We hope that spirit is part of Doc Ford's Fort Myers Beach Rum Bar & Grill, too. But the real hearts, heads and souls behind this establishment aren't fictional. They are real people; people savvy enough to envision a whole new concept. "A rum bar? What's a rum bar?" we were asked.

So credit the owners and the chef for having a vision, and then finding the energy, taste and chutzpah to make that vision reality. Being with them reminds me of my old marina family, they're quirky and fun and gifted. They've made it work, and I'm proud to have played a small part.

-- Randy Wayne White	The New Doc Ford Novel
Visit Randy Wayne White's web site at DocFord.com