HomeCommunity NewsIconic Christmas tree turns...

Iconic Christmas tree turns 20

HOLMES BEACH – Many businesses put up beautiful Christmas trees to celebrate the season, but one special tree is celebrating 20 years of making a personal connection with customers from around the world. Shawn Waters, owner of Solo’s Pizza in Holmes Beach, didn’t think much of it when he bought a tree two decades ago to put in his new pizza shop during its first Christmas after opening.

“I bought the tree for $35 back in 2002 from a couple that came in here all the time and had just bought a big new tree,” Waters said. “Little did I know back then how long it was going to be here with me. I set it up every year because I don’t do much decorating at my home since I spend most of my time here. My Christmas spirit comes from this place.”

Soon after setting up the tree, a tradition began with regular customers gifting him with ornaments. Waters thought it would be nice to have people sign the ornaments and date them so the memory of their visit would last forever.

“I don’t decorate, the customers do it for me and I’m very appreciative every time somebody brings me something to put on the wall or an ornament to hang on the tree,” he said. “All these ornaments on the tree are signed and dated by people that are or have been important to me. Several of them are no longer with us, having passed away, and that’s special because when I’m setting up the tree, I grab the ornament and have a chance to remember that person’s face. They get placed in a prominent spot on the tree.”

Waters jokes that every year he dreads the time-consuming work to put the tree together but, once he starts, he said he’s filled with Christmas spirit and winds up enjoying every minute of it year after year.

Solo’s Pizza is located at 3244 East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. The tree is easy to spot and Waters has no problem with anyone visiting getting some pictures to commemorate their visit to his Island business. Those lucky enough to arrive at the right time may even be able to grab one of the two tables that sit next to his prized tree.

Most Popular

More from Author

Man completes Chamber passport program in five hours

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - The annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of...

One ARK Foundation raises funds for foster families

live music, delicious food and spirited fundraising as the One ARK...

‘Communicating Doors’ a hilarious time warp

ANNA MARIA - The Island Players continue their historic 75th season...

Golf cart accident victims say ‘buckle up’

BRADENTON BEACH - One of the biggest concerns for the Island’s...

Floridian Mortgage wins championship

ANNA MARIA – Spring has sprung and winter sports at The Center are coming to a close, with team Floridian Mortgage earning the win against team Moss Builders Thursday night in the adult co-ed flag football championship game. The top two teams in the league matched up in...

Man completes Chamber passport program in five hours

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - The annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Passport Program is a fun way for residents and visitors to the Island to get out and discover Island businesses with a passport offered for free by the chamber. Participants are encouraged to get their passports...

One ARK Foundation raises funds for foster families

live music, delicious food and spirited fundraising as the One ARK Foundation held its second annual “Kindness Matters Extravaganza” at The Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe on March 21. “One ARK” stands for “one act of random kindness” and is a newly-established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by The Cheesecake...

Save our homes

This column should be titled “Save our Taxes,” since that’s what we’re really talking about. However, saving on property taxes is part of the Save Our Homes benefits and portability transfers are another piece of this law. In January of 2008, the Florida Legislature passed legislation that allows...

 Reel Time: Salon fundraiser meets with success

Salon (noun) - a conversational gathering of notables held at the home of a prominent person. On Saturday afternoon, Suncoast Waterkeeper held its Suncoast Salon fundraiser at the Sarasota home of Anna Maria residents Bill and Debbie Partridge. The event was a sellout and attracted some of...

Temporary paid parking vendors hired

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners considered four temporary use parking permits at the March 21 commission meeting and after much discussion, approved three with stipulations, denying one. Permit applications were submitted by developer Shawn Kaleta for temporary parking lots at 102 Third St. N., 207 Church Ave. and...

Fire department sued over rental regulations

BRADENTON – Almost a year after passing a resolution changing the district’s approach to taxing and inspecting vacation rental properties in residential areas, West Manatee Fire Rescue is receiving pushback from one rental owner. During a March 19 commission meeting, the district’s attorney, Maggie Mooney, informed the board...

Bridge Street traffic, parking among commission concerns

BRADENTON BEACH – In what was an unusually lengthy, seven-hour city commission meeting that began at noon on March 21, commissioners dove into parking and traffic issues, pickleball and organ donation. BRIDGE STREET ONE WAY? A Bridge Street business owner asked the commission to consider making Bridge Street one...

Scaccianoce new Bradenton Beach commissioner

BRADENTON BEACH – Ward 1 has a new commissioner. The application for commissioner by business owner and former Manatee County records manager Deborah Scaccianoce was approved by the commission and she was sworn in at its March 21 meeting. She filled the vacant seat left by former Commissioner Jake...

Kruse talks beach parking, Island consolidation

HOLMES BEACH – About two dozen people came out on March 20 to meet with Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse, bringing their questions for the candidate, who is seeking re-election in November. Kruse held a town hall meeting at the Island Branch Library where he answered every question...

Commissioners deny bids for paid parking

BRADENTON BEACH – Rather than partnering with an outside vendor as planned, commissioners are now considering city-managed paid parking lots throughout Bradenton Beach. The city had put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Feb. 9 to “Provide the City with a complete parking management and enforcement system...