Lynyrd Skynyrd rocks Manatee County to help service industry employees

Sweet home Anna Maria; Where the skies are so blue; Sweet home Anna Maria; Lord, I'm coming home to you.

For one night on Dec. 15, sweet home for the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd won't be Alabama, but instead Anna Maria Island.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band has agreed to a short-notice benefit performance — Rock 'N' Support — at the Bradenton Area Convention Center to help gulf island hospitality workers who have been displaced by impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

"We were talking about what would bring people to a benefit," said John Horne, who has owned Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants since the first one opened in 1995 on Anna Maria Island. "There is hardly a home on the island that didn't have some kind of damage. People don't realize how devastating this was."

Horne, Elliott Falcione (the executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau), and Chris Culhane (the executive director of The Center of Anna Maria Island) agreed they would try Lynyrd Skynyrd.

They received an immediate "yes."

‘When we got the call, we were happy to jump on board,” said Lynyrd Skynyrd lead vocalist, Johnny Van Zant, in a Manatee County release. “We have family, friends and many fans affected by these storms. If we can raise some money for those in need and take people away for a night of great music, then hopefully that is a ‘win-win’ and brings a little comfort to the community. Let's go!"

According to the release, all proceeds from the event will benefit two local non-profit organizations, Horne's Shuckin’ Good Cause and The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Hurricane Relief Fund. Displaced hospitality workers will then be able to apply for grant assistance through the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Blues rocker Marcus King has agreed to open for Lynyrd Skynyrd in support of Rock 'N' Support.

"This concert will help raise funds for our barrier island hospitality employees — dedicated individuals who have consistently provided first-class service to our residents and visitors,” said Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn in the release.

Tickets are now on sale at CenterAMI.org. 

Horne said Falcione was the driving force behind the concert.

"Elliott, … that man cares so much about the community," Horne said. "He said we had to find a way to help people."