The annual Jacksonville Beach Pier Dance, sponsored by Casa Marina and Rock Solid Law, joined forces with Sterling Joyce’s annual birthday party for this year’s event benefitting Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (B.E.A.M.)
The event, featuring a Havana Nights theme, was held Dec. 18, at Casa Marina, and once again included music from the BayStreet band, of which Rock Solid Law founding attorney John Miller is an original bassist and vocalist. The event also featured a fashion show and performances by Who Rescued Who, DJ McGee and a Latin-inspired dance performance.
The first ever Jacksonville Beach Pier Dance, featuring music by BayStreet, was held in December 1998 and admission was at least one unwrapped toy and nonperishable food item. A new local charity, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry was selected to distribute the contributions to Beaches families during the holiday season. In 2004, the historical Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant adopted the event and became an additional sponsor.
Later, Casa Marina Maitre d’ Sterling Joyce adopted the blueprint from the Pier Dance for his birthday party, using his annual celebration to increase the donations that BEAM could distribute in the Beaches community.
Last fall, Mark Vandeloo, general manager of the Casa Marina, asked Miller and Joyce if they would be willing to combine their events into a single evening at the Casa Marina. The two agreed, and the 21st Annual Jacksonville Beach Pier Dance and Sterling's Birthday Party was born.
