Lbkguidefinal2015

Cover Artist Kris Parins

After earning an art degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kris studied graphic design. She worked as an art director and account executive, creating illustrations for her clients’ product graphics. Since 1998, she has devoted her creative

energy toward fine art in watercolor, maintaining studios in Wisconsin and Florida.The transparency and vibrancy of wa-tercolor, combined with an element of surprise, continue to keep her fascinated with this challenging medium. She also enjoys teaching workshops for experienced painters. A Signature Member of NWS and FWS, Kris’ award-winning paintings have been featured on the covers of mag-azines,in several editions of Splash, the Best of Watercolor, and in international exhibitions. She was selected as “One to Watch” by Watercolor Artist Magazine. d

Contents7 Longboay Key, Paradise Found

8 Outdoor Activities

9 Lido Key

11 Area Aerial Photo

12 Saint Armands Circle

12 Area Shopping

13 Saint Armands Circle: Then and Now

14 Area Parks

16 Historic Hot Spots

17 Historic Longbeach Village

18 Area Demographics

19 Town of Longboat Key

20 LBK Education Center

21 LBK Center For The Arts

22 Say “I DO” on LBK

26 Fabulous Fishing on Longboat

27 Resort at Longboat Key Club

27 Boating on the Key

28 The Birds of Longboat Key

29 Sports & Recreation

30 Things To Do

32 Arts and Culture

33 Accommodations

40 Dining Out on the Key

46 Membership Directory

51 Business Directory

©2015 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohib-ited, without the written permission of the publisher. This guide is in-

tended for use as a reference. This guide is believed to be accurate as of this publication date but no guarantee of any part is implied. Great effort has been made to review and edit this guide. It is believed to be accurate and neither Madison Ave Media & Design or the Longboat

Key Chamber of Commerce warrants any portion of this guide.

VISITOR GUIDE PRODUCTION

Madison Ave Media & Design, PublisherRick Bergére, Design & Production

Shona Otto, Advertising SalesLisa Colon, Production Assistant

Cathy Brown, EditorialGail Loefgren, Copy Editor/Proofing

Kristin Heintz, SBA Membership CoordinatorVictoria Jacobson, Membership Assistance

SPECIAL THANKS

Lisa Colon, Jack Elka, Florida Vacation Connection, RVA Resort Rentals, Dara Caudill, Stephanie Dubsky and all the LBK Chamber of Commerce Members who partici-

pated in this 2015 Visitor Guide & Business Directory

5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Ste 102, Longboat Key, FL, USA 34228941.383.2466 Fax 941.383.8217

www.longboatkeychamber.com

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in May,1958 and has approximately 330 members. The Chamber

strives to make Longboat Key, Lido Key & St Armands Key great places to do business while respecting the residential character of the Keys. Tourism is the Chamber’s main business, and besides

being the information center of the islands and providing networking opportunities for its members, the Chamber seeks ways to support

the community. The Chamber welcomes you to these island paradises. Enjoy your stay and please return to visit or live.

OUR MISSIONTo promote an environment that enhances business

opportunities for members and maintains Longboat Key as a premier island community.

CORPORATE PARTNERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORSChair, Jeff Mayers, The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Secretary, Gail Loefgren, LBK Chamber of Commerce

DIRECTORS

Tonya Atchison

Jack Dean, G. Fried FlooringAmerica

Michael T. Doll, Longboat Key Financial Group

Tammy Halsted, RVA, Resort Vacation Accommodations

Darren Inverso, Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos, P.A.

Mark Meador, Casa del Mar Beach Resort

Asima Palmer, SunTrust Bank, SW Florida

Peg Pluto, Tommy Bahama

Anne Ross, Town of Longboat Key

Yvonne Schloss, Sunglass Express Optical

Jim Seaton, Longboat Limousine/Suncoast Sedans/Liquid Limousine

Matt Walsh, Observer Media Group

dThe 2015 Official LBK Chamber of Commerce Visitor Guide &

Business Directory is marketed & produced for the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce by Madison Ave Media and Design,

PO Box 11450, Bradenton, FL 34282941.321.3589 941.351.0979

[email protected]

The town of Longboat Key turned fabulous 59 on Nov. 14, 2014. The island itself enjoys a vivid heritage that predates the town’s formation in 1955.

Longboat Key has been a prime vacation destination for hundreds—if not thousands—of years. Its earliest known tourists were Calusa and Timucuan Indians who lived on the mainland east of the Key but traveled there to enjoy many of the same attractions that draw visitors to its shores today: the striking beaches and luscious seafood harvest.

In 1538, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto led an expedition to Florida in search of gold. Instead, he found shimmering sunsets and inviting sands. De Soto’s scout and treasurer, Juan Anasco, explored the area and is said to have been the first European to set foot on Longboat Key.

But it wasn’t until the late 1800s that Longboat Key had its first permanent residents. In 1888, Thomas Mann, a Confederate soldier and carpenter, moved his family to a simple thatched hut he built on the north

end of the Key. In 1891, as part of the Homestead Act, Mann was awarded 144.47 acres in what is now the Longbeach Village neighborhood of Longboat Key.

Communities began to develop in the early 1900s, both at the north end of the island and mid-Key, where a bountiful agricul-tural community of approxi-mately 18 families flourished.

The Mistletoe steamship carried visitors between the island and the mainland, and also shipped produce from farmer Byron Corey’s dock, which was known as Corey’s Landing. A hurri-cane in October 1921 destroyed island farming and most existing structures on Longboat Key. Undaunted, during the next 30 years, families continued to

migrate to the Key. On November 14, 1955, residents voted to incorporate it as a town.

The course of the island’s history changed in 1959 when Arvida Corporation purchased waterfront

Longboat Key Paradise Found

SLongboat Key was most likely named for the longboats the Spaniards used

to explore the shores once they made landfall.

In 1821, infamous pirate Jean Lafitte was shipwrecked on or near

Longboat Key for several months. Buried treasure, anyone?

Longboat Key is served by two newspapers published year-round,

the Longboat Observer and the Longboat Key News.

Famous former/current Longboaters include Aerosmith’s lead guitarist Joe Perry, tennis great Maria Sharapova

and artist Ed Miracle.

S

6 Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Visitor Guide & Business Directory 7

property on the south end of Longboat and its sur-rounding keys for $13.5 million. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Arvida developed plans for condominiums and golf courses which would give the Key its current distinctive character. Today, Longboat Key enjoys a year-round popu-lation of 8,000 and draws as many as 22,000 in peak season, usually considered February through Easter weekend. And just like the Key’s original tourists, residents and visitors alike enjoy its beautiful beaches and the picture-perfect weather. In addition, today’s is-landers also cherish the many recreational and cultural attractions the Key has to offer, along with unique shops and outstanding restaurants located both on or a stone’s throw from the island. Centuries after Calusa and Timucuan Indians became Longboat Key’s earliest day-trippers, it’s still a popular tourist destination. Case in point, Longboat Key is consistently named one of the best beaches in Florida and was voted the # 2 North American island travel destination in the Condé Nast Traveler 2010 Readers’ Choice Survey. But Longboaters who revel

in its optimum weather, incomparable beaches and abundance of local happenings don’t need a survey to tell them that their beloved isle is paradise found. d

Outdoor ActivitiesLongboat Key has a wide assortment of open-air sports. There’s hiking and bicycling (even of the re-cumbent variety) along Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy a vast array of watersports on the turquoise waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Swim in its warm, crystal-blue seas, paddle board or just plain float. There are 10 miles of paved bicycle paths to discover, birding opportunities, wetlands and coastal hammock forests to explore. If relaxed beachcombing is more your speed, you can soak up the sun, search for seashells and even sharks’ teeth. There’s a big cat habitat nearby and seasonal turtle nesting sites, too. The shores are plentiful with dolphin and manatee sightings all year long. It’s also an angler’s delight with a selection of piers to cast off from and even fishing of the deep-sea vari-ety. Charter a boat or rent a seagoing vessel to motor around the coast. Eco-cruises are another option. Sarasota Sailing Squadron anchors the Key to the south at City Island. Past the Mote Marine Aquarium to the water’s edge, you’ll soon see sailboats dotting the sensational view of downtown Sarasota’s skyline. More than 800 families sail at the Squadron, which is open seven days a week. The facility holds several regattas each year and also allows visiting sailors to dock for a nominal fee on non-regatta days. The Squadron is also the launching spot for the Sarasota SUP (stand-up paddle-boarding) race series. All you need is a long board, a paddle and a solid sense of balance. Adventurous SUP yoga instructors even lead students in gentle moves while balancing on boards in the waters off Longboat or Lido Keys. Other popular outdoor sports include kayaking through the lush mangroves, calming yoga on the beach, tennis and golf. Contact the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-383-2466 for more details. d

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Paleo and Calusa Indians

who lived on Lido Key and the surrounding lands for 4,000 years

worshipped the sun. One glimpse at our sun-drenched shores makes

it easy to understand why. The Indians left the barrier island after

Spanish explorers arrived in search of gold in the 1500s. For more

than three centuries, the barrier island was largely uninhabited.

Lido Key


Lido Beach & Pool 400 Ben Franklin Drive, Lido Key

You’ll find Lido Beach and pool situated on 15 acres along the Gulf of Mexico and Lido Key, a half-mile southwest of St. Armands Circle on Ben Franklin Drive. Its many amenities include a swimming pool, pavilion, ample parking, beach wheelchairs, con-cessions, picnic facilities, a gift shop, a playground, clean, modern restrooms and a recreation building. The swim pavilion includes a 25-meter lap pool with five lanes for lap swimming. The beach is the former site of the Lido Beach Casino, which opened in May 1940 and became a magnet for residents and visitors alike. Its design incorporated Art Deco aspects with modern and Frank Lloyd Wright accents. Demolished in 1969, this wonderful community complex took the casino’s place roughly one year later. The Lido Beach Pool and Pavilion is open from 10 am to 4:45 pm Tuesday through Sunday, weather per-mitting. It’s closed on Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Alcoholic beverages, food, drink and pets aren’t permitted inside the pool’s fenced-in area. Daily fees vary based on age; three-month seasonal and annual passes are available. d

For more information, call (941) 329-6181.

In the 1920s, entrepreneur John Ringling took an interest in Lido Key after his family’s circus moved its winter headquarters to nearby Sarasota. Hoping to inspire then-president Warren G. Harding to buy a winter residence on neighboring Bird Key, Ring-ling named the streets on Lido Key after American presidents to entice Harding. In fact, the John Ringling Estate on Bird Key was known as “The Winter White House” in 1923. In 1940, the city of Sarasota opened the Lido Ca-sino with funding from the Works Progress Adminis-tration (WPA), the largest New Deal agency, to attract tourists and provide jobs. The casino became a popular attraction in the 1940s and 1950s. Tourists lined up to have their pictures taken with the massive seahorse sculptures attached to the building. Although the ca-sino was demolished in 1969, today, the inviting Lido Beach Pavilion stands in its place. Lido Key was among the barrier islands that Arvi-da Corporation purchased for $13.5 million in 1959. Nine years later, the public protested when Arvida proposed enlarging part of Lido Key as it had Bird Key. As a compromise, Arvida sold Sarasota County the northern and southern tips of Lido Key to use as county parks.

Today, Lido Key’s stunning, powdery white sand beach (re-nourished in 2009) is dotted with hotels and motels. A population of about 2,500 full- and part-timers live here in the peak season. Like it was to Lido Key’s earliest residents, sun-worship is a prereq-uisite here. d

Sarasota BayLongboat Key

Lido Key

BradentonAnna Maria Island

St. Armands Circle

City Island

Gulf of Mexico

Bird Key

Sarasota


throughout St. Armands Key. Visit the Circus Ring of Fame in St. Armands Circle Park, which honors Sara-sota’s hearty circus tradition. (Picture the Hollywood Walk of Fame but for circus folk.) Each year, the Cir-cus Ring of Fame Foundation inducts new members. Most of the Circle shops open by 10 am, Mon-day through Saturday, and all stores open by noon Sundays. Breakfast eateries open by 7 am seven days a week, and other restaurants generally welcome cus-tomers between 11 am to 11 pm, seven days a week. The Circle also is the spot for a variety of special events like Mardi Gras, Halloween “Fright Night on St. Armands” and “Holiday Night on St. Armands.” d

A true visionary, John Ringling, fell in love with the area well before the Roaring Twenties. So much so that he purchased St. Armands Key in 1917. Today, Ringling’s hopes for St. Armands Key as the jewel of Sarasota have finally been realized. The circus tycoon pictured a welcoming ring of resi-dential and shopping units that would take the form of a circle. He toiled to bring his vision to light in the 1920s but the stock market crash of 1929 temporarily put it on hold. Sadly, St. Armands Circle sat dormant until the 1940s and 1950s, when businesses began to flock to the shopping district. Today, it’s the gem Ringling once imagined, and draws shoppers and diners from around the world. St. Armands Circle has more than 130 thriving businesses, from boutiques to gift shops, restaurants, galleries and salons.The shopping possibilities include high-end men’s and women’s fashion and accessories, one-of-a-kind jewelry, original art, décor and gifts, antiques and a selection of specialty items. Thoughtful reminders of Ringling are dotted throughout the Circle. His historic statue, along with more recent additions, which include the “Seven Virtues of Sarasota,” are on view around the Circle and

St. Armands CircleA Shopping Shangri-La

St. Armands Key is named for Frenchman Charles St. Amand—and yes, that is a misspelling. St. Amand purchased a total of 131.89 acres on the Key in 1893 for a whopping $21.71, but his name was misspelled in the original deeds. St. Amand and other pioneers fished in the surrounding waters and grew produce, shipping it to the mainland. St. Amand sold the land one year later, in 1894, to Angus McInnes for $1500. It was resold several times before 1917 when John Ringling bought it, envisioning

it as a high-end shopping destination. In 1925, Ring-ling began construction of a causeway that would join St. Armands Key to the mainland. Real estate sales topped $1 million in one day in 1926, when sales of the John Ringling Estate launched. But most transac-tions were made with minimal deposits, which were forfeited or returned after the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression that followed. Ringling donated the causeway to the City of Sarasota because he was unable to maintain it. For the next 20 years, St. Armands Key sat virtually barren, with vegetation overgrowing what was once the grand Circle. But in the 1940s and 1950s, businesses began to revisit the Circle. By the 1960s, it had earned the rep-utation of a premier shopping destination that it still maintains today, with 100+ thriving businesses. Roughly 750 residents are on St. Armands Key, many of whom are members of the St. Armands Key Residents Association, founded in 1951. Recently, residents and merchants banded together to restore Ringling’s historic statues, paying homage to Ringling’s vision for St. Armands Key and for Sarasota. d

St. Armands KeyThen & Now


More Area Shopping

Shoppes of Bay Isles2600 block of Gulf of Mexico DriveA one-stop shopping haven with a mega-grocery store, pharmacy, beauty salon, dry cleaners, wom-en’s clothing store, etc. Opened in 2012, Publix is a true showpiece, one of just three nationwide built as a similar prototype. At almost 50,000 square feet, it features a hot/cold food bar, Pacific wok station plus a wine-chilling facility to keep your vino at the ideal temperature while you peruse the aisles.

The Centre Shops5300 block of Gulf of Mexico DriveLocated mid-island are a collection of special-ty boutiques, galleries and an array of tempting restaurants. The Longboat Key Education Center and the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce are found here as well.

Whitney Beach Plaza6800 block of Gulf of Mexico DriveSituated at the north end of Longboat Key, this shopping plaza houses a liquor store, restaurant, salon, real estate office, attorney, dry-cleaning kiosk, and more. Its recent renovation is attracting exciting new tenants.

Whether you’re seeking that perfect keepsake as a memento of your vacation or are on a quest for unique stores or general services, Longboat Key has it all.

Bayfront Park & Recreation Center4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key The Bayfront Park Recreation Center currently houses a large rec center which boasts not only fitness classes and bridge games but also serves as a commu-nity gathering spot. Tucked behind the main building is a baseball field, tennis courts, and even a basketball court and shuffleboard court.

Joan M. Durante Park5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key A rare jewel on the Key, this 32-acre park is one of the few remaining vacant properties on the island. It’s the winning result of a private/public partnership to restore the land as a viable wetland and coastal ham-mock forest. Key resident James Durante established the park in 1993 to honor the memory of his late wife. The Town of Longboat Key maintains the park’s thriving vegetation year-round. It includes a pavilion, a children’s playground and a lake. Bicycle and board-walk paths transect the entire property.

North Lido Beach Park400 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota A first-rate choice for swimming and fishing, North Lido Beach Park also has nature trails. The unspoiled beach and dune system makes this a popular place for birdwatching. The park is also an essential sea turtle nesting site.

South Lido Park2201 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota Tucked away at the end of Benjamin Franklin Drive, South Lido Park is a “must” for those who appreciate Mother Earth’s splendor. The 100-acre park gives a panoramic view of downtown Sarasota and the Gulf of Mexico. Its amenities include a picnic area, a canoe and kayak launch, fishing, jogging/walking trails, a playground, an observation tower and decks.

