Doc Ford’s boosts CASA’s outreach during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Nov. 17, 2025) – Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille helped advance CASA’s outreach and awareness efforts, rallying guests and staff around the organization’s mission during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Through the CASA Cooler specialty cocktail, participation in the annual scavenger hunt and a direct contribution, Doc Ford’s provided meaningful support that added visibility and momentum to CASA’s work in the community.

During October, the restaurant sold 182 purple-tinted CASA Coolers, donating $500 for CASA’s
programs. Doc Ford’s was also a stop on the Oct. 25 scavenger hunt and fielded a six-person team who
raised funds and raced around downtown looking for clues.

“This is the second year Doc Ford’s has stood as a partner with CASA in ending domestic
violence,” said Meredith Rickards, general manager of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille at the St. Petersburg
Pier. “We support the organization’s important work and successes throughout our community.”

CASA, an acronym for Community Action Stops Abuse, is the official certified domestic violence center serving Pinellas and Marion counties with the mission “Stand Up to Silence.” Founded in 1977, the nonprofit challenges societal acceptance of all forms of domestic violence through advocacy,
prevention, intervention and support services for victims. The organization operates the area’s 24-hour
hotline and emergency shelter, support groups and additional services, including legal and housing
assistance, a kennel for pets, and school-aged anti-bullying programs. Learn more at casapinellas.org.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and its parent company, HM Restaurant Group, have supported
important environmental and community initiatives in Southwest Florida and the St. Petersburg area since
the restaurant’s founding on Sanibel Island in 2003. Doc Ford’s donates $1 from every Send It South
cocktail sold in Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach to Captains for Clean Water and has raised over $123,000
from specialty drinks for children’s hospitals in Southwest Florida and St. Petersburg.
Renowned for its legendary guest experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11
a.m. to 10 p.m.

With four locations, including Jungle Terrace in St. Petersburg, Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach in Southwest Florida, the award-winning restaurant offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Beloved for its sauces, spices and popular Yucatan shrimp served daily, it’s highly regarded by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular seafood restaurant. Doc Ford’s is a perennial TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winner. The St. Petersburg Pier restaurant was named the No. 1 restaurant for Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023.

Contact:
Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations, 239-275-5758,
[email protected]