A match made in heaven: The Lani Kai and Cincy Firemen unite for a one-on-one Beach Bulletin exclusive
Creating the perfect unity of Spring Break heaven on Fort Myers Beach, the Cincinnati Firemen are teaming up with the Lani Kai Island Resort to make this year’s month-long college vacation one of the best, ever.
Since the first concept of this phenomenal venture was in the works back in early 2009, the Beach Bulletin has been bringing you the scoop, and we now present you with an exclusive interview between Cincy Firemen and Lani Kai staff. Enjoy.
“It’s a match made in heaven,” said Ken Conidaris, of the Lani Kai family. “We blend together really well and we can’t wait.”
The Cincinnati Firemen, a group of about 40 men who has been vacationing on Fort Myers Beach for 25 years and led by Angelo “Scar” Scarlato and Joe “Duke” Diebold, would usually stay at a quaint little Beach House near the Beach Pub for a few weeks a year, complete with hand-dug filtered tarp pool and island and plenty of swimsuit-clad college kids.
During their stay over the many years, the group became well-known for its daily crowd-pleasing performances that attracted hundreds from near and far to catch the hour-long revue, during which the boys entertained in the likes of the Blues Brothers, Grease, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and more.
This year, the visiting firemen will put these daily revues on at the Lani Kai, expecting to have an entire section of the resort dedicated to their shows and shenanigans by the pool area. Usually putting on a show for about 500 to 1,000 spectators, the boys are now going to perform for 3,000 to 5,000.
“We’re really excited,” Joe said. “All the guys are looking forward to it. We’ve kind of outgrown our spot at the beach house, and the Lani Kai is perfect great staff, great people. Everyone’s been so friendly.”
Angelo said the boys back home have already begun to rehearse new routines and dances for the gig, and gives a shout-out to a local who introduced the two parties.
“A big thank you to Tracey Gore, who hooked us up with Kenny,” he said.
Along with shows by the Lani Kai pool area and main stage, hotel general manager Larry Puccia said the guys will probably put a couple shows on in the Island View Restaurant on the top floor of the island resort.
“We’re in total compliance. Whatever we can do to make it work make it go,” he said.
Going to charity
Coming to Fort Myers Beach for so many years, it’s safe to say the massive group of visiting firemen have helped pour into the economy, dining out and living it up all around town while on the month-long break.
But this year, the boys are adding another element donating all funds raised during their shows to the Pete Renner Foundation, a local non-profit organization whose sole purpose is helping local families with children who have life-threatening illnesses or conditions but can’t afford to get them the medical attention they require.
The shows will be free to attend all ages welcome but all funds raised through the group’s annual T-shirt sales and pass-the-boot collections will go to the charity.
“We’ve gotten a lot from the people on this beach, and we feel like working with the Lani Kai, we’ll really be able to give back to the community,” Joe said.
*Catching a show, or two or three*
Be sure to catch a glimpse of the Cincinnati Firemen Review between March 7 and March 16 (and maybe March 17 and 18) around 1 p.m. every day (weather permitting).
Of course, after 9 p.m., the Lani Kai party grounds becomes 21 and up, so don’t forget your I.D.
And don’t worry, the boys will still have tons of beads to throw near and far, and there’s even talk of them representing the Lani Kai in a float during the annual St. Patty’s Day parade down Estero Boulevard, something the group has traditionally done every year on their own for the last 10 years.
During the Cincy boys’ big stay, Ken said the Lani Kai will be offering all types of drink specials to mark the occasion.
“This is gonna be bigger than New Year’s,” Ken concluded. “The Cincy Firemen are coming!”