Longboat Key & Lido Key Parks

Ken Thompson Park/City Island1700 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota This sprawling 84-acre park truly has something for everyone. There are three boat ramps, fishing piers, a playground, and a recreation area with benches and picnic tables. The park is home to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, which dates back to the late 1930s and now has 800 member families who take advantage of the organi-zation’s many sailing programs. In addition, the park houses Save Our Seabirds, a nonprofit facility dedicat-ed to caring for and treating the ailments of the island’s many bird varieties. Also located in the park is the Mote Marine Lab-oratory & Aquarium, founded in 1955. It houses a massive aquarium, among whose inhabitants include dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and seahorses. Inter-active exhibits like a stingray petting section, classes, educational opportunities and Eco-Boat excursions are part of the Mote experience.

Quick Point Nature Preserve100 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key Originally called “The Hook,” Quick Point covers 34 acres on the island’s south end. The Town of Longboat Key acquired the land in 1985 from Arvida Corpora-tion, which developed most of the Key in the 1970s and 1980s. The preserve has verdant paths which meander around lagoons, mangroves and other native plant species, and even features an osprey nesting pole.

Bicentennial Park2730 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key Nestled near Longboat Key Town Hall sits a one-acre park known as a choice spot to refresh and reflect. The partly-shaded grounds were dedicated to the town on the US bicentennial, July 4, 1976. It sits just off the bike path and is an inviting place to pause on benches beneath a canopy of trees. It’s also a prime vantage point to admire the dazzling butterfly garden planted by the Longboat Key Garden Club. The park is recognized as a Florida Model Garden by the state for its low maintenance and eco-friendly qualities.

14 Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce

Although Longboat Key officially became a town in 1955, the island’s colorful past dates back hundreds of years. In the early 1990s, the town joined forces with the Longboat Key Historical Society to create seven markers that detail Key history. Jump on your bike, put on your walking shoes or hop in the car and take a trip back in time.

Overlook Park Drive north on New Pass Bridge and make a sharp left before the Chart House Restau-rant. You’ll see Marker # 1 located at the site where John Ringling began building his luxurious Ritz-Carl-ton Hotel in 1926. Even though Ringling never com-pleted the hotel, it’s still the source of local legend—and was known as the “Ghost Hotel,” because it stood empty for almost 40 years.

2162 Gulf of Mexico Drive Before Longboat Key became a vacation paradise, the island entertained a small, vibrant farming community. In the early 1900s, near where Marker # 2 stands, roughly 18 fami-lies grew a variety of fruits and shipped them from Key pioneer and farmer Byron Corey’s dock. Farming on Longboat Key came to an abrupt end after an October 1921 hurricane.

3960 Gulf of Mexico Drive On a sunny day, you’re almost guaranteed to see boaters enjoying the Gulf of Mexico’s clear, turquoise waters. Marker # 3 explains the crucial role of boats on the island. Timuc-uan and Calusa Indians reached the Key by canoe, and

during the 1500s, Spanish ships were common sights. In 1539, explorer Hernando de Soto made landfall with 600 men just north of the Key on the shores of the Manatee River.

4250 Gulf of Mexico Drive Today, Longboat Key’s beaches are serene, but as Marker # 4 describes, this wasn’t the case during World War II. Fighter pilots assigned to the 717th base unit at Sarasota Army Air-field routinely skimmed across Sarasota Bay for train-ing exercises, shooting at German tank silhouettes.

4800 Gulf of Mexico Drive These days, resi-dents and visitors plan their schedules around a pleth-ora of fun-filled activities on Longboat Key. However, during World War II, their day-to-day lives were dic-tated by the frequent military drills that resulted in a mid-Key portion of Gulf of Mexico Dr. being blocked off for these exercises, as described in Marker # 5.

Opposite 631 Broadway in Longbeach Village Back in 1888, Civil War veteran Thomas Mann became Longboat Key’s first permanent resident when he built a thatched hut in what is now the Village, where Marker # 6 is locat-ed. By about 1915, nearly a dozen homes were built throughout the Village, using an innovative concrete mixture. A majority of those antique structures still survive today. Although many have undergone major renovations, they stand as testament to these early settlers’ fortitude.

Further Down Broadway, North of the Present Dock Before the 1921 hurricane, a town dock stood near Marker # 7. Large ships carried tourists and fishing parties to the dock from Tampa and then continued on to Corey’s Dock to deliver fresh produce to Sarasota on the mainland.

HistoryjOn May 7, 1986, 50 people were present at the first meeting of The Village Civic Association. They decided to christen themselves the Longbeach Village Association as a nod to the old village of Longbeach’s post office, which stood within their neighborhood. Longbeach Village has grown gently in the almost 30 years since. To date, there are about 155 registered members of the Village Association - and not all of these members actually live in the Village. Reflective of the place’s welcoming spirit, anyone who has an interest is invited to join. With regular potluck dinners and holi-day-themed parties, this group both lives and so-cializes together. The residents also make the most of each other’s talents and have formed conversa-tional French groups, a play group for dogs, and

gather for regular softball games. Privacy is also respected in the Village, so there are plenty of places to revel in the peace and quiet. The beach is a soothing spot to stroll, sun or read, while the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a divi-sion of Ringling College of Art and Design, offers classes, exhibitions, concerts, lectures and other special events. Longboat Village is a haven for a colorful me-nagerie of creatures. Besides regal peacocks, there are ibis, wild parrots, egrets and tortoises. How the peacocks actually made their way to the Village is a mystery and the basis of several vivid stories. Some believe the peacocks were gifts from a few town commissioners, while others swear the birds were liberated from cages and somehow made their way to the Village. Over the years, the peacocks have propagated into a spirited flock who love to flaunt their vibrant plumage and strut up and down the streets, never turning down a photo op. d

fisherman laying anchor with a fresh catch for nearby restaurants. It exudes a relaxed, easygoing feel that’s contagious. Just across the road, the Gulf of Mexico kisses the sands of Whitney Beach. d

Historic Longbeach Village There’s no doubt about it, Longbeach Village has a different vibe than the rest of the Key. The pace is slower, the aura slightly magical. A peacock could stroll by at any given moment or your neighbor might invite you for an impromptu barbecue. There’s still the feeling of a laid-back fishing village here. To reach Longbeach Village, simply turn onto Broadway off Gulf of Mexico Drive. Hidden away on the north end of Longboat Key is historic Longbeach Village. In its earliest days, it was a transient fishing enclave but most recently, it’s attracting year-round residents who treasure its slower pace and down-home charm. Longbeach Village’s draw is not only its old-world ties to the Key and to Florida in general, but also its unique footprint and vibrant energy. Houses that date back to the 1920s blend harmoniously with new, more contemporary structures. Driving down Broadway, Longbeach Village’s main “strip,” the water and docks beckon at the other end. Circling Bay Drive, might reveal a kayaker or a

Historic Hotspots


Visitor InformationLongboat Key is a 10.8-mile barrier island in South-west Florida. On the east side, the Key encloses the western boundary of Sarasota Bay. It’s bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico. The dense mangroves of the Key’s eastern edge are a popular spot for kayakers and boaters to catch a glimpse of wildlife like dolphins and manatees. The Key is separated from neighboring islands by deep water passes from the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay. On the north end, Longboat Pass Bridge connects the Key to Bradenton Beach. On the south end, New Pass Bridge links Longboat Key to St. Armands Key.

Longboat Key’s sister island, St. Armands Key is 83.6 acres, while Lido Key is 530 acres in total. Both lie to the south of Longboat Key and are located west of Sarasota, which is on the mainland. Lido Key is bor-dered by Sarasota Bay on the east and west, while St. Armands Key is surrounded by Lido Key to the west and Sarasota Bay to the east. d

TransportationLongboat Key’s primary thoroughfare is Gulf of Mexico Drive (SR 789), a two-lane state highway that runs the length of the Key from north to south. All other byways are town-owned, two-lane roads which connect to Gulf of Mexico Drive. St. Armands Key’s main route is also SR 789, which takes you around St. Armands Circle and into Sarasota. Benjamin Franklin Drive is Lido Key’s major trans-portation artery, and is located west of Boulevard of the Presidents on St. Armands Circle. The Intracoastal Waterway traverses Sarasota Bay and is accessible from Longboat Key from both the Gulf passes and through numerous channels reachable from the island’s bayside. In addition to driving, the Sarasota County Area Transit and Manatee County Area Transit systems have a bus/trolley service that makes convenient stops all along the island. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport at 6000 Airport Circle is the best way to reach the Longboat Key vicinity by air. Located east of Tami-ami Trail (US 41), in Sarasota, on the Manatee/Saraso-ta county line, it’s only 30 minutes from Longboat Key. Visit www.srq-airport.com or call 941-359-5200 for more information. d

2015 Weather Report

Daily High temp. Avg. Gulf temp. Jan 71 63 Feb. 73 64 March 76 68 April 81 74 May 86 80 June 89 84 July 90 86 Aug. 90 86 Sept. 89 84 Oct. 85 78 Nov. 79 70 Dec. 73 64

On average, Sarasota’s warmest month is July and January is the average coolest month. The maximum average rainfall usually falls in August.


The Town of Longboat Key was born on November 14, 1955. On that date, 199 of the island’s 250 regis-tered voters gathered in a tiny fire station and voted 186-13 in favor of incorporation. Longboat Key has grown exponentionally in its first 59 years. Development started gradually but hit its peak in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it has more than 6,200 registered voters, a population of 8,000 per-manent residents and a headcount of approximately 22,000 during peak season. Divided between Sarasota and Manatee counties, the Town is governed by the seven-member Longboat Key Town Commission and is administered under a town manager/council form of government. The Town has roughly 120 employees and a full complement of departments, including Planning, Zoning and Building, Public Works, Town Clerk, Police, Fire-Rescue, IT and Finance. Longboat Key is consistently ranked as one of the 10 safest towns in Florida. The Police Department includes 20 sworn officers, many of whom are also

EMTs. The police marine patrol units keep a watchful eye on the waterways surrounding the Key. The Fire-Rescue Department has 33 sworn emergency personnel, all of whom are paramedics or EMTs. The department also provides valuable services to the community, including blood-pressure screening, fire/safety inspec-tions and CPR training. The Town is responsible for maintaining one of the Key’s most valuable assets: its 12 miles of pristine, white sand beach which makes the island a world-class tourist destination. It also cares for the 12 public beach points of access. Town-operated recreational facilities include the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, which has 10 soft clay courts, teaching professionals, an observation deck and regular events; and Bayfront Park Recreation Center, where you’ll find regular fitness classes and bridge games plus a playground, tennis, basketball and shuffleboard courts, and a multipurpose ball field. d

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Corporate Partner

Town of Longboat Key

For those who love learning new things, there is no better place to culti-vate that love than at the Longboat Key Education Center. The Longboat Key Education Center, a nonprofit adult enrichment center, provides a wide range of education and recreation classes to residents and winter visitors to Longboat Key, as well as those who live in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Laura Taubes founded the Education Center in 1985 with the belief that continued learning keeps the mind active and the spirit young. It’s mission is to serve “all adults regardless of residence or educational background.” The Education Center is open from October through April and is divided into three terms: fall, winter and spring. There are more than 150 courses offered, ranging from yoga and tai chi to foreign affairs and book clubs that last from four to eight weeks. All courses are non-credit, and there are no prerequisites for admission. The center also offers lecutre series, performing-arts series, one-day workshops and guided

day-long trips throughout Florida. Performances such as live jazz combos, theater perfor-mances, piano recitals, movies and lectures from local and national speakers can be enjoyed throughout the season. The Education Center is open to the public and features exhibits by local artists and faculty members. For more information about the Education Center, visit its website at www.lbkeducationcenter.org or call 941-383-8811. d

Longboat KeyCenter for the Arts

Longboat Key has long lured visitors for its beautiful weather and equally captivating beaches, but one of its true jewels is the Longboat Key Center for the Arts (LBKCA). Nestled in the historic Longbeach Village neighborhood, LBKCA, a division of Ringling College of Art and Design, is a mecca for creative minds and artists and art lovers alike. Acquired by the College in 2007, LBKCA has a 60+ year history on Longboat Key. As a member of the Ringling College community, LBKCA brings RCAD instructors, alumni, and students to deliver profession-al fine arts instruction through a series of MASTER classes, demos, workshops, and community art classes. Inspired exhibitions from regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists, along with visiting artist lectures and demos, create a platform for cultural conversation and community gathering. Community events include concerts, gallery openings, and select films to bring visitors from across the gulf coast of

Florida to engage, create, collaborate, and experience the arts and culture. With an ever-changing array of events and exhibitions, LBKCA is always an exciting place to spend some time, whether you are a resident or visiting for a short time. d

Longboat Key

Education Center


Stop by during business hours: January -April: Tuesday through Saturday, 11-5May -August: Tuesday through Friday, 10-4September - December: Tuesday through Friday, 11-5

Located at 6860 Longboat Drive South, Longboat Key, FL, 34228.For more information, contact LBKCA at 941.383.2345 or [email protected] or visit www.ringling.edu/lbkca

w EVENT & WEDDING PLANNERS Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Lynn Christensen(941) 383-07775600 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Sand Petal Weddings, Cathy Mills(941) 923-6060 (877) 933-86994602 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL 34233email: [email protected]

w HAIR & MAKE-UP ON LOCATION

A Victorian Bride Hair & Make-up StudioArtist - On Location, Linda A. Shepard(941) 928-36512746 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL [email protected]

w LIMOUSINES

Longboat Limousine/Suncoast Sedans, Jimmy Seaton(941) 383-1235 (800) 525-4661Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w PARTY/EVENT RENTALS Rental Depot Weddings Tents & Events Co.Alan Giever (941) 929-9382 3914 Swift Road, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

w PHOTOGRAPHERS

Island Photography & DJ, Inc., Dara Caudill(941) 778-56765804 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

A Wedding Destination

With its idyllic weather, golden beaches and breathtaking vistas, Longboat Key is a memorable place to exchange wedding vows. Our local mer-chants can make your special day as unique as you are. In addition to a superior selection of venues and caterers, you’ll find artful florists, top-notch salons, stellar limousine services, skilled photographers and videographers, professional entertainment specialists plus excellent accommodations for your out-of-town guests - and friendly staff eager to give suggestions about area attractions.

Now it’s easier than ever for couples to say “I do” to all that the island has to offer, thanks to the Key Wed-ding Professionals. This ever-growing referral network provides full-service expertise, whether you’re looking for a show-stopping DJ, seeking a noteworthy officiant or wondering where to hold the ultimate rehearsal dinner. Not only are Longboat Key’s beaches intimate but they can serve as a gorgeous backdrop as you begin your new journey together. If exchanging your vows barefoot in the silky sand isn’t your preference, you can choose from four-star resorts for large affairs to mom-and-pop establishments for a more homey touch. There are also luxuriant gardens, parks and golf courses, not to mention superb restaurants, and five houses of worship. The choices are endless. Marriage licenses can be obtained for approxi-

w BABY SITTER & NANNY REFERRAL

Elite Family Care, Debra Fortosis(941) 556-11173947 Clark Road, Ste D, Sarasota, FL 34233email: [email protected]

w CATERING Beach Bistro, Sean Murphy(941) 778-64446600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] www.beachbistro.comThe Bijou Cafe, Jean Pierre Knaggs(941) 366-81111287 First Street, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.bijoucafe.net

The Blue Dolphin Cafe, Robbie Ball(941) 383-37875370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #101Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] www.bluedolphincafe.com

Café L’Europe, Nancy Rose(941) 388-4415431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]’s Continental Kitchens, Lynn Christensen(941) 383-07775600 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Find Your Bliss

w CHURCHES / SYNAGOGUES Christ Church of Longboat Key (Presbyterian U.S.A.), Mike Gardiner(941) 383-88336400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Longboat Island Chapel Weddings, Laurie Shuttleworth (941) 685-74376200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key, Inc., Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz(941) 383-3428567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w DJS / MUSICIANS / LIVE BANDS

Island Photography & DJ, Inc., Dara Caudill(941) 778-56765804 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] Goodley Entertainment, Jay Goodley(941) 480-9600238 W. Tampa Avenue, Venice, FL 34285email: [email protected]

mately $95 at the Sarasota County Clerk of the Courts, 2000 Main St., Sarasota (941-861-7400) and Manatee County Clerk of the Courts, 1115 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton (941-741-4020). (To avoid waiting in line for the paperwork, Sarasota County even has e-Mar-riage Self-Service Kiosks.) Clergypersons are onhand to officiate, and you have the option of a civil officiant as well—Florida’s Notaries Public are authorized to officiate at weddings in our state.

Call 941-383-2466 or email us at [email protected].

