Sandy Bottom’s to hold ‘Jobu Fest’ to ward off hurricanes
Dawn and Mike Miller have made their mark on Fort Myers Beach in the short time they have been on the island. They purchased The Whale, the Sandy Bottom’s property and the former Fort Myers Beach Fire Station 31. They have been working to rebuild each property after the buildings were destroyed by Hurricane Ian.
On Saturday, they will to take an extra step to protect their properties from future hurricanes by holding a “Jobu Fest” at the Sandy Bottom’s property on Estero Blvd.
Inspired by the “Jobu” voodoo doll and rum shrine in the clubhouse of the classic “Major League” movie Cleveland Indians, Mrs. Miller said she hopes the event will “ward off” future hurricanes after the town has gone through a stretch where it has felt the impacts of a half dozen hurricanes the last three years.
“We will have an offering of “Jobu” that is being prepared now,” Miller said. “There will be an invocation and toast to ward off hurricanes.”
The event will take place on Saturday, May 31 at 2301 Estero Blvd. from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Miller said more than 200 people are expected to attend for the day before hurricane season.
A rum shrine is being created for the ritual, Miller said. There will also be food and refreshments. There will be cheesecakes served, the Cuban’s food truck will be on site as well as smoked meats that were once a popular staple at The Whale.
Miller said she got the inspiration from the movie “Major League” where Indianas slugger Pedro Cerrano constructs a rum shrine with a voodoo doll and cigar in the clubhouse in order to try to get out of a hitting slump where he is struggling to hit the curveball and the team is going through a losing streak.
“We need a ritual on our island to ward off hurricanes,” Miller said.
Currently, the Millers serve smoked meats at their Sandy Bottom’s property every Saturday. During the rest of the week, a Cuban’s food truck is on site. They hope to open the Sandy Bottom’s restaurant in November. Meanwhile, their rebuild of The Whale is moving swiftly and could open in September, Miller said. The Station 31 fire station could open in September as a new pizza carryout, sub and salad eatery as well as an electric bike store.
To reach Nathan Mayberg, please email nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com