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Tales of an Island Innkeeper
Fifty years ago, Florida hospitality rookie Tony Lapi set course on an audacious to rescue Captiva Island’s cherished ’Tween Waters Inn from the brink of demolition.
Tales of an Island Innkeeper takes you behind the scenes on his winding journey—one filled with colorful characters, iconic island events, and the triumphs and tragedies that can come with the natural ebb and flow of life.
With heartfelt reflections on resilience, teamwork, and perseverance, Lapi reveals the challenges and joys of working with a dedicated team to transform a threatened island jewel into a treasure now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lapi’s passion for storytelling infuses his tales with gentle wisdom and warm humor to remind us that life’s storms—be they catastrophic hurricanes or unexpected obstacles—can lead to brighter horizons, if only we keep moving forward.
So grab your beach chair and settle in, as if you’re watching a breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, while a lifelong—or newfound—friend shares the kind of stories that encourage perseverance and a deep connection to the tides of life we all navigate.
Reflecting his steadfast belief in the power of community, Lapi is donating all sales proceeds to the nonprofit Captiva Island Historical Society.
Tales of an Island Innkeeper takes you behind the scenes on his winding journey—one filled with colorful characters, iconic island events, and the triumphs and tragedies that can come with the natural ebb and flow of life.
With heartfelt reflections on resilience, teamwork, and perseverance, Lapi reveals the challenges and joys of working with a dedicated team to transform a threatened island jewel into a treasure now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lapi’s passion for storytelling infuses his tales with gentle wisdom and warm humor to remind us that life’s storms—be they catastrophic hurricanes or unexpected obstacles—can lead to brighter horizons, if only we keep moving forward.
So grab your beach chair and settle in, as if you’re watching a breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, while a lifelong—or newfound—friend shares the kind of stories that encourage perseverance and a deep connection to the tides of life we all navigate.
Reflecting his steadfast belief in the power of community, Lapi is donating all sales proceeds to the nonprofit Captiva Island Historical Society.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2025
5 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 1, 2025
Must Read American Success Story
A tale of “luck” which is nothing more than old fashioned hard work and determination not to fail. So many great stories and twists of fate along the last 50 years. The book should be a must read for all who have an unbridled entrepreneurial spirit to create a positive difference in this world.
Tween Waters Inn with Tony and Angie will have ever lasting effects on so many lives and a permanent fixture on our combined history and the American dream.
A tale of “luck” which is nothing more than old fashioned hard work and determination not to fail. So many great stories and twists of fate along the last 50 years. The book should be a must read for all who have an unbridled entrepreneurial spirit to create a positive difference in this world.
Tween Waters Inn with Tony and Angie will have ever lasting effects on so many lives and a permanent fixture on our combined history and the American dream.
June 29, 2025
I’m familiar with Tween Waters Inn and Sanibel and Captiva. Our daughter was married on the beach at Tween and we had the reception at the Old Captiva House. How wonderful to read the history so well presented in this book.
July 28, 2025
If you have any connection to Tween, you'll enjoy this book. If you've ever worked hospitality, you'll probably enjoy It too. Tony is an amazing man.
January 20, 2026
Such an interesting story of a special place on Captiva Island, one of my favorite places in Florida!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews