discuss or celebrate and this is one of them.”

Marty Harrity, a former mayor and co-owner of Doc Ford’s Rum & Grille, said Zimomra was like the mother of Sanibel. Her dedication and devotion to the community was reflected in her accomplishments, such as building a new recreation center, building a new bridge and many more.

“She didn’t just have a job,” Harrity said. “She had a family of over 6,000 people.”

Working alongside her when he was mayor, Harrity said Zimomra was a take charge individual, and both have grown from co-workers to close personal friends. In the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, Harrity explained Zimomra was determined to get the city back in shape, no matter the circumstance.

Zimomra made a commitment to the community and the people of Sanibel, he said, and it was always second to none in every one of his experiences with her.

Zimomra expressed her gratitude and reflected upon working for the City of Sanibel for 20 years. She said when working for one community for so long, you get to see the old and new generations within the community.

“I am very thankful to the organizers for the opportunity to say farewell to the many citizens who have been along the journey these past two decades,” Zimomra said.

The thank you party will consist of a proclamation from Mayor Holly Smith and Vice Mayor Richard Johnson, along with a testimonial from former Mayors Marty Harrity and Kevin Ruane. Then, a 12-minute tribute from residents expressing their thankfulness will be presented.

More testimonials will be given from Maggi Feiner, president and CEO of FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, and Melissa Rice, executive director of Community Housing and Resources. Before receiving a gift on behalf of the Sanibel community, Dana Congress, Zimomra’s former intern, will also give a testimonial.

Local restaurants will provide food and appetizers, including Doc Ford’s, Traders, Mudbugs, Sanibel Café, Bailey’s Sanibel Catering, Sanibel’s Best Homemade Ice Cream, 400 Rabbits, and the Sanibel Community Association. Several restaurants offered to provide food for the party, but had to be turned down due to the high number of volunteers, said Sharbaugh.

“Goodbye is not the right word,” Harrity said. “It’s more of a see you around… She’s been such an integral part of our community, and no one wants her to leave.”

The event is open to the public, but the committee asks those planning to attend to RSVP by calling the Community House at 239-472-2155.