National Captains Meeting – Sun Coast Table (Sarasota/Bradenton, FL)

Weekend Itinerary for Assembly of National Captains Meeting

11/8/24-11/10/24

Sun Coast Table (Sarasota/Bradenton, FL)

 This is the itinerary for those attending the in-person BOC National Assembly of Captains this coming November.  Regretfully, it is not a National Zaf (we don’t have the bandwidth for those any longer), so it is only open to the National Bridge members, Table Captains and their seconds, and captives of attendees.

Friday (11/8) Welcoming Soiree

Plan to arrive on by early Friday (11/8) afternoon, if possible, for we will be gathering at 5pm (during Happy Hour) at a local venue for libations and victuals.

The Linger Lodge (7205 85th St Ct E. Bradenton, FL 34202) sits beside the Braden River and has been around for almost eight decades.  It is known for its alarming array of taxidermized mammals and reptiles that adorn the inside walls, seemingly staring at patrons from every angle.

The Linger Lodge is a restaurant and RV Park in Bradenton, on the Northern bank of the Braden River.  The park dates back to 1945, starting as a 100-acre fishing and canoeing campground. Ever since then, the Linger Lodge has drawn visitors from all over with its Old Florida charm and cozy riverside atmosphere.  The restaurant was heavily renovated several years ago, bringing it up to modern standards.

The locals know that the Linger Lodge is a great place to dine, listen to live music and enjoy the river and bucolic views. Besides the main dining room, there are two outside covered and screened decks provide picturesque water views of the winding Braden River.

Menu specialties include Florida grouper, alligator, frog legs, smoked meats and seafood, jambalaya, burgers, and much more.  Each attendee will pay their own bill this evening.

The original Linger Lodge cabin (and its original owners, the Parvins, behind the counter serving patrons) in 1951. This structure burned down in the late 50’s and the restaurant was rebuilt, expanded, and modernized many times during the last 5 decades.

 11/9/24 Assembly of National Captains – 0900-1200, BYC

The 2024 in-person Captains Meeting will be held in the Commodore’s Room at the Bradenton Yacht Club (4307 13th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221).

The BYC is located on Snead Island and is on the north side of the Manatee River in the cut between Tera Ceia Bay and the Manatee.

Coffee, tea, donuts, crullers, etc. will be provided.

Please plan to arrive no later than 0845 as we want the meeting to start promptly at 0900.  We will end no later than noon.

11/9/24 Buccaneer Gathering and Cookout – 1300

Immediately following the Captain’s Meeting, attendees are invited to gather at beautiful Jiggs Landing (6106 63rd St E, Bradenton, FL 34203) for a grill out.

Jiggs Landing was opened in 1944 as a fishing camp.  It sits on beautiful Ward Lake, a fresh water preserve fed by the Braden River.  Jiggs is an historical landmark that was totally renovated by Manatee County in 2016.  We have rented a covered pavilion (far left in the above photo) with two charcoal grills and plan to serve appetizers, hot dogs, sausages, side dishes, and light desserts, along with soft drinks.

Bringing alcohol into the park is forbidden, but there is a concession within 150 feet of the pavilion that sells beer and wine.

The grill out will last 3-4 hours.  Saturday night is on your own.

Farewell Brunch Buffett – Palm Aire Golf and Country Club – 1030

Our final social gathering of the weekend will be a Sunday morning brunch gathering at 1030 at the beautiful Palm Aire Golf and Country Club (5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota 34243).

A full breakfast buffet will greet you and tame your appetite, while preparing you to travel back to your homes with no hunger pangs.  Below is a partial list of offerings:

Omelette Station

Eggs Benedict Scrambled Eggs

Made to order Waffles

Sausage Applewood Smoked Bacon

Breakfast Potatoes

Corned Beef

Hash Cakes Gulf Chilled Shrimp

Cheese Blintzes Smoked Norwegian Salmon Bagels

Soup du Jour

Salad Bar

Chef Carving Station Chef’s

Fish du Jour

Chef’s Entrée

Housemade Pastries & Desserts

Blueberry French Toast

Also, your first Bloody Mary or Mimosa is included (additional cocktails are on you).

If you are planning on attending the Assembly of National Captains meeting, please email your intentions to John “The Crab” D’Alusio at [email protected] as soon as possible, along with your need for berths.

The cost per person for all three Saturday and Sunday events is $65, payable no later than 10/25. Please fill out the attached form and send it along with your payment by check to  Brother Ed “Brillo” Loke (1255 Gulfstream Avenue, Apt. 801, Sarasota, FL 34236).

Accommodations: We will do our best to house out-of-table brothers and captives at our homes, but we have limited space on a first come, first served basis.

If no further berths are available, we recommend a local hotel:

TRU by Hilton (5510 Manor Hill Lane, Bradenton, FL 34203). 

This hotel was constructed in the last three years, so it is fairly new.  If you book it through HotelsAmerica.com, cost will be approximately $100 per night plus tax.

If you have any questions, please call (941-209-8873) or email ([email protected]) Sun Coast Table Captain John D’Alusio.