WORDS: Amy Bell
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
Way back in 1971, a gang of pirates invaded Anna Maria Island, and they’ve been making waves across Manatee County ever since. But these aren’t your typical swashbucklers. Known as the AMI Privateers, this krewe is on a quest to help kids in the community.
The organization’s official mission is to have a positive impact on the area through community service and activities and to promote youth through scholarships and programs. “It’s all about kids and community,” explains Kim “Syren” Boyd, President of the Privateers. “We raise monies to give local high school students scholarships to help with college expenses. Currently, we are working on implementing a new program where we broaden our scholarship program to help young children attend preschool and also partner with other educational programs that work with preschools.”
Blimey! The Krewe Turns 50!
This year, the Anna Maria Island Privateers is celebrating its half-century anniversary. The krewe was established as a non-profit organization in 1971 by a small group of folks interested in serving as a much-needed support group for Manatee County and island youth programs. Their charter goals were to promote activities for the betterment of youth, render service to the community and participate in area events.
Tim Thompson, Liaison Officer for the Privateers, says the organization’s original membership included just 12 men. Today, that number has grown to a total of 68 male and female buccaneers. The Privateers’ vessel has also seen some major improvements over the years. “We went from a tow float to a motorized pirate ship float,” Thompson explains.
To raise funds, the organization sponsors a number of local activities, including mullet smokes, thieves’ markets (a pirate-style flea market), golf tournaments, business “captures,” and other special events.
The Privateers also raid Anna Maria Island for a variety of big events throughout the year—from the 4th of July parade to the annual Christmas parade (starring Santa with a sack full of gifts) to Snooks Adams Kids Day, which features games, food, and family-friendly fun—just to name a few. Each year, the Privateers also hosts the Whitey Horton Golf Tournament to raise scholarship funds for local students furthering their education in whatever field they choose.
Boyd reflects on the countless memorable moments she’s enjoyed since joining the Privateers four years ago. “Delivering Christmas gifts to the kids, pulling up with the sleigh and the kids seeing Santa Claus and the huge smiles on their faces. And then as we unload the gifts, the look on the parents’ faces and tears in some of their eyes—it just solidifies why I joined this organization: To make positive impacts on our community and help kids,” she says.
“I will never forget a visit we made to a nursing home for Pirate Month,” she recalls. “The smiles, the clapping, the laughter and even a few tears of joy from those sweet elderly people just tugged at my heart. It made me feel good that being a pirate makes people smile.”
Exciting Events in 2021
To celebrate their 50th anniversary, the AMI Privateers have tons of fun surprises up their pirate sleeves. Here are just a few of the events the organization has planned for the coming year:
- February 20: Thieves Market: A Flea Market Pirate Style
- February 27: Sandpiper Scholarship Capture
- March 6: AMI Historical Society Heritage Day Celebration
- March 9: Privateers Capture Manatee County Commissioners
- March 17: AMI St. Patty’s Day Parade
- March 20: Thieves Market: A Flea Market Pirate Style
- March 27: Privateers Host a Yoga Party
- April 10: Whitey Horton Scholarship Putt-Putt Pub Crawl
- April 17: Thieves Market: A Flea Market Pirate Style
- May 15: Privateers “Shiprek” Scholarship Poker Run
- May 22: Coastal Cleanup
- May 29: Snooks Adams Kids Day
- June 5: Privateers Host a Grog-Off (Rum Tasting)
- June 19: Privateers Host a Rib-Fest
- June 26: The Conquest of the Village of Cortez
- July 4: Anna Maria Island 4th of July Parade
- July 10: The Conquest of the City of Bradenton Beach
- July 13: Privateers Capture of Anna Maria City Hall
- July 24: Christmas in July at the Drift-In
- August 6: 50th Anniversary Pirate Invasion/Scavenger Hunt/Pub Crawl
- August 7: 50th Anniversary Pirate Invasion/Scavenger Hunt/One Night in Tortuga
- August 8: 50th Anniversary Pirate Invasion/Brunch with the Privateers
- September 18: Privateers Island Night Parade
- September 19: Talk Like a Pirate Day Celebration with Rum Tasting
- September 25: Privateers Host Oktoberfest
- October 16: AMI Chamber Bayfest
- October 23: Privateers Host a Bone Soup Cook-Off
- November 11: Veterans Day Celebration
- November 13: Privateers Host a Black-Tie Formal Gala
- November 20: The Conquest of the City of Holmes Beach
- November 27: City of Venice Christmas Parade
- December 3: AMI Chamber Tree Lighting Ceremony
- December 4: Eastbay Shopping Center Christmas Celebration
- December 12: Boys & Girls Club Christmas Tree Sale
- December 18: Privateers Host a Christmas Party at the Drift-In
- December 21: Privateers Capture Holmes Beach City Hall
- December 31: New Year’s Eve 50th Anniversary Finale Party
“We have events planned every month this year to celebrate our 50th Anniversary,” says Boyd. For an up-to-date list of the latest and greatest Privateers events, visit the organization’s website or like their Facebook page. You can also find more info about upcoming Privateers happenings in The Islander, The Anna Maria Island Sun, and other news outlets.
Climb Aboard
Ahoy, matey! If you want to get involved with this incredible organization, join the Privateers for one of their many local events or make a donation on the organization’s website. “Donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible,” Boyd adds.
Want to become a member of the krewe? Privateers membership is open to all adults. “Anyone over 18 who passes a background check can apply to join the Privateers organization,” Boyd adds.
- For more information about the AMI Privateers, visit their website at AMIPrivateers.org.
