Tony Lapi, Hotelier of the Year by FRLA

Tony Lapi, Chairman of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, has been named the 2026 Hotelier of the Year by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association at its annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala.

A respected leader in Florida hospitality, Lapi has spent nearly five decades helping shape the guest experience on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Since 1976, he has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the region’s hospitality industry, including the evolution of ’Tween Waters Inn & Marina and the expansion of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts.

Tony’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including Sanibel Captiva Chamber Citizen of the Year, the Gordon Schopfer Lifetime Achievement Award, the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Laureate, the Sam Bailey Award for Outstanding Community Service, Lee County Junonia Award, and the 2023 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame.

The honor comes at a particularly meaningful time as ’Tween Waters Inn & Marina celebrates 50 years of ownership this October, making the recognition an especially fitting tribute to Lapi’s decades of service and commitment.

Please join us in congratulating Tony Lapi on this well-deserved achievement and celebrating his many contributions to the hospitality industry and the Sanibel-Captiva community.