Couples head to Siesta Key Beach to renew vows

By Ian Swaby
| 8:45 p.m. February 15, 2025

Russ and Carol Hoffman of Osprey renew their vows. They have been married 33 years and have been coming to the cermony almost ever year since 1999.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Twenty-two years ago, Marcie and David Moran were married in Rosemary Beach, Florida.

However, after moving to Sarasota in June, they found the next step of their life together, on another beach.

"We just moved here, so it was important to do it," said Marcie Moran.

They were one of the many couples that went to renew their wedding vows during sunset on Siesta Key Beach at the Say "I Do" Again ceremony, held Feb. 14.

The event, which has been held by Sarasota County for over 35 years, featured refreshments, music, photo opportunities and a non-denominational ceremony led by Judge Stephen Walker of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

Another couple who found themselves drawn to the event were Michael and Shirly Evans of Toronto, Canada, who formerly rented property in Siesta Key and now do so in Fort Myers.

They decided to return to the event, with Michael Evans calling Siesta Key Beach "one of the nicest beaches."

"I'm still the luckiest on our 40th wedding anniversary," said Siesta Key's Michael Roemer as he prepared to renew his vows with his wife Linda Roemer.

Marcie and David Moran of Sarasota celebrated 22 years.

Lynn and Scott Johnson of Lakewood Ranch dance on the beach. They have been married 36 years.

Taira and Shawn Foster celebrated 10 years.

Michael and Shirly Evans of Toronto have their photo taken by Jennifer Lampl of Sarasota County. The couple formerly rented in Siesta Key and enjoy visiting Siesta Key Beach to renew their vows. They have been married 44 years.

Linda and Michael Roemer of Siesta Key have been married for 40 years.

Laurie and Fred Rosen of Palmer Ranch have been married 33 years.

Patty and Gary Bucholtz of Sarasota have been married 35 years.

Jack and Veronique Carpenter have been married for 12 years.

John and Caroline Lake of Sarasota have been married 22 years.

Sarasota's Brandon and Tressa McLeod read their vows. They have been married 13 years.

Christy and Warren Hannas of Siesta Key have been married 25 years.

Jeff and Lise Javage of Sarasota have been married 6 years.

Judge Stephen Walker hosts the ceremony.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.