Corporate PartnersMember Plus


Jack Elka Photography, Jack Elka(941) 778-2711315 58th Street, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] / www.jackelka.com

Moments in Time Photography, Fred Mailloux(941) 362-4567 (866) 362-45606616 Gateway Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

Stephanie Dubsky Photography, Stephanie Dubsky(941) 587-98694021 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34233(By Appointment Only, Please)email: [email protected]

w RECEPTION LOCATIONS Amore’ by Andrea, Howard Rooks(941) 388-1888555 Bay Isles Parkway, Longboat Key, FL 34228www.amorerestaurantlbk.com

Beachhouse Restaurant, Rebecca Shannon(941) 779-2222200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

Bridge Street Bistro, Eric Fleishman(941) 782-1122111 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

Chart House, Peter VanBeuren(941) 383-5593201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Unit # 12Longboat Key, FL [email protected]

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Dean Defebo(941) 358-9463 Ext:2032001 Siesta Drive, Suite 101, Sarasota, FL 34239email: [email protected]

Holiday Inn Lido Beach, Kymberley Mackenzie(941) 388-5555 (866) 306-5452233 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34203email: [email protected]

Lido Beach Resort, Shannon Burdge(941) 388-2161 (800) 441-2113700 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

The Diplomat Resort, Matt Angelo(941) 383-37913155 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228 email: [email protected]

Gulf Beach Motel, Ronni Jones(941) 388-2127930 Ben Franklin Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

Holiday Inn Lido Beach, Kymberley Mackenzie(941) 388-5555 (866) 306-5452233 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34203email: [email protected]

Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans, Tracey L. Dell(941) 896-6400301 30th St.West, Bradenton, FL 34205email: [email protected]

Lido Beach Resort, Shannon Burdge(941) 388-2161 (800) 441-2113700 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

Longboat Island Chapel, Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll(941) 383-64916200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Longboat Island Chapel, Laurie Shuttleworth(941) 685-74376200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Jeff Mayers(941) 383-8821 (800) 237-8821220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Rolling Waves Beach Cottages, Shelly Harrison(941) 383-13236351 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key FL 34228 email: [email protected] / www.rollingwaves.comTemple Beth Israel of Longboat Key, Inc.Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz(941) 383-3428567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.tbi-lbk.orgThe Wicker Inn, Lissy LaFlamme(941) 387-8344 (800) 285-34815581 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.wickerinn.com

w WEDDING OFFICIANTS Barefoot Weddings, Nancy Taussig(941) 952-1440P.O. Box 25421, Sarasota, FL 3427-7242email: [email protected] Island Chapel, Laurie Shuttleworth(941) 685-74376200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Susan Bierker (941) [email protected]

w WEDDING SPECIALIST Weddings of Sarasota, Linda Shepard(941) 923-43334411 Bee Ridge Rd., #121, Sarasota, FL 34239email: [email protected]

w WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY Watrous Video Productions, Inc., William T. Watrous(941) 366-3316 (800) 780-3316739 S. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236-7717email: [email protected]

Longboat Island Chapel WeddingsLaurie Shuttleworth(941) 685-74376200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Marine Laboratory, Dr. Michael P. Crosby(941) 388-4441 (800) 691-66831600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.mote.org

The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Jeff Mayers(941) 383-8821 (800) 237-8821220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Sandbar Restaurant, Joseph D. Rogers(941) 778-0444100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216www.groupersandwich.com

Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe, Peg Pluto(941) 388-2888300 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w SALONS & SPAS A Victorian Bride Hair & Make-up StudioArtist - On Location, Linda A. Shepard(941) 928-36512746 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34233email: [email protected] www.avictorianbride.comDesign 2000 for Hair & Nails, Sandra LaRose(941) 387-98076840 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228www.Design2000longboatkeyfl.com

w WEDDING CAKES / BAKERY Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Andy Lappin(941) 383-1326525 Bay Isles Parkway, Longboat Key, FL 34228The Shoppes of Bay Isles

w WEDDING CEREMONY LOCATIONS Bridge Street Bistro, Eric Fleishman(941) 782-1122111 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] Del Mar Beach Resort, Mark Meador(941) 383-55494621 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]


Fly fishing is gaining popularity and is effective on all saltwater species. The exten-sive grass flats that surround the island are a magnet for game fish and a good place to concentrate your efforts. Wade the shallow grass for a stealthy approach to redfish, snook and speckled sea trout. Longboat and New Pass are other excellent places to explore and hold concentrations of fish around the bridges, rock jetties, and points. One of the best and easiest places to fish can be right along the edges of the gulf

beaches. Concentrate your efforts right in the surf line and the slue that parallels most of the beach. Snook, whiting, flounder, ladyfish, pompano, jack cravelle, and flounder are a few of the fish you’ll find cruising the surf. A small white, lead headed jig or a chartreuse and white fly will mimic resident baitfish. When the sun is high and the water is calm you can wade the beaches looking for cruising snook. Look for the fish to be cruising within three feet of the beach. Anglers with a boat will find tarpon schooling just off the beaches during May, June and July. You can also find schools of Spanish mackerel, bonito, king mackerel, and cobia within sight of the beach. Further offshore the artificial reefs, ledges and hard bottom hold grou-per, snapper, barracuda, and other bottom dwellers. Whether you decide to head out in a boat, fish from a bridge or just walk down the beach, make sure you don’t miss out on the lure of Longboat Key’s fabulous fishing. d - Rusty Chinnis

The waters surrounding Longboat Key provide novice and expert anglers an entrée to diverse species of fish. Sheepshead, sailfish, flounder, snook, redfish and tarpon are just a few of the species that make this an angler’s paradise. When fishing local waters tailor your tackle to the species you’re seeking. The best outfit for the area’s inshore waters is a matched eight to twelve pound spinning or bait casting rod and reel. In most offshore situations a twenty to thirty pound outfit will suffice. When fishing offshore or inshore waters artificial lures are effective and easy to use. Best bets include jigs, spoons and plugs. If you prefer live bait, shrimp are your best bet and are sold by numerous bait shops and marinas. If you’re a bit more resourceful you can net your own baitfish from the beach or grass flats that border the island and are interspersed throughout the bay. Rig light and avoid heavy lead sinkers that adversely affect the action of lures or live bait.

The Lure of Longboat’s Fabulous Fishing

The waters that encircle Longboat Key frame the island, its eastern flank a tapestry of islands and man-grove shorelines carpeted with verdant grass flats. To the west, the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico bathe white sand beaches for more than ten miles. Cannons Marina on the North end of Longboat Key can provide you with all your seafaring needs for an outing on the water. After stocking up for a day’s outing, it’s only a short trip to the Intracoastal Waterway. The Sister Keys, located just off the north end of the Key were purchased and protected by the Town of Longboat Key in 1992. Dolphins, ospreys, gopher tortoise, American bald eagles, manatees, pelicans and raccoons are just some of the wildlife that you might see as you pass the keys in the Intracoastal Waterway. For a more intimate experience visitors can kayak or paddle board the island’s shallow grass flats into the heart of this unique natural refuge.

Nestled on the water at the Village’s edge, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant provides great food and a pan-oramic view of the bay. A bit further north and west and you’re at Longboat Pass, one of the most beautiful settings on Florida’s west coast. At the Southern end of the Key you’ll arrive at New Pass and the southern entrance to Sarasota Bay. Traveling along the bay side of the island head west at Marker 1 into Buttonwood Harbor. Whale Key lies just to the south, while the flats to the north border the Town Islands and are an excellent location for bird watching. From Longboat’s southern end to mid-Key, it’s only a short trip back to our starting point on north Longboat Key. It makes good sense to study a chart of the local waters before venturing out. If you should stray from the channel by mistake, be sure not to dam-age the sea grass beds. If you find yourself in a grass bed, tilt your motor and push. To really experience Longboat Key’s natural assets leave the shore and explore the beautiful and bountiful waters that surround our sub-tropical paradise. d - Rusty Chinnis


Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Corporate Partner

The Resort at Longboat Key ClubThe Resort at Longboat Key Club is Sarasota’s only AAA Four-Diamond beachfront resort, located on 410 acres of lush lawns and white-sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Renowned for spectacular ocean views and personalized service, our guests relax in luxuri-ously appointed accommodations, all with private bal-conies. Savor exceptional cuisine in eight restaurants and lounges, play 45 holes of championship golf or show off your best serve at our award-winning Tennis Gardens, with 20 Har-Tru courts, private instruction and summer tennis camps. Balance mind, body and spirit with island-inspired treatments at The Spa or participate in a full calendar of wellness events at The Fitness Center and Mind & Motion Studio. Family-friendly activities abound from beach yoga and kayaking to Camp Loggerhead, our fun-filled children’s club for guests ages five to 12. Our Marina, featuring 291 deep-water slips and a full spectrum of services and amenities, offers the opportunity for sunset cruises and fishing. With an unmatched selection of amenities, The Resort at Longboat Key Club is the perfect setting for family vacations, romantic getaways and extended

stays for the discerning traveler. Just a short drive from St. Armands Circle and the acclaimed cultur-al offerings of downtown Sarasota, our resort is the perfect setting for relaxation, rejuvenation and island adventures. The Resort at Longboat Key Club is also an inspir-ing destination for conferences and special events, showcasing 12,000 square feet of indoor and out-door space and professional event planning services. Whether you are hosting a corporate retreat, family re-union or a romantic beach wedding, our luxury resort will set the stage for a most memorable occasion. Contact us at 888.237.5545, or visit us online at www.LongboatKeyClub.com. d

Boating Experience the Real Longboat Key

Longboat Key Is For

the Birds SportsYou can bike, boat, golf, swim, jog, play tennis, paddleboard—and enjoy just about any other recreational pastime—on Longboat Key. Below are a handful of places where you can get your motor running.

Longboat Key Public Tennis Center590 Bay Isles Road Opened in 1998, the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center has 10 soft clay courts, daily organized events and teaching professionals on staff. Getting in a few matches was never easier! The Tennis Center’s 1,750-square-foot pro shop and players’ observation deck were completed in De-cember 2009. The Center holds two USTA-sanctioned tournaments each year, along with a number of addi-

tional tennis events. Join one of their tennis leagues, utilize their “match making” service or take part in one of their afternoon round-robins. The Center is open daily but requires advance notice to reserve a court. For reservations, call (941) 316-TENS (8367). d

The Resort at Longboat Key Club200 Sands Point Road The Resort at Longboat Key boasts impeccable choices for both golf and tennis enthusiasts.Completed in 2009, the Key Club’s Tennis Gardens’ 20 HarTru courts have garnered rave reviews from the USTA and Longboaters alike. That year, the USTA honored the resort with its Outstanding Facility Award. The dis-tinctive Tennis Garden also has a clubhouse, pro shop, locker room, players’ patio and a HydroGrid irrigation system. Court 21 Café & Lounge has great food and cocktails, as well as terrace seating. Also available are clinics, private lessons and group events. For member-ship information, call 941-383-8821. If you enjoy a day out on the links, the Key Club has 45 holes of championship golf courtesy of two well-manicured options—Islandside and Harbourside. The Islandside is an 18-hole, links-style course that borders the Gulf of Mexico while Harbourside has three nine-hole courses surrounded by towering trees, bordering Sarasota Bay. No matter which you choose, awesome views and premium amenities are the win-ning recipe for a great day of golf. To set up a tee time, call the Pro Shop two days in advance at (941) 387-1632. d

The beaches of Longboat Key from New Pass to Longboat Pass host some of the best bird watching in Florida. On the north tip of the Key you’ll find Greer Island, known locally as “Beer Can Island”. Part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Greer Island can be accessed from parking along Northshore Drive (first right hand turn after crossing Longboat Pass) or a public parking lot at the west end of Broadway St. The tip of the island is eroding and appears to only be accessible at low tide, but there is a trail through the mangroves where visitors can walk all the way to the Longboat Pass Bridge. Be careful on this trail and wear shoes to prevent a painful encounter with mangrove roots lurking just below the sand. There are downed Australian Pine here that make for some dramatic backdrops for photographers, but the birds can be found inhabiting the beach line from the tip of the island south for almost two miles. Some of the

largest concentrations of birds will be found from the Broadway access south. American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, Red Knots, Black-bellied Plovers and Willets, can be found here all winter long, sometimes in large congregations. Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings are year-round residents. Snowy and Wilson’s Plovers comb the wrackline (debris left on the beach by high tide) and occasional winter visitors include North-ern Gannets, Piping Plovers, Whimbrels and Marbled God-wits. Beach goers are also encouraged to keep an eye to the sky where they may see Magnificent Frigate birds, Ospreys, Brown Pelicans, and occasion-ally an American Bald Eagle. Birders can also expect to see a range of terns and all the typical gulls. A few of the terns include Royal Terns, Common Terns, Caspian Terns, Forster’s Terns and Sandwich Terns. Snowy Egrets and Great Blue Herons like to perch on the wave polished dead trees that line the shore, a perfect photographic perch. The bay side of the island has several top birding spots where enthusiasts can view wading birds like the Roseate Spoonbill, Reddish Egret, Tri-colored Heron, Little Blue Heron, and Wood Stork. You’ll find great viewing opportunities for Pelicans and wading birds on the bayside of Greer Island, the Longbeach Village, Joan Durante Park and the Quick Point Nature Preserve to the south on New Pass. Both Durante and Quick Point have extensive nature trails with inland canals and bay front grass flats. Boaters will find Sarasota Bay rich with grass flats that can host thousands of birds on a low tide. The bay is also dotted with islands, many of which provide breeding opportunities for shorebirds. One of the gems of Longboat Key is the Sister Keys, a group of islands that were protected from development in 1992 and benefited from a million plus dollar mitigation project beginning in 2007. The indigenous flora and created wetlands have been a boon for local wildlife. Whether you’re a veteran bird watcher, a photogra-pher or just enjoy Florida’s coastal beauty, you’ll find Longboat Key’s rich and abundant bird life a feast for the senses. d - Rusty Chinnis

SA sure sign that

winter visitors are present is the arrival of the majestic White Pelicans that line the

bay during the winter months.

S


J Longboat Key Turtle Watch941-988-0212 / www.lbkturtlewatch.com May through October marks sea-turtle nesting season when females come onto the beach and lay their eggs, hatchlings emerge from their nests and crawl toward the Gulf of Mexico, and adult turtles re-turn to the site where they hatched. The Longboat Key Turtle Watch is a group of dedicated volunteers who monitor turtle nests on the north end of the Key. (The Mote folks monitor the south end and lead nesting walks.) Volunteers stroll the beach at 6:30 am several mornings a week. Only one in 1,000 baby sea turtles survives to maturity, so Longboaters go that extra mile to help them along—like turning off any lights on or near the beach after dark (baby turtles are pro-grammed to follow the moonlight into the water) and keeping their distance when observing this miracle of nature at work.

J Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota941-371-6377 / www.bigcathabitat.org Visit this nonprofit haven for big cats, bears, and other wild creatures in need. The goal is to educate the public by building appreciation for animals and stress-ing the importance of habitat preservation. Watch training in process and meet the furry and feathered residents in a safe environment.

J Jungle Gardens3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota941-355-5305 / www.sarasotajunglegardens.com In operation since 1939, this is one of the oldest continuously-operated attractions in Florida. Brim-ming with flora, fauna and fun, it evokes memories of days gone by. The residence of more than 150 native and exotic creatures, including birds of prey, parrot and macaw species, primates, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles, its centerpiece is the state’s famous pink flamingoes.

J Marie Selby Botanical Gardens811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota941-366-5731/ www.selby.org This respected center for research and education is also a well-known showplace that welcomes more than 130,000 visitors annually. Beautiful horticultural displays are situated on 14 acres among 12 buildings in an attractive residential section of Sarasota. The open-air and under-glass museum includes thousands of colorful and exotic plants, many of which have been collected from the wild on more than 200 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests.

J Sarasota Classic Car Museum5500 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota941-355-6228 / www.sarasotacarmuseum.org The second-oldest continuously-operating antique car museum in the nation showcases more than 75 classics. Circus magnate John and Mabel Ringling’s collection of Rolls Royces, John Lennon’s 1965 Mer-cedes Benz, Paul McCartney’s beloved Mini Cooper and muscle cars are on display. Admire the craftsman-ship of Alfa Romeos, Bentleys, Cadillacs, DeLoreans, Edsels and Ferraris, commemorating more than 100 years of automotive accomplishments.

Things To Do

The Longboat Key area has it all—wildlife, sea life, museums, classic cars, circus lineage, eco-logical sanctuaries, places to stroll, skate, play, catch a concert or appreciate outdoor art.

J Mote Marine Aquarium & Laboratory1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota941-388-4441/ www.mote.org Touch a stingray. Get up close and personal with a starfish. Watch a shark have lunch. Say hello to a manatee or two. The Mote, home to more than 100 species of marine life, is located on City Island, just over the New Pass Bridge on south Longboat Key. Eco-Boat excursions of Sarasota Bay are also available. The Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent nonprofit organization with seven research centers and an edu-cational division.

