SEBASTIAN – Tom Collins, one of the men who changed waterfront property forever in Sebastian, died unexpectedly Saturday.
The resort, sandbar, and full-service marina has made Capt Hiram’s one of Florida’s most unique and beloved destinations.
Collins, 69, built the property to honor the memory of Sergeant Hiram Collins, a brave World War II soldier and great-uncle, who was killed at Normandy Beach.
The evolution of Capt Hiram’s as a waterfront resort and restaurant is a unique story. The property was purchased by Collins in 1986, who partnered with Martin Carter and Jimmy Hoffman, to open what was then known as Sebastian Inlet Marina.
Since then it has grown from a small marina into the area’s largest waterfront resort, restaurant, and sandbar.
Capt Hiram’s River Raw Bar opened in 1987 with just 28 seats and has expanded continuously over the years, now accommodating more than 500 guests.
In the mid-1990s, the Sandbar was added, and that casual part of the operation has continuously expanded. Most recently they have added the Coral Bar, Scoops, Bimini Beach and the Grand Sand Bandstand.
The marina has also evolved over the years, growing from a facility with 14 boat slips to today’s full-service marina, with 60 slips.
Hotel rooms were the next logical step, originating in 1994 with the construction of four Captain’s Quarters rooms, located over the ship’s store.
The success of these rooms led to the development of the Riverfront Building, which opened in March of 2004.
In 2016, the resort built another new 16-unit, two-story building.
Sebastian Daily would like to extend our condolences to Tom’s family and friends.
