Winky The Giant Ice Cream Cone Stolen; Sand Bar Owner Wants It Back

MADEIRA BEACH, FL — As temperatures soar to 95 degrees this Memorial Day weekend, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is hot on the trail of a thief who stole a 4-foot-tall, 60-pound ice cream cone from a Madeira Beach ice cream parlor.

Unfortunately, if this cone crook committed the crime in the hopes of acquiring some cool refreshment, he was disappointed.

The giant cone is made entirely of fiberglass. It was part of a kitschy display that Lynne Poklikuha, owner of The Sand Bar at 121 129th Ave. E., Madeira Beach, set up to attract customers to her shop, which is just off the beaten path of the popular Johns Pass Village and Boardwalk historic commercial district.

A nurse for 17 years, Poklikuha decided to take the plunge and start her own business five years ago.

Word of Poklikuha's handcrafted ice cream with creative ingredients, including adult versions of ice cream cones and floats flavored with a variety of liquors, like Jim Beam maple bacon bourbon; her ice cream float bar, featuring traditional root beer floats as well as craft beer floats like Blue Moon Belgian White, and her Italian ices has quickly spread.

But it's Poklikuha's creative Florida-style decor with her own artistic touches that has earned her a top spot on Madeira Beach's "best place to take selfies list."

In addition to the giant ice cream cone mascot that Poklikuha dubbed "Winky," the colorfully painted bright yellow and royal blue exterior of The Sand Bar features a bright red surfboard bearing the shop's motto, "Lick Me 'Til Ice Cream" and a rendering of the shop's mascot.

Surfboards painted in equally vibrant hues and artistic decorations hang from the shop's exterior with one exception. Poklikuha left one surfboard plain white, so customers could write messages with colored chalk provided in a nearby basket.

Strings of pastel-painted bobbers hang along the porch railing, where customers are invited to kick back in Adirondack rocking chairs and listen to an acoustic guitarist or keyboardist perform. A pavered patio features a hopscotch court for the kids (or adults after a few boozy treats) with room to try to break the shop's hula-hoop record or create sand art using colorful shells.

Inside is a collection of jars containing sand that customers have donated from around the world.

In a tourist town where competition can be fierce, Poklikuha has taken pains to make The Sand Bar stand out.

"I've put my blood, sweat and tears into this business," she said. "That's why it was so disappointing when someone stole Winky."

The giant ice cream cone disappeared sometime during the night of May 1. Although Poklikuha has surveillance cameras around the shop, they failed to catch Winky's abductor.

Poklikuha promptly reported the loss of the mascot to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, eliciting more than a few chuckles from deputies when she declared that some culprit had hoodwinked her by swiping Winky during the night.

"I can see the humor in it but, still, someone stole from me; they committed a crime," she said. "And it's very frustrating."

Poklikuha paid about $900 for the giant ice cream cone, which isn't chump change for a struggling small business owner.

"I don't know if it was just a spring break prank or if it was taken maliciously," she said. "I just want Winky back."

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call Detective James Holden at 727-582-6200.

In the meantime, The Sand Bar remains busy even without the presence of its mascot.

"This place is a must-go to," said customer Lindsay Ponsetti. "The ice cream is the best I have ever had. The owner was awesome. Great for children. Such a hidden gem in Johns Pass. We will be back."

"Best place in Johns Pass," commented Elizabeth Barnes on The Sand Bar's Facebook page. "The floats are great and the beer floats come with a free koozie. The Italian ice is amazing. Awesome customer service — five stars."

"The best shaved ice, and beer floats for the adults," Wendy Angle said. "The owner is a beautiful lady and soul, and we can’t wait to go back. Her love for her business is evident through her product and repeat customers (who also become friends). Check it out. You won’t regret it."

The shop is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Click here for more information.