J Ringling Museum of Art5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota941-359-5700 / www.ringling.org Created in 1927 as the legacy of John and Ma-bel Ringling for the people of Florida, this stunning museum complex includes an eclectic collection of Baroque art, the Circus Museum, the opulent man-sion Ca’ D’Zan (which translates to “House of John” in Venetian dialect), the historic Asolo Theatre and 60 acres of gardens. There are also special events, films and programs.

J RiverwalkAlong the Riverfront, Downtown Bradentonwww.realizebradenton.com This 1.5 mile-long paved path hugging the shore-line of the Manatee River is a hotspot for music and art festivals, concerts, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and even a skate park. The outdoor public space is inviting for families and folks of all ages.

J The Circus Arts Conservatory2075 Bahia Vista, Sarasota941-355-9335 / www.circusarts.org Cultivating and enriching the abundant circus lega-cy on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Circus Arts Conserva-tory hosts everything from professional, world-class circus arts performances to student productions of “The Greatest Little Show on Earth.” Weekend trapeze and aerial classes are open to both children and adults. Summer camps teach kids circus arts disciplines, then show off their new skills with a costumed presentation.

J Save Our Seabirds1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota941-388-3010 / www.saveourseabirds.org Founded in 2008, this nonprofit organization helps birds like sandhill cranes, egrets, owls and hawks who are sick, injured or simply unable to survive on their own in the wild. Many of these birds migrate to Long-boat Key when the weather turns cold up north, facing dangerous obstacles like fishing lines, boat propellers and vehicle collisions. Save Our Seabirds gives refuge to as many as 250 birds who are treated and rehabil-itated in the hope of releasing them back into their natural habitat.

Visitor Guide & Business Directory 3130 Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce

J Arts Center Sarasota707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota941-365-2032 / www.artsarasota.org This member-based art organization opened in 1949. It promotes community arts and art appreciation through educational programs and diverse exhibits of regional and international art.

J Asolo Repertory Theatre and FSU/Asolo Conservatory5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota941-351-9010 / www.asolorep.org These two theaters share a partnership but operate separately under the same roof. FSU/Asolo Conserva-tory is the three-year graduate degree program with a season of four productions; third-year students act in Asolo Repertory Theatre productions. Asolo Reper-tory Theatre is a professional repertory theater with a diverse season of new works and musicals.

J Bradenton Village of the Arts1113 12th St. W., Bradenton 941-747-8056 / www.villageofthearts.com Scattered amid 42 acres of galleries and artist dwellings, this creative community is famous for its small, colorful cottages, restaurants and retail shops. Of note: the first weekend of every month, the Village of Arts has its Monthly Art Walk.

J Florida Studio Theatre1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota941-366-9017 / www.floridastudiotheatre.org This professional theater company produces con-temporary plays and has been in operation since 1973.

J Manatee Performing Arts Hall502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton941-748-5875 / www.manateeplayers.com A Bradenton community theater which has two playhouses as well as rehearsal and classroom space.

J Sarasota Opera61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota941-366-8450 / www.sarasotaopera.org A full season of song is showcased in its opera house. A diverse repertoire of classic and modern op-eras, the Sarasota Opera is most widely known for its ongoing Verdi cycle, during which the company plays every note Giuseppe Verdi ever wrote.

J Sarasota Orchestra709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota941-953-3434 / www.sarasotaorchestra.org Started as a community orchestra in 1948, blos-somed into a full-fledged professional ensemble which recently came under the new direction of Anu Tali.

J South Florida Museum201 10th St. W., Bradenton941-746-2556 / www.southfloridamuseum.org Learn about prehistoric Florida, get nose-to-nose with Snooty (the oldest manatee born in captivity on record) at the aquarium or visit the outer limits of the galaxy in the planetarium at the largest natural and cultural history museum on the Gulf Coast.

J The Players Theatre838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota941-365-2494 / www.theplayers.org Since 1936, this community group has performed musicals, plays and black-box style theater.

J The Sarasota Ballet5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota941-359-0099 / www.sarasotaballet.org The only professional ballet on the Gulf Coast was founded in 1987 and maintains a diverse roster of contemporary and classic ballets.

J The Ringling5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota941-359-5700 / www.ringling.org Sixty-six acres of beautiful grounds and family- friendly activities are found here. In addition to the Museum of Art, there’s the Circus Museum, Cá d’Zan (the Mediterranean winter home of the late John and Mable Ringling) and the historic Asolo Theater.

J Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota800-826-9303 / www.vanwezel.org The largest venue in Sarasota seats 1,736 people for a diverse array of music, dance, theater, comedic and Broadway productions.

w A Paradise Vacation Rentals, Liz Andricks(941) 778-4800 (800) 237-22525201 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] A Paradise Rentals offers full service rental management, with accounting and online reservations. If you are an owner of a vacation home, you can reserve your own time slot through our full service web booking program. We manage all kinds of rental homes, from long term annual rental homes on the mainland to short term vacation rentals on the beach. We have single family homes, condos, villas, and town homes throughout Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach.

w Beach Castle Resort, Jana Troyer(866) 655-86405310 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.beachcastle.com Since its construction in 1970, the Beach Castle Resort has been a perennial favorite of experienced international travelers looking for the ultimate Flor-ida beach vacation getaway. Stretching from Sara-sota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the Key West style resort captures a look back in time to the secluded and tropical Longboat Key of old Florida.

w The Beach on Longboat Key, Jana Troyer(888) 655-86403465 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Blend the vibrant shades of pink and purple sunsets, with the calm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and you get a vacation experience of a

Accommodations

lifetime. The Beach on Longboat Key sits Gulf front and includes all the amenities of a large resort, but without all the crowds and noise. Most of the units at this 15-unit condominium complex feature a view of the Gulf of Mexico, which perfectly compli-ments the modern, yet beachy décor.

w The Beachcomber, Donna Zook(941) 383-10832721 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] The Beachcomber is a Gulf front condominium complex on Longboat Key and a perfect place for anyone desiring a relaxing tropical vacation and an escape from the real world. All of our condos are individually owned and furnished according to the owners’ preferences. All units have a private balco-ny, the two-bedroom units have a direct Gulf view and our 1-bedroom units face the bay. Our beach-side pool is heated to allow comfortable swimming year around. Publix Grocery Store is across the street, St. Armand’s is just three miles south and downtown Sarasota just minutes away.

Arts & Culture

Accommodations on Longboat Key range from large resorts to quaint cottage island living. Enjoy gulfside views or beautiful bay-front vistas. Most resort

and rental properties include pools, but when you’re only steps away from the beach … Enjoy resort amenities like restaurants and tennis courts or relish in the privacy of having your own kitchen en suite. Some accommoda-tions even allow your furry friends to accom-pany you on your island getaway.

Some of the country’s top performing arts institutions can be found in the Sarasota area. Each year, more than 2.3 million people flock to the cultural events the city has to offer.


Visitor Guide & Business Directory 33

w Bungalow Beach Resort, Gayle Luper(941) 778-3600 (800) 779-36012000 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] Reminiscent of a bygone era, the Bun-galow Beach Resort has much to offer those seeking Anna Maria Island’s Pre-mier Gulf Front Resort accommodations. Our gracious rejuvenated classic 1930’s island style resort is nestled amongst the white sand dunes, sea oats and swaying coconut palms of Anna Maria Island. Escape to our private beach area. Relax upon lounge chairs with umbrellas provided for your comfort. Enjoy the Aqua blue surf and refreshing tropical breezes

w Casa Del Mar Beach Resort, Mark Meador(941) 383-55494621 Gulf of Mexico DriveLongboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Casa Del Mar Beach Resort is located directly on the beach in beautiful Longboat Key Florida. There are 106 condominiums which are all 2br/2ba and fully equipped with kitchens and washer/dryers in each unit. Our resort is top-rated on Trip Advisor and Google. Spectacular sunsets, the emerald Gulf of Mexico and our award winning tropical land-scaping await you in Paradise!

w Cedars Tennis Resort, Jana Troyer(888) 655-8640645A Cedars Court, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Cedars Tennis Resort, a luxury vacation rent-al on Longboat Key, offers world-class facilities, magnificent beaches and tropical sunsets that are picture-perfect. Guests enjoy an unforgettable Florida vacation in our spacious townhomes that are perfect for families or couples. There is some-thing to suit every mood at Cedars Tennis Resort – a junior Olympic swimming pool with Tiki bar, a fitness center, fishing pier and bicycle availability are just some of the amenities you’ll enjoy while staying at this resort.

w Cedars West of Longboat, Inc., Lois Donnelly(941) 383-46665655 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] www.cedarswest.com Discover the unique Florida vacation paradise of Cedars West where the splendor of Florida’s Gulf Coast is rivaled by the elegant interior of your luxurious two bedroom condominium. Tastefully designed to complement the natural beauty of its surroundings, Cedars West offers privacy as well as breathtaking views. Watch the sunset on the water. Listen as the gentle waves caress the shore. Gather exquisite shells as you stroll the beach. You might enoy a dip in our heated swimming pool or a game of tennis on our courts. One of the best Florida vacation rentals on Longboat Key.

w The Diplomat Resort, Matt Angelo(941) 383-3791 (800) 344-54183155 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Nestled amongst high-rise condominium resorts, in the heart of Longboat Key and only feet from the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, you will find the Diplomat Beach Resort. This quaint condo resort offers its guests the choice of a fully equipped studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom unit, in a home-away-from-home setting that you just can’t get at other cookie-cutter resorts. With all 50 units having direct access to the pristine beach, where dolphins can be seen daily, it is easy to forget that you are only minutes away from such attractions as Mote Marine Aquarium, Ringling Museum of Art, St. Armands Circle, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, various theaters, famous restaurants, numerous beaches, kayaking, tours & cruises, etc.

w The Dock on the Bay, Susan Smith(941) 302-34403440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Dock on the Bay is located on Longboat Key, just offshore from Sarasota on the Central West Coast of Florida. This intimate private resort em-phasizes harmony with the natural tropical envi-ronment, with lush native vegetation and a serene view of mangrove-lined Buttonwood Harbor. Two tennis courts, two pools and a separate spa provide uncrowded relaxation, in addition to beach access right across the street! w Florida Vacation ConnectionMichele Knuese & Jan Jordan(941) 387-9709 (800) 593-43903720 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] We offer hundreds of exceptional vacation homes and condominiums on Longboat Key and Lido Key. Our unique selection of privately-owned properties are located on or near the beach, on the bay or on a canal. Accommodations range in size from studios, to two-bedroom condos and cottages, to five-bed-room homes, and everything in between. We have the style, size and location to meet all your accom-modation needs perfectly! Locally owned and managed since 1994.

w Four Winds Beach Resort, Nancy Yoder(941) 383-2411 (800) 982-87202605 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Set amid lush tropical landscaping, Four Winds Beach Resort is Longboat Key’s premier time-share vacation property. With reasonable weekly rentals available throughout the year, as well as RCI time-share exchanges and Interval International, Four Winds is the ideal family vacation solution!

w Gulf Beach Motel, Debbie Stirling(941) 388-2127 (800) 232-2489930 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] We are located directly on Lido Beach in Sarasota. All of our units are individually owned and unique-ly decorated. Most of our units have fully equipped kitchens and screened private patios. Amenities

include a private beach, heated pool, charcoal barbeque grills, shuffleboard courts, keyless entry locks and free Wi-Fi. Our location is perfect for beach weddings, family or class reunions and fam-ily vacations. Restaurants and shopping are nearby. Inquire about our very reasonable rates.

w Gulf Tides of Longboat Key, Julia Langevin(941) 383-5595 (800) 333-73353008 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Contemporary, luxurious studios, one bed-room and two bedroom condominiums border the Gulf of Mexico. Each condo has a fully equipped kitchen, cable television, linens, central heat and air, private phones and free laundry facilities either in your condo or in your building. On site facilities include 200 feet of beach, heated pool, tennis court, shuffleboard, outdoor pool table, free bicycles and barbecue grills.

w Holiday Inn Lido Beach, Kymberley Mackenzie(941) 388-5555 (866) 306-5452233 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34203email: [email protected] The hotel’s Event Rooms are ideal for Corporate guests, as well as Social and Wedding Events. With a total of 3,968 sq. ft. of meeting space, this venue will make any event or meeting a success! Enjoy the breathtaking views with easy access to downtown Sarasota, incredible services and amenities make your event memorable. The Sand Dollar Dining Room offers great Florida fare with a panoramic view from the 7th floor. Our dedicated staff makes every Event a success!

w Jennette Properties, Kim Blakeney(941) 359-3435129 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] Jennette Properties, the premier site to discov-er the most desirable, luxury seasonal vacation properties, along with luxury long-term rentals, in the surrounding Gulf Coast area. We have the finest collection of luxury properties in Sarasota, Long-boat Key, Lido Key & St. Armands Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lakewood Ranch, Manatee County and many local Golf Course Communities, to ensure that we secure the perfect residence for you. Visit our luxury links page for area resources!


w Lido Beach Resort, Shannon Burdge(941) 388-2161 (800) 441-2113700 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] Surrounded by powdery white sands and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Lido Beach Resort & Hotel in Sarasota welcomes trav-elers to a private stretch of beach along Sarasota’s exclusive Lido Key. Along with 222 contemporary accommodations inspired by our Gulf-Front setting, you will discover luxurious Sarasota resort ame-nities and a friendly staff ready to make your Lido Key vacation unforgettable.

w Little Gull Cottages, Marie Diffley(941) 383-8818 (800) 333-73355330 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Little Gull is the perfect resort for complete relaxation in our lovely Cape Cod style cottag-es on Longboat Key. Each of our 16 units is fully equipped with four poster beds and wood burning fireplaces. You won’t find another resort quite like this anywhere on Florida’s Gulf coast just steps away from the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico as well as Sarasota Bay. Little Gull offers BBQ grills, bicycles, boat dock, fishing, game room, laundry, playground area, heated swimming pool and wire-less internet.

w Longboat Bay Club, Julia Langevin(941) 383-9561 (800) 333-73353200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228www.FloridaRent.com Longboat Bay Club provides you vacation accommodations that include ample recreation and pampered relaxation. The Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay provide you with several opportuni-ties for water activities. At the resort, enjoy tennis and bicycling. After the day’s activities, unwind by the resort’s outdoor pool and whirlpool. In addition to the boutiques, restaurants and nightspots, you’ll find sight-seeing attractions, such as the Ringling Museum Complex, Bellum’s Cars and Music of Yesterday, Busch Gardens, and Sarasota’s Jungle Gardens.

w Janice Reed, Michael Saunders & Company(941) 552-420032 N. Osprey Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w Michael Saunders & CompanyRental Division, Jennifer Horvat(941) 552-420032 N. Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]/rentals Our rental experts are well-versed in the variety of property options in the area. Whether for your vacation, home-away-from-home, or longer- term stay, working with a rental professional ensures you will be settled in before you know it.

w Outrigger Resort, Betty Johnson(941) 383-3844 (866) 744-64005155 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] The Outrigger Resort is a quiet and peaceful 10 unit complex with spacious apartments right on the edge of the Gulf Of Mexico. Each one is furnished and completely stocked with everything you might need, just bring some food and your bathing suits! There are chairs, chaise lounges, towels and um-brellas for both the beach and the heated pool too.The Outrigger is conveniently located at mid-Long-boat Key with some shops and restaurants within walking distance. A short drive to the south brings you to famous St. Armands Circle with world class shopping and dining.

w The Resort at Longboat Key Club Jeff Mayers(941) 383-8821 (800) 237-8821220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Seek the tranquility and rejuvenation you need when you escape to the white sand beaches, world-class amenities and luxury destination that is The Resort at Longboat Key Club. Secluded along the southern end of Longboat Key, our Sarasota, Flor-ida, beach resort is meant to cater to every desire from arrival to departure – leaving you refreshed and reinvigorated. Enjoy the privacy and exclusiv-ity of our resort as you take in the warmth of Sara-sota while relaxing poolside and sipping custom cocktails delivered right to your chair.

w Rolling Waves Beach Cottages Inc.Pat Laurin (941) 383-13236351 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL [email protected] / www.rollingwaves.com Built in 1948 on 1.2 acres directly on the Gulf of Mexico, Rolling Waves Beach Cottages are as traditional “Old Florida” as it gets, with all the amenities to make your stay comfortable. Our quiet, north end residential location ensures rest, relaxation, and sometimes the beach to yourself! Star gaze around the fire pit or dance on the beach under the moonlight. After all, it is your vacation… On-site Manager and Pet Friendly too!

w RVA, Resort Vacations, Jana Troyer(888) 655-86404030 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.RVAFL.com Known for tasteful luxury and manicured surroundings, Longboat Key is rich in gorgeous beaches, upscale amenities and championship golf. High-end boutiques and five-star Longboat Key restaurants make it an ideal destination for vacationers who like their beach getaways on the swankier side.

