IN MEMORIAM

Calusa Brewing unexpectedly lost our friend and brother, Geordie Rauch, on March 4, 2026. To be honest, the world has felt a lot quieter since.

At Calusa, he was a steady presence, the kind of person who could walk into a room and immediately bring calm amidst the chaos. Always quick with a joke or a funny story, family and friendship were truly at the center of his world, and he loved to share that with our team members and patrons.

A Sarasota native, Geord grew up immersed in the waters and natural beauty of the barrier islands. Fittingly, his deep love for the outdoors helped guide his calling to serve following the 9/11 attacks and he earned a place in the Navy SEAL teams, where he served with distinction.

In 2014, he returned home, and together we founded Calusa Brewing in 2016. It was our dream to create a vibrant taproom filled with joy, laughter, and a plethora of well-made, tasty brews. What grew from those simple ideas, however, became more than we could have ever imagined. Quality was always at the forefront of Geordie’s mindset, and it was of the utmost importance to him that we remain committed to that principle above all else. As we celebrate our tenth year of operations, it stands as a testament to that commitment and even more importantly, to the friendships we have made along the way.

Those who knew him will remember his strength, fun-loving spirit, and loyalty. Geord lived his life at full speed, and he filled Calusa with that energy in every conversation, joke, and pint he shared with us. We take great pride in carrying that legacy forward, and it will live on with vigor in all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.