Hey everyone, it’s Oli from Rod and Reel News. I want to start by giving you all a big thank-you for your amazing support. Our fundraiser has reached $71,370, with contributions from 728 incredible donors! This support means the world to us, and we’re grateful for all you’ve done, whether that’s donating or sharing our story.
Today, I’ve got a few updates and answers to some of your questions. First up, I’m happy to announce that our website, rodreelpier.com, is now fully on our own server. This change lets us share exactly the information we want, so you can now visit the site directly for news and updates as we move forward with the rebuild.
Another great update: Jeff, our permit expert, has been working with state and local agencies, and everyone’s on board to support the rebuild. While it’s going to be a slow, steady process, the support from officials is encouraging, and it means we’re on the right track to bring back the Rod and Reel. Many of you have asked if rebuilding is even possible, and while it’s a marathon, we’re committed to making it happen.
While we work on the permits and formal rebuild plans, we’re also considering some temporary options to keep things going and help fund the project. We’ve got two ideas: one is setting up a food truck on our parking lot, with a little deck and seating area for a great view of Tampa Bay while enjoying some classic food and drinks. We’re still working on permits for this, but it’s an exciting way to bring everyone back together. Another idea is to rent a vacant restaurant space on Anna Maria Island, which would allow us to bring staff back to work and generate funds for the rebuild. If you know of any available spots, drop us a line!
Now, I know a lot of you are curious about where the funds are going. Right now, the donations are covering essentials like payroll and health insurance for our team. We’re also paying those working on the permits and construction estimates. These funds are making a real difference, allowing us to keep moving forward, and we’re committed to full transparency in how every dollar is spent.
For those asking about direct donations, we encourage you to continue using GoFundMe—it’s convenient, even if they take a small fee. Additionally, some of you have offered to donate materials or invest. We’re keeping track of everyone’s offers, so please reach out if you’re interested, and we’ll be in touch once we have concrete plans.
We’re also setting up a merchandise section on our website, where you’ll soon be able to buy Rod and Reel shirts and caps, with proceeds going straight to the project. This will be up shortly, so stay tuned!
Finally, to prevent fraud, we’re establishing a “whitelist” on our website of trusted sellers who donate part of their sales to us. Ron Bongo, who sells shirts, and Suzanne, who sells paintings, are both verified donors on this list. This helps you know where your money is going and keeps everything above board.
Thanks again for your incredible support. Keep spreading the word, and stay tuned for more updates. We couldn’t do this without you!