RVA guests enjoy a selection of condominiums, resorts, and private vacation home accommoda-tions, with easy beach access and conveniently situated near popular Longboat Key attractions.

w Sand Cay Beach Resort, Elaine Frederick(941) 383-5044 (800) 843-44594725 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Sand Cay features 60 fully furnished individu-ally owned two bedroom, two bath condominiums, each approximately 1,100 square feet, complete with full kitchen, living area, dining area and balcony or patio. Choose from garden/pool view, gulf view, or gulf front accommodations. Sand Cay Beach Resort amenities include white sandy beach-es, shuffleboard, tennis, basketball, heated pool, free on-site laundry facilities, elevator service, wireless Internet in all units, BBQ area and beautiful sunsets.

w Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach, Sandra Rios(941) 388-2181 (800) 225-21811540 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] You’ll enjoy the relaxing sunny flavor and per-fect seaside setting of our 600-foot strand of pris-tine, natural white sand beach. Read the morning newspaper while enjoying the pleasures of outdoor dining for breakfast and lunch, or surf the compli-mentary Wi-Fi on your electronic devices. Our recreational staff is capable of providing personalized sailing lessons for those so inclined. Shop at the convenient on-site gift shop, or walk to the popular St. Armands Circle to enjoy fine shop-ping and entertainment attractions.

w Sandpiper Inn, Harold Cullison(941) 383-25525451 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] One of the most secluded tropical beach set-tings on Longboat Key. Our spacious studios, one and two bedroom accommodations, come fully equipped with everything you will need to make your stay on Longboat Key exactly what you are looking for in a vacation. Overlooking tropical gar-dens and the beautiful beach on the Gulf of Mexico, each apartment has its own private patio. From our beach Cabana, come and watch the dolphins play as the sun sets off of beautiful Longboat Key.


w Sea Club I, Christine Bushman(941) 383-24314141 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.seaclub1.com Sea Club is a unique family oriented resort locat-ed directly on the gulf of Mexico on sun drenched Longboat Key. Location is convenient to the world famous shopping and dining mecca of St. Armand’s Circle, yet tucked away off the beaten path for a truly carefree get-away. The grounds consist of a heated pool and barbecue area with propane gas grills and picnic tables. Sea Club provides a wide assortment of villas, apartments and efficiencies, all in a tropical setting with an “Old Florida” feel.

w Sea Grape Inn, Wanda Hatfield(941) 383-21055125 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Sea Grape Inn is an intimate resort condomini-um located on the Gulf of Mexico on Longboat Key, Florida. We offer daily, weekly, or monthly rentals in professionally decorated and fully furnished two or three bedroom condos. Sea Grape Inn offers a carefree lifestyle. We provide our guests with a friendly, quiet, and private atmosphere. It will be our pleasure to welcome you. Active vacationers will enjoy Longboat Key’s eleven mile boulevard for cycling, jogging, roller-blading, or walking. Golf and tennis facilities and boat rentals are available nearby. Sea shell hunting, bird watching, fishing, swimming, and basking in the warm Florida sun are popular activities on our white sandy beaches and blue-green waters.

scents will have you returning to this beautiful destination again and again. Why not take a walk along our private beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. We have the most beautiful sunsets to offer here on Florida’s South-west coast - we invite you to relax in a compli-mentary lounge chair at the beach as the sun sets in her many array of colors.

w Starfish Rentals, Jim Hayworth(941) 383-15112813 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Appropriately named Las Hermanas “The Sisters” for four little girls who played on the beach here just a few years ago. Two units are studio apartments and two units are one bedroom units. All have complete kitchens, full bath and breathtak-ing views of the Gulf of Mexico. Las Hermanas is intended for longer stays so check with us on availability. You’ll find it’s just as quiet and peaceful at Las Hermanas as it was at the Starfish. Don’t worry, our resident Heron and Egret “Harry and Izzy” will find you there too. They’ve already arranged a welcome for you!

w Sun ‘n Sea Cottages, Lisa Gilford(941) 383-55884651 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] If there is one place that embodies the romance, serenity and physical beauty of Longboat Key, it is Sun ‘n Sea Resort. Under a canopy of half-century old Australian Pines and located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, our secluded, 2-1/2 acre boutique resort is unique on Longboat Key offering you a quiet setting to unwind. Enjoy daily, weekly or seasonal beachfront rentals on beautiful Longboat Key, Florida!

w Veranda Beach Club, Grace Denton(941) 383-5511 (800) 411-55112509 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Every day will be filled with fun in the sun at The Veranda, where the luxury of beachfront living affords an array of leisure activities. The cool, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide a refreshing respite from the warmth of

the sun. Swimming, sailing, sunbathing on chaise lounges under cool, comfortable cabanas all provide beachside fun. Take a leisurely swim in our 72-foot, heated, fresh-water swimming pool or feel your tensions melt away in our whirlpool spa, ideally situated on our pool deck.

w Wagner Realty, Dia Wilson(941) 383-5577 (800) 352-03675360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #101Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Wagner Realty is one of the oldest and largest independent, locally owned and operated real estate companies in Manatee and Sarasota counties. We have professional real estate agents available to home buyers and sellers. We specialize in residen-tial and commercial sales. We also have an excellent rentals and property management division that will assist with making your move or relocation smooth.

w White Sands of Longboat, Linda Buchanan(941) 383-2428 (800) 230-24285114 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] White Sands is a charming Gulf-to-bay resort of-fering vacation rentals or interval ownership oppor-tunities in magnificent beachfront condominiums and bay front Bermuda-Style villas. Imagine sun-ning on the beach or relaxing in the shade, knowing you will return for another incredible week among the swaying palms and tranquil tropical breezes. You can find it at this premium resort, with all the benefits of purchasing your vacation home for just the time you choose to use it each year.

w The Wicker Inn, Lissy LaFlamme(941) 387-8344 (800) 285-34815581 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.wickerinn.com Wicker Inn is the ideal Gulf front beach vacation destination – for a week, a month or a few nights. Private beachfront location featuring laid-back privacy and island charm of a small 11-unit resort with one, two or three bedrooms, all newly reno-vated with timeless Old Florida decor. All of this surrounded by lush tropical foliage, vine-covered arbors, gazebo and private, heated swimming pool.

w Sea Horse Beach Resort, Mary Maciel(941) 383-2417 (866) 383-24173453 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] SeaHorse Beach Resort is located on 500 feet of beach on the Gulf of Mexico where all units but one face the water. The views are spectacular, especially at sunset. Join us for fun and relaxation, fishing at our shore, sun bathing, swimming in our waterfront pool or just plain relax on our lounge chairs or sit in the shade under our umbrellas. And if you like long walks, stroll down the beach. Enjoy your stay with free wireless, newspapers and free local and long distance calls.

w Silver Sands Gulf Beach Resort, Jana Troyer(888) 655-86405841 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Let your senses be your guide at Silver Sands Gulf Beach Resort on Longboat Key. From the moment you arrive at this Gulf front condominium complex, you will be in sensory overload. The aroma of tropical flora and warm salty air surround you on Longboat Key - this bouquet of


Dining

In addition to being a Gulf-Coast gem, Longboat Key is renowned for its abundance of fine restaurants guar-anteed to please any diner. Florida Trend Magazine recently recognized three restaurants on the 10.8 mile island with its annual “Golden Spoon Awards,” which honor the Sunshine State’s top eating emporiums. Whether you seek a romantic candle-lit supper at a Zagat-rated restaurant, a quaint Old Florida experi-ence or a casual eatery to bring the whole family after some fun in the sun, Longboat Key has wonderful options. Restaurant hours vary but the Key has ample choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a

week, and brunch on weekends. Many restaurants are as celebrated for their waterfront views as they are for their inventive menus. Blessed with both Gulf-front and bay-front establishments, some feature

outdoor dining and a number are even accessible by boat. Spotting a dolphin or manatee—or a spectacular sunset—add to the pleasure of dining outside, caressed by balmy breezes. Most eateries capitalize on having two bodies of water in their backyards and specialize in fresh, local seafood. The grouper is exceptional (several restau-rants have famed grouper sandwiches and entrees). When stone crab’s in season (October 15-May 15), it’s another excellent choice. World cuisines abound, with restaurants serving dishes with Cuban, German, Indian and Asian flair, coupled with American favorites like steak and over-stuffed sandwiches. Of course, there’s pizza, vegetarian options and children’s menus, too. St. Armands Circle and Lido Key hotels provide a diverse mélange of dining possibilities. Libations also abound and so do beautiful spots to enjoy a cocktail while taking in the region’s natural splendor. There’s no shortage of Happy Hours or wine selections on the Key. Several restaurants offer catering services and have the capacity to host private parties and events.

w 15 South Ristorante Enoteca, Inc. Joseph Casadio(941) 388-155515 South Blvd. of Presidents, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] An authentic Italian restaurant and bar with live music, in business more than 10 years. A granite bar and wood bar stools greet you before you notice the restaurant’s 600 wines. Owner Joseph Casadio, a 40-year restaurateur and former cruise line somme-lier, might recommend one of his favorite wines, a tap beer, or a premium cocktail. Join us downstairs in the Piano Bar every night of the week for something sure to please your ear. You can also venture upstairs to the Nightclub, offering many performances throughout the week. Enjoy the live Jazz music on Monday and Thursday

evenings with full dinner service and a specially priced menu. Music of romance and passion is per-formed on Tuesdays. Get three performances all in one night, a mixed array of Gypsy, French Chanson and Latin American Boleros. Start your weekend off right with a Salsa lesson, just before you dance the night away Friday, Saturday and Sunday with live Latin performances until 2am.

w Amore’ by Andrea, Howard Rooks(941) 388-1888555 Bay Isles Parkway, Longboat Key, FL 34228www.amorerestaurantlbk.com Completely renovated and elegantly reconfig-ured to offer both indoor dining and al fresco en-joyment in the Palm Garden, the Amore by Andrea complex will also feature event space (7,000 square feet inside), a glamorous bar for light bites, Happy Hour and live entertainment. Whether you’re din-ing out with friends and family or looking for the ideal place to host a grand social event, Amore by Andrea is the place.

w Beach Bistro, Sean Murphy(941) 778-64446600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] The Bistro’s beachfront location, on the beautiful white-sand beaches of Anna Maria Island, over-looking the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico has earned Bon Appétit’s acclaim for being one of Flor-ida’s “Most Romantic Restaurants”. Food and Wine magazine acclaimed the Bistro’s waterfront perch as “almost like being at sea”. The Beach Bistro’s commitment to providing the very best locally sourced farm products, Prime American beef, domestic lamb and fresh, line-caught seafood is complemented by one of the best chef teams in the country.


w BeacHhouse Restaurant, Rebecca Shannon(941) 779-2222200 Gulf Drive NorthBradenton Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] The BeacHhouse Restaurant is located on the south end of Anna Maria Island in Bradenton Beach. Perfect for families, the BeacHhouse has plenty of room for the kids to play on the beach while you enjoy the spectacular sunset, a tropical drink and nightly entertainment. Join us for lunch or dinner to induldge in fresh Florida seafood and local farm to fork cuisine in our newly renovated dining room or on our outside deck directly on the Gulf of Mexico offering toes in the sand dining.

w The Bijou Cafe, Jean Pierre Knaggs(941) 366-81111287 First Street, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] The Bijou Café’s cuisine reflects Jean-Pierre’s South African and French heritage. Many of his famous recipes were developed and refined as he traveled the world as chef aboard a luxurious pri-vate yacht. His style and interpretations have won the notice and acclaim of many food writers and critics including Gourmet, Bon Appetit and Zagat. The Zagat Survey has continually named The Bijou Café as one of the top restaurants in America. Locally, the Sarasota Herald Tribune and Sarasota Magazine have also repeatedly written glowing accolades for the Bijou Café. The Bijou Café has annually garnered the pres-tigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its outstanding wine selections from the USA, France and around the world.


w Blue Dolphin Café, Robbie Ball(941) 388-3566470 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236

w The Blue Dolphin Café, Robbie Ball(941) 383-37875370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #101Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] The Blue Dolphin Café’s are located on historic St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida and the tropical reaches of Longboat Key in the Centre Shops. We are an intimate, fun cafe serving break-fast and lunch daily. During the winter season, December through April we are open for Friday evening dinners. Our menu consists of freshly pre-pared breakfast and lunch fare with daily specials prepared by our Culinary Institute graduates. We are open 7am to 2pm daily at St. Armands & 8am to 2pm at Longboat Key and our prices range from $3 - $9.

w Bridge Street Bistro, Eric Fleishman(941) 782-1122111 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] The Bridge Street Bistro on Bradenton Beach, just to the north of Longboat Key, offers spectacu-lar views of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined and the attire is resort casual. Dine al fresco on the third floor ter-race and enjoy the amazing sunsets while relaxing with tropical breezes and sounds of the surf. Enjoy

expertly prepared cuisine at reasonable prices. Chef Keith Daum delivers his most outstanding menu yet, including appetizer sampler platters, lobster bisque, seafood gumbo, and specialty sal-ads. For entrees try one our hand cut Filet Mignon or Sirloin steaks. Do you prefer seafood? Try the potato crusted grouper or Mahi-Mahi; or perhaps you would enjoy our mouth watering seafood risotto. Veal, pasta, and chicken dishes are also on the menu. Our home made desserts are the perfect finish to a great meal.

w Cafe L’Europe, Betsie Coolidge(941) 388-4415431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] itself as one of Florida’s most distinguished dining establishments, Café L’Europe strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Generations have relied upon Café L’Europe for gracious and attentive service, award-winning con-tinental cuisine with an innovative style and world class wines and spirits.

w Café Lido, Chris Haneman(941) 388-2161700 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] Sip Tropical Cocktails at our Beachfront Tiki Bar,a favorite among Sarasota Locals. The resort’s Gulf-front Tiki Bar is the perfect place to meet new friends, mingle over tropical cocktails and enjoy southwest Florida’s breathtaking sunsets. Choose from a tempting menu of satisfying sandwiches, salads and appetizers along with tropical libations that perfectly complement our beachfront sur-roundings.

w Chart House, Peter VanBeuren(941) 383-5593201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Unit # 12Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] There’s no better way to get away from the daily grind than to find a nice, relaxing spot at Chart House, Longboat Key. Whether you’re in the dining room or on the terrace overlooking the gorgeous Gulf waters of Sarasota Bay. Chart House has just the right view to soothe your soul. Sip on cocktails and enjoy Happy Hour specials from our com-

fortable bar seating or dine on a romantic meal of delicious seafood specialties with a local twist.Located on gorgeous Longboat Key, Chart House is practically a vacation spot in and of itself. This tropical retreat is just west of Sarasota on Gulf of Mexico Drive, and within driving distance of beautiful outdoor destinations such as South Lido County Park and Bay Island Park and near boat rentals, bike tracks and more.

w CIAO Italia!, Carmine Astuto(941) 383-00105370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #104Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Since 1990, CIAO Italia’s ambition has been to bring a little bit of Italy to Longboat Key. Car-mine Astuto, chef/owner, born in Sicily, Italy, has brought his flavors from his Italian heritage of Sicily to Longboat Key. Our welcoming and friendly atmosphere makes you feel like you are at home. Where you could enjoy our selection of wines and beers with our homemade breads and pizza, to a frutta de mare with linguini, or a veal piccatta. Come join us where you could dine outside under the stars or come in and relax in our dining room.

w Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Eric Hammersand(941) 383-0102412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] We are located at the south end of Longboat Key at the Boathouse Marina, just a few minutes from St. Armand’s Circle, Mote Marine, and downtown Sarasota. As locals will tell you, we are best known for serving one of the best grouper sandwiches on Florida’s West Coast. We feature panoramic views of Sarasota Bay from inside our second story dining area or enjoy dining outdoors on our dockside patio.

w Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft Lounge & Dessert Room, D’Arcy Arpke(941) 383-36335540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Since 1980, Chef Ray and D’Arcy Arpke have owned and operated this renowned fine-dining destination known as one of the country’s “most romantic” restaurants and the area’s “most exquisite.” Located inside a historic cottage, the


downstairs’ restaurant serves creative, refined cuisine in a charming setting. Favorites from the menu include Prime Peppered Steak, Roasted Duckling and Pistachio Crusted Key West Snap-per. Guests may also choose a more casual setting upstairs at The Haye Loft. The upscale lounge offers live music nightly, “lighter bites” and a dessert bar.

w Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine BarDean Defebo (941) 358-9463 Ext:2032001 Siesta Drive, Suite 101, Sarasota, FL 34239email: [email protected] At Fleming’s, a steak is never just a steak. It’s the culmination of a meticulous process of selection, preparation and service that ensures it reaches your table at its very best. We obsess over every detail so that you’ll savor every bite. This is why we offer the finest USDA Prime beef, available both wet- and dry-aged and broiled at 1,600 degrees or iron-crust-ed. You can elevate your selection even more with our indulgent Steak Companions, including truffle-poached lobster, diablo shrimp and king crab topped with caviar.

