PALMETTO — The Bradenton Area Convention Center pulsed with energy on Thursday, Feb. 26, as a record-breaking crowd of 1,350 conservationists, anglers, and supporters packed the venue for the 27th Annual Conley Buick GMC CCA Florida Manatee County Banquet & Auction — the largest single event in the history of the Coastal Conservation Association Florida. The sold-out night blended Florida coastal camaraderie with serious fundraising for marine habitat protection. Attendees enjoyed an open bar, a hearty steak dinner catered by Detwiler’s Farm Market, hundreds of silent-auction items, raffle prizes, and a high-energy live auction featuring dream trips across Florida, the U.S., and the world. Conley Buick GMC served as title sponsor, joined by a powerhouse lineup of presenting partners: Phillips, Detwiler’s Farm Market, AVID Insurance, Arctic Air Services, Crowder Bros Ace Hardware, Rick Richards Inc., Hancock Whitney Bank, Ingman Marine, and The Toomey Family. A emotional high point came when legendary fishing personality Captain Rick Murphy received CCA Florida’s highest honor — the Ted Forsgren Conservation Award — for his decades of advocacy on behalf of the state’s marine resources. The evening’s biggest cheer erupted during the raffle drawing for the grand prize: a brand-new 2026 Pathfinder 2200 TRS center-console boat package, equipped with a 200HP Yamaha outboard and custom AmeraTrail aluminum trailer (MSRP $133,000). Dane Kelly was announced as the winner from the stage; the lucky angler did not need to be present to claim the prize. All proceeds from the banquet, auctions, and raffle support CCA Florida’s core mission: conserving and enhancing Florida’s coastal habitats, fighting for sustainable fisheries, and ensuring future generations can enjoy the same world-class fishing that defines the Sunshine State.
“The Manatee County Chapter has always known how to throw a heck of a party while getting real conservation work done,” said chapter leaders. “Thank you to our amazing committee members and every guest who made this an epic night.” Founded in 1999, the Manatee County Chapter remains one of CCA Florida’s largest and most active, with nearly 1,000 members. The organization uses events like this to fund habitat projects, reef deployments, and policy work that protect redfish, snook, tarpon, and the entire marine ecosystem. With this record-setting success, CCA Florida’s 2026 banquet season is off to a powerful start — proof that Florida’s angling community stands united for clean water, healthy fisheries, and coastal conservation. For more information on CCA Florida and upcoming chapter events, visit ccaflorida.org.
