The Ribs are Back

The 2023 Marco Island Police Foundation’s Annual Rib-Cook-Off came together like a well-oiled military operation last Saturday. Hundreds of residents and visitors filled the parking lot at the Town Center Shopping Plaza and the Marco Island Brewery after a hiatus due to COVID.

“We are so lucky to have so many wonderful Foundation Members who care enough to work so hard on an event like this which will benefit the members of our department when those costly needs arise. I can’t praise the Board Members, their families and the general public enough for their support,” said Michael Hook, the new Foundation president.

The Marco Island Brewery and owner Mike Jones graciously opened their doors to ensure no one left hungry for their donation, while the four judges were given the impossible task of choosing the best-tasting ribs prepared by four separate chefs. At the same time local Marco Island Police Officer Josh Ferris entertained attendees with his musical talents during the entire event as over 300 meals were served to supporters of the Foundation.

The four chefs or kitchens included John DeRosa from the Police Foundation themselves, Captain Joshua Skinner, Cheney Brothers and the Island Country Club from Marco Island. The four judges with the enviable task of tasting all the ribs and determining the best were Allison Richards from Al’s Pals, City Manager Mike McNees, District One County Commissioner Rick LoCastro and yours truly, Steve Stefanides from the Coastal Breeze News.

All four judges agreed the task before them was a difficult one, and when the ballots were tallied, the judges were left with a statistical tie in regard to who prevailed. In the end, Brewery owner Mike Jones was delegated the task of blind tasting the top two entries, and The Island Country Club was announced as the overall winner of the 2023 Marco Island Police Foundation’s Rib Cook-Off for this year.

The proceeds from the event would go to the Foundation’s Scholarship Fund. The fund assists officers and their families with financial assistance. The Foundation was established in 2003 to help support the local department and their officers when needs arise.

You may learn more about them and become a member by visiting their website at www.marcopolicefoundation.org.