w Harry’s Continental KitchensLynn Christensen (941) 383-07775600 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Since 1979, Harry Christensen’s mission has been to bring exciting, exquisitely real gourmet cuisine to the area. Quickly gaining a reputation for its incred-ibly fresh “coastal cuisine” with a flavor-infused international menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Memorable dishes include Harry’s famous vichyssoise, Florida lobster risotto, macadamia

w Lido Beach Grille, Joan Combes(941) 388-5608700 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236www.lidobeachresort.com The Lido Beach Grille specializes in modern American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Using only the freshest ingredients, our Executive Chef Matt Lewis, prepares a wide variety of eclectic entree selections and inspired house specialty desserts served in an intimate, yet casual atmosphere. This distinctive Sarasota restaurant also boasts panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Sarasota skyline through the Grille’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Begin the evening with your favorite cocktail in the Sunset Lounge as the sun sinks over the blue waters of the Gulf, or enhance your meal with a selection from our wine list.

w Longbeach Cafe’, Colleen Collandra(941) 383-79006836 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Locals are raving about the reopening of the breakfast restaurant that serves more than just your average eggs benedict, but also serves as the heart of northern Longboat Key. Formally known as Isabelle’s Eatery, Longbeach Café is a great place to come in and kick your feet up or simply breeze through for a quick bite on your way to work. Breakfast is served all day, everyday. Lunch is offered Monday through Saturday. Hours 7 days a week, Mon - Sat 7am - 3pm, Sunday 7am - 1pm. w Lynches Pub & Grub, Christine Lynch(941) 388-555019B North Blvd. of Presidents, Sarasota, FL [email protected] / www.lynchespub.com Lynches Pub is a Sarasota Bar and Restaurant located on St. Armands Circle. Lynches Irish Pub is the perfect place to meet old friends, make new friends & enjoy great food & drinks in a friendly neighborhood pub atmosphere. We serve food & fun daily. Our kitchen is open ‘till midnight Mon - Sat & ‘till 10pm on Sunday

w Mar Vista Dockside RestaurantAnthony Cucci (941) 383-2391760 Broadway, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] Mar Vista is a unique spot situated on pictur-esque Sarasota Bay on North Longboat Key. You can dine inside the historic dining room, outside

nut crusted salmon, vanilla bean crème brûlée and mango melba. Full bar featuring creative libations and an award winning wine list.

w Holiday Inn Lido Beach, Kymberley Mackenzie(941) 388-5555 (866) 306-5452233 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34203email: [email protected] The hotel’s Event Rooms are ideal for Corporate guests, as well as Social and Wedding Events. With a total of 3,968 sq. ft. of meeting space, this venue will make any event or meeting a success! Enjoy the breathtaking views with easy access to Downtown Sarasota. Incredible services and amenities make your Event memorable. The Sand Dollar Dining Room offers great Florida fare with a panoramic view from the 7th floor. Our dedicated staff makes every Event a success!

w Lazy Lobster of Longboat, Michael Garey(941) 383-04405350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Our mission is to be the neigh-borhood choice for our guests and their families; proudly providing a casual atmosphere that consistently exceeds their expectations. Great food, high energy and honest friendly

people are the keys to our success. We’re a fun place to go and are open daily for Lunch from 11:30 am - 3 pm., Early Dining 4-5:30 pm, and Dinner 4 - 9:00 pm

w Le Colonne Restaurant, Giulia Salustri(941) 388-434822 S. Blvd. of the Presidents, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] A family business, we are proud to offer our customers longstanding traditions of La Cucina Ital-ia. Savor delicious sauces, homemade pasta, select wines, and a wealth of fresh enticing ingredients. Certain to please the choosiest of appetites! We are located in St. Armands Circle, Saraso-ta’s premier shopping and fine dining destination. While experiencing the exotic and elegant shops on St. Armands Circle, stop in and enjoy the finest in La Cucina Italiana this side of the Atlantic.

on the open air deck or with your toes in the sand beneath the canopy of ancient Buttonwood trees. Specializing in authentic, Gulf to table and farm to fork features, Mar Vista offers a real Florida dining experience. Dock and Dine at the newly renovated private dock and experience Florida dining the way it was meant to be.

w Sandbar Restaurant, Joseph D. Rogers(941) 778-0444100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216www.groupersandwich.comThe Sandbar, located on the north end of Anna Ma-ria Island, has for decades been a favorite for locals and a great place to impress out of town guests. It’s the first place returning visitors want to come when they arrive. Enjoy our newly renovated dining room or relax before an unforgettable sunset on the Gulf front deck. The Sandbar offers true toes-in-the-sand dining on Gulf to table seafood and fresh, local farm to fork menu items. Guess the sunset time and win a bottle of champagne.

w Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe, Thai Branton(941) 388-2888300 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236www.tommybahama.com Tommy Bahama is the perfect location for any event. Our second level can accommodate groups of 20-150. It’s a celebration of the island lifestyle, a place that is always full of warm smiles, gentle laughter and relaxed conversation. A warm recep-tion awaits you and your guests at Tommy Bahama. For additional information please contact Peg Pluto at [email protected].


Conditioned Air Corporation (941) 893-6450Contemporary Industries South (941) 955-2440Cunningham Property Management Corp. (941) 383-9561 / (800) 333-7335

D Davi & Valenti MoversStevens Van Lines (941) 727-1459 / (800) 282-7674

Dennis Hassell & Associates (941) 746-4919Design 2000 for Hair & Nails (941) 387-9807The Diplomat Resort (941) 383-3791 (800) 344-5418The Dock on the Bay (941) 302-3440Doors Galore (941) 358-1424Dr. Pamela LettsDry Dock Waterfront Grill (941) 383-0102Dryden Sports (941) 809-8996

E Easter Seals Southwest Florida, Inc. (941) 355-7637 Ext:404

Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County (941) 309-1200

Edgewater Contractors Inc. (941) 809-4835Elite Family Care (941) 556-1117Engel & Voelkers Longboat Key Realty (941) 920-0303Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft Lounge & Dessert Room (941) 383-3633

F Fantastech Computer Repair (941) 914-4647FBC Mortgage, LLC (727) 499-0000First Bank of Longboat Key (941) 383-6847 / (800) 354-6096First Service Residential (941) 954-5450The Fish Hole (941) 778-3400Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (941) 358-9463 Ext:203

Floor Care Solutions (941) 552-1287Florida Power & Light (941) 917-0708Florida Vacation Connection (941) 387-9709 / (800) 593-4390Foreman and Associates, Inc. (941) 955-8111

Four Winds Beach Resort (941) 383-2411 / (800) 982-8720Fox Mirror & Glass, Inc. (941) 955-4448Freedom Village Bradenton (941) 798-8190

G G. Fried FlooringAmerica (941) 921-7704Gagne Construction (941) 778-3215Galaxy Pools (941) 758-6126Gold Coast Eagle Distributing (941) 355-7685Goodwill - Manasota (941) 355-2721Gorilla Kleen (941) 952-1000Grant’s Gardens, Inc. (941) 343-9396Grayhawk Systems (941) 487-2964Gregory K. Wall AIA PA (941) 953-5454Gulf Beach Motel (941) 388-2127 / (800) 232-2489Gulf Business Systems (941) 379-0111Gulf Tides of Longboat Key (941) 383-5595 / (800) 333-7335

Gulfshore of Longboat Key (941) 383-2254

H Harry’s Continental Kitchens (941) 383-0777Help at Home Healthcare (941) 388-3117Hodgell Gallery (941) 366-1146Holiday Inn Lido Beach (941) 388-5555 / (866) 306-5452

Hughes Exterminators (941) 923-4544

I I 3 Lending (813) 300-9281Innovative Habitat Architects (941) 921-2517Insignia Bank (941) 366-7100Institute for the Ages (941) 365-4243Island Animal Clinic (941) 778-2445Island Photography & DJ, Inc. (941) 778-5676The Islander (941) 778-7978

J J Wood Realty (941) 809-8099Jack Elka Photography (941) 778-2711James Anderson Design & Building (941) 993-2117Jay Goodley Entertainment (941) 480-9600


BeacHhouse Restaurant (941) 779-2222The Bijou Cafe (941) 366-8111Binjara Traders (941) 388-3335BJ Bishop (571) 228-2610Blinds Unlimited (941) 359-8800Blue Dolphin Cafe (941) 388-3566Blue Dolphin Cafe (941) 383-3787Bluewater Construction, LLC (941) 383-8043Bobcat Disposal, LLC (941) 556-1426boostDFM (941) 907-9293Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (941) 729-9177

Bridge Street Bistro (941) 782-1122Budget Self Storage - Fruitville (941) 364-9202Building Connections (941) 465-0081Bungalow Beach Resort (941) 778-3600 (800) 779-3601

C Cadence Bank (941) 365-5934Cafe L’Europe (941) 388-4415Cafe Lido (941) 388-2161Cannons Marina (941) 383-1311Casa Del Mar Beach Resort (941) 383-5549Caswell Legal (941) 366-7727Cedars Tennis Resort (888) 655-8640Cedars West of Longboat, Inc. (941) 383-4666Centre Shops of Longboat Key (941) 954-2300Century 21 Beggins Enterprises (941) 387-8888Chart House (941) 383-5593Christ Church of Longboat Key (Presbyterian U.S.A.) (941) 383-8833Ciao Italia! (941) 383-0010Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate (941) 809-3714Comcast Cable (941) 371-6700 / (800) 266-2278

Membership Directory

1 15 South Ristorante Enoteca, Inc. (941) 388-1555

A A Bridge for Independence, LLC (941) 925-2433

A Paradise Vacation Rentals (941) 778-4800 (800) 237-2252A Victorian Bride Hair & Make-up StudioArtist - On Location (941) 928-3651AAA Payroll Service (941) 527-0248Abbott’s Family Charters (941) 302-4734ABC Rentals (941) 929-1850 / (866) 342-2446AFC/Doctors Express Urgent Care (941) 364-4379 Aging in Paradise Resource Center (941) 383-6493Al Purmort Insurance (941) 924-3808Alan Hazley Financial (941) 755-9791All Star Laundry & Dry Cleaning (941) 907-6814Ames Capital Management (941) 378-5000AMI LBK Property Management (941) 404-4600Amore’ by Andrea (941) 388-1888AMR Construction LLC (941) 545-0808Anthony’s Cooling-Heating-Refrigeration (941) 778-0100Aqua Plumbing & Air (941) 366-7676Arrow Environmental Services (941) 377-0888AskTheSeal.com (800) 410-7325AutoNation Ford Bradenton (941) 747-4411

B Backyard Bike Shop (941) 383-5184Barefoot Weddings (941) 952-1440Beach Bistro (941) 778-6444Beach Castle Resort (866) 655-8640 / (888) 655-8640The Beach on Longboat Key (888) 655-8640The Beachcomber (941) 383-1083

All businesses listed represent the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce membership as of Dec 15, 2014.



Michael Saunders & Company (941) 383-7591Michael Saunders & CompanyRental Division (941) 552-4200Miller Electric (941) 383-1008Moments in Time Photography (941) 362-4567 (866) 362-4560

Mote Marine Laboratory (941) 388-4441 (800) 691-6683

Must Do Visitor Guides, Siesta Publications, Inc. (941) 266-0054Myco-Tek (941) 486-9595Myers Painting, LLC (941) 921-9535

N N M Cool Today (941) 921-5581 (800) 226-2636

National Awards Florida, Inc. (941) 383-9700NaturZone Pest Control (941) 378-3334NBI Suncontrol (941) 360-8500Northwestern Mutual (941) 587-2375Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Sokos, P.A. (941) 954-4691Nuvue Digital Media (201) 956-1466

O Dick & Karen O’Dowd (941) 758-1282

Outrigger Resort (941) 383-3844 (866) 744-6400

P Palm Avenue Fine Art (941) 388-7526Palm Pages (941) 922-0441Pam Santarlas (941) 737-2471Pampered Movers of Sarasota, LLC (941) 343-9443The Players, Inc. (941) 365-2494The Plumbing Place (941) 378-5678Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay (941) 365-2600Premier Real Estate (941) 232-3665Premier Sotheby’s International Realty (941) 383-2500

Premier Sotheby’s Intl. RealtyAndrew Bers (941) 383-2550Progressive Waste Solutions (813) 352-9156 (800) 252-5211Property Solutions Group (941) 383-2727

Publix Supermarkets, Inc. (941) 383-1326PuroClean Emergency Property Specialists (941) 225-4770

Q Qwik-N-EZ (941) 383-4549

R RE/MAX Alliance Group (941) 383-9700 (877) 383-9700Rental Depot Weddings Tents & Events, Co. (941) 929-9382

The Resort at Longboat Key Club (941) 383-8821 (800) 237-8821

Reverend Susan Bierker (941) 922-5908Riddell Law Group (941) 366-1300Robert GaultRobert Rokop AIA Architect, LLC (941) 388-4100Rodbender Fishing Charters (941) 320-8171Rolling Waves Beach Cottages Inc. (941) 383-1323The Royal Treatment Home Care LLC (941) 302-6193RUM International Inc. (941) 387-7773Rusty Chinnis Contractor, Inc. (941) 383-2900RVA, Resort Vacations (888) 655-8640

S Sally Trout Interior Design, Inc. (941) 953-4418Sand Cay Beach Resort (941) 383-5044 (800) 843-4459

Sand Petal Weddings (941) 923-6060 (877) 933-8699Sandbar Restaurant (941) 778-0444Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach (941) 388-2181 (800) 225-2181

Sandpiper Inn (941) 383-2552Sarabay Real Estate (941) 355-7696Sarasota Architectural Salvage Mercantile (941) 362-0803Sarasota County Government (941) 861-5257Sarasota County Tax Collector (941) 861-8300Sarasota Document Shredding (941) 927-7586Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (941) 359-5200Sarasota Opera (941) 366-8450 (888) 673-7212


Jennette Properties (941) 359-3435JSC CorpRemodeling & Construction (941) 744-1062

K Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans (941) 896-6400Keller Williams Realty (941) 321-8848Kerkering, Barberio & Co. (941) 365-4617 (800) 966-8676Key Cleaners & Linen Service, Inc. (941) 383-1222Key Signs, LLC (941) 383-0202Kilwin’s Chocolates of St. Armands (941) 388-3200Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key

L LaPensee Plumbing & Pools (941) 778-5622Vince LaPorta (941) 504-5026Larry WhiteLawnbiotics Inc. (352) 278-0149Lazy Lobster of Longboat (941) 383-0440LBK Liquors (941) 953-1835Le Colonne Restaurant (941) 388-4348Lido Beach Grille (941) 388-5608Lido Beach Resort (941) 388-2161 (800) 441-2113Lighthouse Property Management (941) 460-5560Liquid Limousine Charters, LLC (941) 383-1235Little Gull Cottages (941) 383-8818 (800) 333-7335

Local Jaw, LLC (231) 330-2083Longbeach Cafe’ (941) 383-7900Longboat Bay Club (941) 383-9561 (800) 333-7335Longboat Cardiology, P.A. (941) 383-7300Longboat Hardware (941) 383-1313Longboat Island Chapel (941) 383-6491Longboat Island Chapel Lord’s Warehouse (941) 383-4738Longboat Island Chapel Weddings (941) 685-7437Longboat Key Builders Inc. (941) 383-2900Longboat Key Center for the Arts (941) 383-2345Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce (941) 383-2466

Longboat Key Dental (941) 383-6400Longboat Key Education Center (941) 383-8811Longboat Key Financial Group (941) 383-2300 (866) 383-5300Longboat Key Framing & Art Gallery (941) 387-9933

Longboat Key Garden Club, Inc. (941) 383-0538Longboat Key Massage (941) 387-3388Longboat Key News (941) 387-2200Longboat Key Tennis Center (941) 316-8367Longboat Leisure Charters (941) 383-6170

Longboat Limousine/ Suncoast Sedans (941) 383-1235 (800) 525-4661

Longboat Management Corporation (941) 923-2323Longboat Massage (941) 544-5478The Longboat Observer (941) 383-5509Lynches Pub & Grub (941) 388-5550

M Madison Ave. Media & Design (941) 321-3589Manson Roofing, Inc. (941) 748-5547Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant (941) 383-2391Mark Kamin & Associates, Inc. (941) 750-9917Mary Lou Johnson Photography (941) 383-4217Massage Therapy Services (941) 725-0789Michael Saunders & Co. (941) 383-5502 (800) 283-5506

Michael Saunders & Co. (941) 730-2444Michael Saunders & Co., Cathy Meldahl (941) 724-7228Michael Saunders & Co., Cheryl Wilson (941) 592-5835

Michael Saunders & Co., Deborah Beacham (941) 376-2688

Michael Saunders & Co., Maruta Miluns, M.B.A. (941) 374-9702

Michael Saunders & Co., Maureen Horn (941) 539-3384

Michael Saunders & Co. Rentals, Janice Reed (941) 552-4200

Michael Saunders & Co., Shelley Barker (941) 706-5403

Michael Saunders & Co., Sherri Mills (941) 383-7591


w ACCOUNTANTS Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Beth Ebersole, CPA(941) 365-4617 (800) 966-86761990 Main Street, Suite #801, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.kbgrp.com

