The Lantz family began coming to the island in 1968 when my folks (mom was a second grade teacher and dad a professor) purchased a small cottage on the south end of the island, one house from the bay.  We enjoyed it for years but mom always wanted a place directly on the water.  She grew up near the shores of Lake Superior (a tad bit colder than the Gulf) and being next to water was in her blood!  When the Sailfish was put up for sale in 1972, my folks made the plunge and purchased it making them “resort owners”.  At that time the ocean came all the way up to the seawall where the patio now ends.  Paradise!

Our family has had many great years here at the beach.  All of us are swimmers so being right at the water’s edge was extremely special for us.  On calm days we would swim to the buoys and dive for sand dollars.  When the weather kicked up we would body surf up and down the shoreline.  We used to go spear fishing right off our patio, but that came to an end with the beach re-nourishment project.  When we needed a rest we would – and still do – walk the beach hunting for the lion’s paw shell or take it easy on the patio.

We truly believe that the Sailfish is a very special place.  No roads to cross or hallways to go down, just open the door, and you are there!

Marcie Lantz Driver