Florida Powerboat Club proudly hosted the 23rd Annual Emerald coast Poker Run.
For the last 22 years the Emerald Coast Poker Run has been making waves in Northwest Florida!!! Boat week is a weeklong boating celebration on the Emerald coast that rounds out with The Emerald Coast Poker Run.
Boat week officially ran from August 19-23, with event activities held each day for participants. Activities kicked off Wednesday at Helen Back Cafe with a Lucky Ladies Night. Ramada Beach Resort held a happy hour on Thursday followed by the legendary Miss Boat Week Bikini Contest at the Swamp Nightclub. Friday was the day everyone along the coast heard that familiar rumbling of the engines from these Powerboats as they participated in an Afternoon Fun Run, Rock the Docks Beach Party. The Captain’s Dinner was hosted by AJ’s on Friday evening at the Harbor and it proved to be a real crowd pleaser. as these powerful boats come to the dock one at a time and pull up next to each other for all to see. Saturday from 10am-5pm participants boated approximately 120 miles from Sandestin to Pensacola Beach for 10 card stops, which was followed by the Big Bash at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. This event featured the Emerald Coast Charity Auction, entertainment and great food and of course the give-away of the Grand Prizes which included a 2015 Ford F 150 and a 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide. Sunday wrapped it up with a Crab Island Raft Up Party.
The Poker Run is one of the most popular events in the Florida Panhandle and is the largest summer poker run in the nation raising over $150,000 annually to help benefit several youth organizations through the Emerald Coast Foundation.This year’s annual Poker Run was no disappointment to those who participated, with most making plans to return next year. It truly was a week of fun and excitement along the Emerald Coast with boat week activities designed for the enjoyment of visitors as well as the local community.