Wright Accounting, Inc., Barbara Wright(941) 366-03441226 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite #200Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w ADVERTISING Madison Ave. Media & Design, Rick Bergére(941) 321-3589 (941) 351-0979501 Saint Andrews Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243email: [email protected]

w ADVERTISING DIRECTORY Palm Pages, Karen Saunders(941) 922-04415473 Aylesbury Lane, Sarasota, FL 34241email: [email protected] / www.palmpages.com

w AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING Anthony’s Cooling-Heating-RefrigerationSandra Visser(941) 778-01002501 Gulf Drive, Unit #102, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

Aqua Plumbing & Air, John Wojtyna(941) 366-76768283 Vico Ct., Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

Building Connections, Allie Hueter(941) 465-00812365 Slough Rd., Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

Conditioned Air Corporation, Al Benincasa(941) 893-64501040 Knights Trail, Unit A, Venice, FL 34275email: [email protected]

N M Cool Today, Jaime DiDomenico(941) 921-5581 (800) 226-26366143 Clark Center Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34238www.nmcool.com

Unique Air, Inc., Mike Montgomery(941) 377-0153 (877) 247-73654515 19th St. Ct. E., Bradenton, FL 34203email: [email protected]

Wentzel’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.Cindy Wentzel(941) 925-24305734 Swift Road, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

w AIRPORT Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, Rick Piccolo(941) 359-52006000 Airport Circle, Sarasota, FL 34243email: [email protected]

Business DirectoryAll businesses listed represent the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce membership as of Dec 15, 2014. Corporate Partners

Member Plus


Sarasota Trophy & Awards, Inc. (941) 921-4339Sarasota Urgent Care by SMH (941) 554-4301Save Our Seabirds, Inc. (941) 388-3010Sea Club I (941) 383-2431Sea Grape Inn (941) 383-2105Sea Horse Beach Resort (941) 383-2417 (866) 383-2417Secur-All Insurance Agency (941) 383-3388

Servpro of Bradenton (941) 792-7715 (800) 737-8776

Servpro of North Sarasota (941) 365-4614ShelCidy Custom Remodeling, Inc. (941) 921-4222Shore Sarasota (941) 388-3535Shutts & Bowen, LLP (941) 365-0550Signs by Tomorrow (941) 925-2605Silver Sands Gulf Beach Resort (888) 655-8640Sir Speedy Printing (941) 356-3886Specialized Plumbing Technologies (941) 379-5118 (800) 849-4610St. Armands Circle (941) 388-1554Starfish Rentals (941) 383-1511Statewide Disaster Restoration South (941) 359-9505Steff’s Stuff Antiques (941) 383-1901Stephanie Dubsky Photography (941) 587-9869Sterling Manufacturing (941) 955-8787Sun ‘n Sea Cottages (941) 383-5588Suncoast Fishing Charters, LLC (941) 356-0629Suncoast Rental Management (231) 883-7402Sunglass Express Optical (941) 388-5115Sunny Day Guide (757) 468-0606 (800) 786-6932Sunset Realty (941) 587-9288SunTrust Bank, Southwest Florida (941) 387-5600 (800) 786-8787

Superior Asphalt, Inc. (941) 755-2850

T Take Shape for Life (941) 544-4590

Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key, Inc. (941) 383-3428

The Circus Arts Conservatory (941) 355-9335The David Gregory Salon (941) 383-8699

The Lock Up Self-Storage (941) 906-1601Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe (941) 388-2888Touch of Africa (877) 480-6881Town of Longboat Key (941) 316-1999Trial Lawyers of Alvarez Garcia, Inc. (813) 259-9555Trimmers Holiday Decor (941) 355-6655Turner Tree & Landscape (941) 745-2101

U Unique Air, Inc. (941) 377-0153 (877) 247-7365The UPS Store (941) 383-8989

V ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance (941) 383-0817Veranda Beach Club (941) 383-5511 (800) 411-5511Visit Sarasota County (941) 957-1877Visiting Angels of Sarasota (941) 758-4500

W Wagner Realty (941) 383-5577 (800) 352-0367Wagner Realty - Jerry Radabaugh (941) 462-4200Walls by Design (941) 729-7823Waterfront 7 Realty (941) 400-6682Watrous Video Productions, Inc. (941) 366-3316 Weddings of Sarasota (941) 923-4333

Wentzel’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (941) 925-2430Westminster Towers & Shores (941) 747-1881White Sands Cleaner Longboat (941) 383-6312White Sands of Longboat (941) 383-2428 (800) 230-2428The Wicker Inn (941) 387-8344 (800) 285-3481WICW Radio (888) 832-2104Wolfmouth Charters (941) 720-4418Wright Accounting, Inc. (941) 366-0344Wyland Galleries (941) 388-5331 Y Yarnall Warehouse, Inc. (941) 365-3060 (800) 527-5753Your Fitness Instructor (941) 383-3488


w ANTIQUES Steff ’s Stuff Antiques, Stephanie Claussen(941) 383-19015380 Gulf of Mexico Drive #101Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w APPAREL CLOTHING - RETAIL Binjara Traders, Cleon Dixon(941) 388-333515 N Blvd of Presidents, 362 C John Ringling Blvdemail: [email protected]

Shore Sarasota, Krisi Perez(941) 388-3535465 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.shopshore.com

w ARCHITECTS Gregory K. Wall AIA PA, Greg Wall(941) 953-545415 Paradise Plaza #156, Sarasota, FL 34239email: [email protected]

Innovative Habitat Architects, Bradley John Smith(941) 921-25175932 Wildwood Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

Robert Rokop AIA Architect, LLC, Robert Rokop(941) 388-4100400 Madison Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w ART CENTER Longboat Key Center for the Arts, Jane Buckman(941) 383-23456860 Longboat Drive South, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]/lbkca

w ART DEALER Palm Avenue Fine Art, Crystal Wagner(941) 388-752610 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w ART GALLERY Hodgell Gallery, Brian J. O’Connell(941) 366-114646 Palm Ave. South, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] of Africa, Deon Barnard(877) 480-6881464 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] Galleries, Guy Vincent(941) 388-5331 (888) 588-5331314 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w ASBESTOS ABATEMENT Myco-Tek, Joe Tine(941) 486-9595325 Laurel Road East, Nokomis, FL 34275email: [email protected] / www.myco-tek.net

w ASPHALT PAVING Superior Asphalt, Inc., Craig W. Robson(941) 755-28504703 15th Street EastBradenton, FL 34203-3619www.superiorasphaltinc.net

w ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP Tonya Atchison (941) 224-7520BJ Bishop (571) 228-2610email: [email protected] Gaultemail: [email protected] LaPorta (941) 504-5026email: [email protected]. Pamela Lettsemail: [email protected] & Karen O’Dowd (941) 758-1282email: [email protected] Whiteemail: [email protected]

w ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT Longboat Management CorporationLissette Hernandez(941) 923-2323510 Bay Isles Road, #2, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w ATTIC INSULATION Arrow Environmental Services, Roger Brannon(941) 377-08886225 Tower Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

w ATTORNEY

Caswell Legal, Chris Caswell(941) 366-77276842 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] www.caswelllegal.com

Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Sokos, P.A.Darren R. Inverso(941) 954-46911819 Main Street, Suite 610, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] Law Group, Julie Riddell(941) 366-13003400 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite #202, Sarasota, FL 34239www.rlglawfirm.comShutts & Bowen, LLP, Mike Siegel(941) 365-055046 N. Washington Blvd., Suite 1Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.shutts.comTrial Lawyers of Alvarez Garcia, Inc.Anthony J. Garcia, Esq.(813) 259-9555742 S. Village Circle, Tampa, FL 33606email: [email protected]

w ATTRACTION

Mote Marine Laboratory, Dr. Michael P. Crosby(941) 388-4441 (800) 691-66831600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.mote.org

Sarasota Opera, Samuel Lowry(941) 366-8450 (888) 673-721261 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

Save Our Seabirds, Inc., David Pilston(941) 388-30101708 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

The Circus Arts Conservatory, Patty Ordonez-Bains(941) 355-93352075 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, FL 34239email: [email protected] / www.Circusarts.org

w AUTOMOBILE SALES / LEASING

AutoNation Ford Bradenton, Troy Brown(941) 747-44115325 14th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207www.autonation.com

w BABY FURNITURE & RENTALS

ABC Rentals, Lynn Shaffer(941) 929-1850 (866) 342-24465352 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

w BABYSITTER & NANNY REFERRAL

Elite Family Care, Debra Fortosis(941) 556-11173947 Clark Road, Suite D, Sarasota, FL 34233email: [email protected]


w BACKGROUND CHECKS

AskTheSeal.com, Ed Marchiselli(800) 410-73253001 N. Rocky Point Dr. E, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33607email: [email protected] / www.AskTheSeal.com

w BANKING/ FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Cadence Bank, David Farrar(941) 365-593425 South Links Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236www.cadencebank.com

First Bank of Longboat Key, Cal Bonnett(941) 383-6847 (800) 354-60965390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #101Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.firstbanks.com

Insignia Bank, Lynette Warnars(941) 366-7100333 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

SunTrust Bank, Southwest Florida, Asima Palmer(941) 387-5600 (800) 786-8787510 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228www.suntrust.com

w BEACH EQUIPMENT RENTALS ABC Rentals, Lynn Shaffer(941) 929-1850 (866) 342-24465352 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

w BEAUTY SALON A Victorian Bride Hair & Make-up StudioArtist - On Location, Linda A. Shepard(941) 928-36512746 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34233email: [email protected]

Design 2000 for Hair & Nails, Sandra LaRose(941) 387-98076840 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228www.Design2000longboatkeyfl.com

The David Gregory Salon, Gregory Koss(941) 383-86995370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 103Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w BEER WHOLESALERS

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, John Saputo(941) 355-76857051 Wireless Court, Sarasota, FL 34240www.abwholesaler.com/goldcoasteagle

w BICYCLE RENTALS

Backyard Bike Shop, Charlie Nichols(941) 383-51845610 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1BLongboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w BOAT CHARTERS

Abbott’s Family Charters, Capt. Greg Abbott (941) 302-4734 email: [email protected] www.abbottsfamilycharters.com

Liquid Limousine Charters, LLC, Capt. Jimmy Seaton(941) 383-1235email: [email protected]

Longboat Leisure Charters, Debra Palmer(941) [email protected]

Rodbender Fishing Charters, Scott K. Green(941) 320-8171920 John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota, FL 34236email: capt.scott.k.green@sarasotafishingcharter.comwww.sarasotafishingcharter.com

Suncoast Fishing Charters, LLC, Rose Alstrom(941) 356-0629email: [email protected]

Wolfmouth Charters, Wayne Genthner(941) 720-44184120 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w BOAT RENTALS

Cannons Marina, David Miller(941) 383-13116040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w BOAT RETAILER

Cannons Marina, David Miller(941) 383-13116040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w BUILDING MATERIALS

Doors Galore, Stephanie McCulloch(941) 358-14241872 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243email: [email protected]

Sarasota Architectural Salvage Mercantile, Jesse White(941) 362-08031314 10th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w BUSINESS RECORDS MANAGEMENT

Yarnall Warehouse, Inc., Jay Vandroff(941) 365-3060 (800) 527-57531590 East Avenue, North, Sarasota, FL 34237email: [email protected] / www.yarnall.com

w CABLE TELEVISION

Comcast Cable, Barbara Hagen(941) 371-6700 (800) 266-22785205 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34232www.comcast.com

w CARPET CLEANING

Floor Care Solutions, John F. Cozy(941) 552-12872555 Porter Lake Dr. #108, Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

Servpro of Bradenton, Larry Hibbs(941) 792-7715 (800) 737-87764301 32nd Street, West, C-16, Bradenton, FL 34205www.servpro.com

Servpro of North Sarasota, Jeff Vermillion(941) 365-46146341 Porter Road, Suite #14, Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

w CATERING Cafe L’Europe, Betsie Coolidge(941) 388-4415431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.cafeleurope.netCiao Italia!, Carmine Astuto(941) 383-00105370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #104Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]’s Continental Kitchens, Lynn Christensen(941) 383-07775600 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w CHURCHES Christ Church of Longboat Key (Presbyterian U.S.A.)Mike Gardiner(941) 383-88336400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Longboat Island Chapel, Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll(941) 383-64916200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w CLEANING / MAINTENANCE RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Pam Santarlas(941) 737-24714900 Manatee Avenue West. Suite #101Bradenton, FL 34209

w COMMERCIAL FIRE & WATER RESTORATION Servpro of Bradenton(941) 792-77154301 32nd Street West, C-16Bradenton, FL 34205www.servpro.com


w COMPUTER & NETWORK REPAIR Fantastech Computer Repair, Bobby Caughron(941) 914-46474109 Hearthstone Drive, Sarasota, FL 34238email: [email protected]

w CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES / GENERAL CONTRACTORS AMR Construction, LLC, Joshua Conn(941) 545-08084008 15th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205email: [email protected]

Bluewater Construction, LLC, Rose Alstrom(941) 383-8043723 Jungle Queen Way, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Edgewater Contractors Inc., Jay Anderson(941) 366-15251003 N. Orange Ave., SteA2, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] Construction, Dan Gagne(941) 778-3215214 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, FL 34216email: [email protected]

James Anderson Design & Building, James Anderson(941) 993-2117119 2nd Street, Nokomis, FL 34275email: [email protected]

JSC Corp - Remodeling & ConstructionJon Schneider(941) 744-10621305 60th St E., Bradenton, FL 34208email: [email protected]

Longboat Key Builders, Inc., Mia Hargrove(941) 383-29005570 Gulf of Mexico DriveLongboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Rusty Chinnis Contractor, Inc., Rusty Chinnis(941) 383-29005350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #201ALongboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Sterling Manufacturing, Lynn Hunter(941) 955-87878293 Consumer Ct., Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

w CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING


Foreman and Associates, Inc., Michael Foreman(941) 955-81112511 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239email: [email protected]

w CONVENIENCE STORE

Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Lynn Christensen(941) 383-07775600 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Qwik-N-EZ, Ginny Savidge(941) 383-45494030 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors BureauElliott Falcione(941) 729-9177One Haben Blvd., Palmetto, FL 34221www.bradentongulfislands.com

Visit Sarasota County, Virginia HaleySarasota’s Visitor Center(941) 957-187714 Lemon Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236www.visitsarasota.org

w CORPORATE AWARDS

Sarasota Trophy & Awards, Inc., Kenneth R. Levanti(941) 921-43396601 Superior Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

w CREDIT CARD PROCESSING

Dennis Hassell & Associates, Dennis Hassell(941) 746-49199423 Portside Terrace, Bradenton, FL 34212email: [email protected] / www.dhassell.com

w DECORATING/DECOR

Trimmers Holiday Decor, Dale Norwine(941) 355-66552650 59th Street, Sarsaota, FL 34243email: [email protected]

w DELICATESSEN

Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Lynn Christensen(941) 383-07775600 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w DENTIST

Longboat Key Dental, Dr. Michael J. O’Neil(941) 383-6400595 Bay Isles Rd., Suite 110, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w DISASTER RESTORATION

Statewide Disaster Restoration South, Bob Benson(941) 359-95052133 47th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234email: [email protected]

w DJ/ENTERTAINMENT


w DOCK & BOAT LIFT WIRING

Miller Electric, Ed Gocher(941) 383-10086992 Iris Street, Sarasota, FL 34243email: [email protected]

w DOCUMENT SHREDDING

Sarasota Document Shredding, Kathleen Martin(941) 927-75864563 Mariotti Ct., #101, Sarasota, FL 34233email: [email protected]

w DRY CLEANERS All Star Laundry & Dry Cleaning, Cheryl Walstad(941) 907-68146826 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Key Cleaners & Linen Service, Inc., Dana Porterfield(941) 383-12225390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #105Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

White Sands Cleaner Longboat, Denny Rudd(941) 383-6312519 Bay Isles Parkway, Longboat Key, FL 34228

w DRYWALL CONTRACTOR

Walls by Design, Cyndi Yeomans(941) 729-78233920 Elm Street, Ellenton, FL 34222email: [email protected]

w ECO TOURS

Liquid Limousine Charters, LLC, Capt. Jimmy Seaton(941) 383-1235Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]


w ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County, Mark Huey(941) 309-12001680 Fruitville Road, Suite #402, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE / LEARNING SERVICES

The Longboat Key Education Center, Susan Goldfarb(941) 383-88115370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #212Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]


w ELECTRICAL SERVICE / REPAIR

Miller Electric, Ed Gocher(941) 383-10086992 Iris Street, Sarasota, FL 34243email: [email protected]


Wentzel’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., Cindy Wentzel(941) 925-24305734 Swift Road, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

w ENGRAVING


w FINANCIAL SERVICES & CONSULTING

Ames Capital Management, Donald R. Ames(941) 378-50004419 Samoset Drive, Sarasota, FL 34241email: [email protected]

Longboat Key Financial Group, Michael T. Doll(941) 383-2300 (866) 383-53006350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #101Longboat Key, FL 34228email: MichaelTDoll@LongboatKeyFinancial.comwww.LongboatKeyFinancial.com

Northwestern Mutual, Stephen Griese(941) 587-23751751 Mound Street, #107, Sarasota, FL 34236www.stephengriese.nm.com

w FIRE RESTORATION

Myco-Tek, Joe Tine(941) 486-9595325 Laurel Road East, Nokomis, FL 34275email: [email protected] / www.myco-tek.net

PuroClean Emergency Property Specialists, Toni Artusa(941) 225-47706130 Clark Center Avenue, #107, Sarasota, FL 34238www.puroclean.com/peps-fl



w FISHING CHARTERS

Abbott’s Family Charters, Capt. Greg Abbott(941) 302-4734email: [email protected]


Suncoast Fishing Charters, LLC, Rose Alstrom(941) 356-0629email: [email protected]


w FITNESS

Your Fitness Instructor, Petar Sibinkic(941) 383-3488511 Bay Isles Parkway, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w FLOOR COVERINGS

G. Fried FlooringAmerica, Jack Dean(941) 921-77044608 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231www.gfriedflooring.com

w FURNITURE

Sarasota Architectural Salvage Mercantile, Jesse White(941) 362-08031314 10th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w GIFTWARE Sarasota Trophy & Awards, Inc., Kenneth R. Levanti(941) 921-43396601 Superior Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

w GLASS & MIRROR

Fox Mirror & Glass, Inc., Rick Fox(941) 955-44482172 10th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237email: [email protected]

w GLASS ETCHING


w TENNIS FACILITIES

Longboat Key Tennis Center, John Mracheck(941) 316-8367590 Bay Isles Parkway, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]/departments/tennis/tennis.htm

w GOLF COURSES PRIVATE MEMBERSHIPS

The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Juliette Valins(941) 387-1602442 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w GOVERNMENT

Sarasota County Government, Jeff Maultsby(941) 861-52571660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.scgov.net

Sarasota County Tax Collector, Barbara Ford-Coates(941) 861-8300101 S. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236-6993email: [email protected]

Town of Longboat Key, David Bullock(941) 316-1999501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228www.longboatkey.org

w GRAPHIC DESIGN

Madison Ave Media & Design, Rick Bergére(941) 321-3589 (941) 351-0979501 Saint Andrews Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243email: [email protected]

w GROCERY STORE

Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Andy Lappin(941) 383-1326525 Bay Isles Parkway, Longboat Key, FL 34228Shoppes of Bay Isles

w HARDWARE - RETAIL

Longboat Hardware, Reed Savidge(941) 383-13134030 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w HEALTH & WELLNESS

Take Shape for Life, Stephanie Dluzneski, RN(941) 544-45908301 Flagstaff Way, Sarasota, FL 34241email: [email protected]


w HOME DECOR / ACCESSORIES Touch of Africa, Deon Barnard(877) 480-6881464 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES

A Bridge for Independence, LLC, Kimberly Stanford(941) 925-24338374 Market St., Suite 235, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202email: sarasota@abridgeforindependence.comwww.abridgeforindependence.com

Help at Home Healthcare, Joyce Berk(941) 388-31177100 S. Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34238email: [email protected]

The Royal Treatment Home Care LLC, Jeffrey Rudge(941) 302-61936623 Glades Way, Sarasota, FLemail: [email protected]

Visiting Angels of Sarasota, Josephine Carr(941) 758-4500677 N. Washington Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]/sarasota

w ICE CREAM PARLOR CONFECTION SHOP

Kilwin’s Chocolates of St. Armands, Janice Holly(941) 388-3200312 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236www.kilwins.com

w INSULATION Wentzel’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., Cindy Wentzel(941) 925-24305734 Swift Road, Sarasota, FL [email protected]

w INSURANCE Al Purmort Insurance, Patrick Del Medico(941) 924-38083340 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239www.alpurmort.com

Longboat Key Financial Group, Michael T. Doll(941) 383-2300 (866) 383-53006350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #101Longboat Key, FL 34228email: MichaelTDoll@LongboatKeyFinancial.comwww.LongboatKeyFinancial.comSecur-All-Insurance Agency, Sandra Ceshker(941) 383-3388510 Bay Isles Road, Ste 1, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w INSURANCE / ANNUITIES

Alan Hazley Financial, Alan Hazley(941) 755-97913655 Cortez Rd West, Suite #100, Bradenton, FL 34210email: [email protected]

w INTERIOR DESIGN / DECORATING

Sally Trout Interior Design, Inc., Sally Trout(941) 953-441875 Cocoanut Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w INVESTMENTS

Longboat Key Financial Group, Michael T. Doll(941) 383-2300 (866) 383-53006350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #101Longboat Key, FL 34228email: MichaelTDoll@LongboatKeyFinancial.comwww.LongboatKeyFinancial.com

w IRISH PUB

Lynches Pub & Grub, Christine Lynch(941) 388-555019B North Blvd. of Presidents, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w IRRIGATION - LANDSCAPE

Lawnbiotics, Inc., Wells Rawls(352) 278-01494606 19th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209email: [email protected]

w JEWELRY

Steff ’s Stuff Antiques, Stephanie Claussen(941) 383-19015380 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #101, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Touch of Africa, Deon Barnard(877) 480-6881464 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w JEWELRY ENGRAVING


w KAYAK RENTALS

Backyard Bike Shop, Charlie Nichols(941) 383-51845610 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1B Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w KITCHEN & BATH PRODUCTS

LaPensee Plumbing & Pools, Karen LaPensee(941) 778-5622401 Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

The Plumbing Place, John Smithman(941) 378-56785678 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34232email: [email protected]

w LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR

Turner Tree & Landscape Darrell Turner (941) 745-2101 2504 64th Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34208email: [email protected]

w LAWN SERVICES / LANDSCAPING

Arrow Environmental Services, Roger Brannon(941) 377-08886225 Tower Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

Grant’s Gardens, Inc., Glenn Souza(941) 343-93961465 Northgate Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34234www.grantsgardens.com

ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance, James Jordan(941) 383-08178708 Cortez Rd. West, Bradenton, FL 34210www.valleycrest.com

w LEADERSHIP & PERFORMANCE CONSULTING Mark Kamin & Associates, Inc., Cookie Boudreaux(941) 750-9917email: [email protected]

w LIMOUSINE SERVICE


w LIQUOR STORE

LBK Liquors, Glen Schloneger(941) 953-18356854 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w LOUNGE

Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft Lounge & Dessert Room, D’Arcy Arpke(941) 383-36335540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w MAIL BOXES - PRIVATE

The UPS Store, Neil McDonald(941) 383-89895380 Gulf of Mexico Dr, #105, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]/3225


w MARINA Cannons Marina, David Miller(941) 383-13116040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w MARKETING

boostDFM, Chris Laney(941) 907-92937317 Merchant Ct, Suite A, Lakewood Rch, FL 34240email: [email protected] / www.boostdfm.com

w MASSAGE THERAPY Longboat Key Massage, Donna Papaleo(941) 387-33885620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.lbkmassage.com

Longboat Massage, Liz Yerkes(941) 544-54785370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #210Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.longboatmassage.com

Massage Therapy Services, Kim Phillips(941) 725-07895370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 204Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w MEDIA BROKER & CONSULTANT

Nuvue Digital Media, Mirabai Holland(201) 956-1466P.O. Box 9119, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w MINIATURE GOLF

The Fish Hole, Jake Spooner(941) 778-3400117 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

w MOBILE HOME COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Gulfshore of Longboat Key, Fred Bez(941) 383-22543710 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w MOLD REMEDIATION

Myco-Tek, Joe Tine(941) 486-9595325 Laurel Road East, Nokomis, FL 34275email: [email protected] / www.myco-tek.net

PuroClean Emergency Property Specialists, Toni Artusa(941) 225-47706130 Clark Center Avenue, #107, Sarasota, FL 34238email: [email protected]/peps-fl



w MORTGAGES

FBC Mortgage, LLC, Michael T. Alea(727) 499-00002973 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33785email: [email protected]

I 3 Lending, Courtland Hunt(813) 300-92812714 Avenue B, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

Michael Saunders & Co., C J Coury(941) 730-2444440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

SunTrust Bank, Southwest Florida, Asima Palmer(941) 387-5600 (800) 786-8787510 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228www.suntrust.com

w MOVING COMPANIES

Davi & Valenti MoversStevens Van Lines, Jason Taylor(941) 727-1459 (800) 282-76746470 Parkland Dr., Sarasota, FL 34243email: [email protected]

Pampered Movers of Sarasota, LLC, Casey Martin(941) 343-94436203 Clarity Court, Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

Yarnall Warehouse, Inc., Jay Vandroff(941) 365-3060, (800) 527-57531590 East Avenue, North, Sarasota, FL 34237email: [email protected] / www.yarnall.com

w MOVING SUPPLIES

The Lock Up Self-Storage, John Jones(941) 906-16011003 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w MUSICIAN / ENTERTAINMENT


w NEWSPAPERS

The Islander, Bonner Joy(941) 778-79785604 B Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] / www.islander.org

Longboat Key News, Steve Reid(941) 387-2200P.O. Box 8001, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.LBKnews.com

The Longboat Observer, Matt Walsh(941) 383-55091970 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Easter Seals Southwest Florida, Inc., Tom Waters(941) 355-7637 Ext:404350 Braden Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34243www.easterseals-swfl.org

Goodwill - Manasota, Rick Hughes(941) 355-27212705 51st Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203email: [email protected]

Institute for the Ages, Tom Esselman(941) 365-42431991 Main Street, Suite #248, Sarasota, FL 34236www.institutefortheages.org

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, Gail Loefgren(941) 383-24665390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #102, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Longboat Key Garden Club, Inc., Carol Peschel(941) 383-0538P.O. Box 8375, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w OFFICE EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES

Gulf Business Systems, Martin Hyde(941) 379-01111548 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.gbsflorida.com

w OPTICAL SHOP

Sunglass Express Optical, Yvonne Schloss(941) 388-5115343 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w PADDLE BOARDS

Backyard Bike Shop, Charlie Nichols(941) 383-51845610 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1Bemail: Longboat Key, FL [email protected]

w PAINTING & WATERPROOFING


Myers Painting, LLC, Nate Reeves(941) 921-9535242 S. Washington Blvd., #314, Sarasota, FL 34239email: [email protected]


w PARTY/EVENT RENTALS

Rental Depot Weddings, Tents & Events, Co., Alan R. Giever(941) 929-93823914 Swift Road, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

w PAVER SEALING

Gorilla Kleen, Wanda Smith(941) 952-10001663 11th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w PAYROLL & HR SERVICES

AAA Payroll Service, Jessica Southwick(941) 527-0248PO Box 14661, Bradenton, FL 34280email: [email protected]

w PEST CONTROL

Arrow Environmental Services, Roger Brannon(941) 377-08886225 Tower Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

Hughes Exterminators, Norm Mallard(941) 923-45447690 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

NaturZone Pest Control, Doug Longfellow(941) 378-33341899 Porter Lake Drive, #103, Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected] / www.naturzone.com

w PHOTOGRAPHERS

Island Photography & D J, Inc., Dara Caudill(941) 778-56765804 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

Jack Elka Photography, Jack Elka(941) 778-2711315 58th Street, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] / www.jackelka.com

Mary Lou Johnson Photography, Mary Lou Johnson(941) 383-42175965 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Moments in Time Photography, Fred Mailloux(941) 362-4567 (866) 362-45606616 Gateway Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

Stephanie Dubsky Photography, Stephanie Dubsky(941) 587-9869(By Appointment Only, Please)email: [email protected]

w PHYSICIANS / SURGEONS MEDICAL CLINICS

AFC/Doctors Express Urgent Care, Richard Kimsey(941) 364-43792901 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239email: [email protected]

Longboat Cardiology, P.A., Colleen Healy, MD(941) 383-73005650 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

Sarasota Urgent Care by SMH, Kathleen Cucci(941) 554-43011435 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239email: [email protected]

w PICTURE FRAMING/ART GALLERY Longboat Key Framing and Art Gallery Julie Gajus (941) 387-99335360 Gulf of Mexico Dr, #106, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w PIZZA

Ciao Italia! Carmine Astuto(941) 383-00105370 Gulf of Mexico Dr, #104, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w PLUMBING

Aqua Plumbing & Air, John Wojtyna(941) 366-76768283 Vico Ct., Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]



The Plumbing Place, John Smithman(941) 378-56785678 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34232email: [email protected]

Specialized Plumbing Technologies, Justin Mizell,VP(941) 379-5118 (800) 849-4610226 Field End Street, Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

Unique Air, Inc., Mike Montgomery(941) 377-0153, (877) 247-73654515 19th St. Ct. E., Bradenton, FL 34203email: [email protected]

w POOL SERVICE Galaxy Pools, Timothy Sanger(941) 758-61262041 Whitfield Park Ave., Sarasota, FL 34243email: [email protected]



w PORTABLE TOILETS

Bobcat Disposal, LLC, Kerstin Muise(941) 556-14267247 Delainey Court, Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

w PRESSURE WASHING

Gorilla Kleen, Wanda Smith(941) 952-10001663 11th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w PRINTING

Sir Speedy Printing, Carol Schoff(941) 356-38863939 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

The UPS Store, Neil McDonald(941) 383-89895380 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #105Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]/3225


w PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS National Awards Florida, Inc., Andrew Vac(941) 383-9700595 Bay Isles Rd., Suite 120-CLongboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Cunningham Property Management Corp.Sharon Cunningham(941) 383-9561 (800) 333-73353200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228www.vacationfla.com

First Service Residential, Tiffany Cox(941) 954-5450444 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Lighthouse Property Management, Kristin Fourie(941) 460-55604134 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228www.lighthousepropertymanagement.net

Property Solutions Group, Michael Drake(941) 383-27276821 Longboat Drive SouthLongboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Suncoast Rental Management, Annabelle Newland(231) 883-74021301 Tamiami Trail #310, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w PUBLISHERS Madison Ave. Media & Design, Rick Bergére(941) 351-0979501 Saint Andrews Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243email: info@madisonave-advertising.comwww.madisonave-advertising.comMust Do Visitor Guides, Siesta Publications, Inc., Nita Ettinger(941) 266-00541514 Selby Lane, #6, Sarasota, FL 34230email: [email protected] / www.MustDo.com

Palm Pages, Karen Saunders(941) 922-04415473 Aylesbury Lane, Sarasota, FL 34241email: [email protected] / www.palmpages.com

Sunny Day Guide, Clark Winslow(757) 468-0606 (800) 786-6932800 Seahawk Circle, Suite #106Virginia Beach, VA 23452email: [email protected]

w RADIO STATION (INTERNET)

WICW Radio Longboat, Danny Palmer(888) 832-2104720 Penfield Street, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w REAL ESTATE AGENTS & AGENCIES

A Paradise Vacation Rentals, Liz Andricks(941) 778-4800 (800) 237-22525201 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

Century 21 Beggins Enterprises, Gunner Davis(941) 387-88887000 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Michelle Musto(941) 809-3714201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Engel & Voelkers Longboat Key Realty, Tina Rudek(941) 920-03036824 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

J Wood Realty, Marnie Matarese(941) 809-8099330 South Pineapple Ave., Suite # 113Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.jwoodrealty.com

Keller Williams Realty, Gerald Cunningham(941) 321-884822 S. Links Avenue, Suite #200, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

Michael Nink, Michael Saunders & Co. (941) 914-2805 (800) 335-55433174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]. michaelnink.michaelsaunders.com

Cathy Meldahl, Michael Saunders & Co.(941) 724-7228681 Magnolia Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.comwww.cathymeldahl.michaelsaunders.com

Cheryl Wilson, Michael Saunders & Co.(941) 592-58353174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: cherylwilson@michaelsaunders.comwww.cherylwilson.michaelsaunders.com

Deborah Beacham, Michael Saunders & Co.(941) 376-2688440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: deborahbeacham@michaelsaunders.comwww.luxurypropertyinsarasota.com

Maruta Miluns, M.B.A., Michael Saunders & Co.(941) 374-97023174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Maureen Horn, Michael Saunders & Co.(941) 539-3384440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Shelley Barker, Michael Saunders & Co.(941) 706-54033174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: shelleybarker@michaelsaunders.comwww.shelleybarker.michaelsaunders.com

Sherri Mills, Michael Saunders & Co.(941) 383-7591440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Michael Saunders & Company, Georgina Clamage(941) 383-7591440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Premier Real Estate, Laurie Mock(941) 232-36656000 Marina Drive, Suite #105Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Anne Chakos(941) 383-2500546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Andrew Bers, Premier Sotheby’s Intl. Realty(941) 383-25503750 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

RE/MAX Alliance Group, Andrew Vac(941) 383-9700 (877) 383-9700595 Bay Isles Road, 120-C, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Sarabay Real Estate, Michael S. Holderness, PA(941) 355-76967333 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243email: [email protected]

Sunset Realty, Shirley J. Dabringhaus(941) 587-92882100 Constitution Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]


Wagner Realty, Dia Wilson(941) 383-5577 (800) 352-03675360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #101Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Jerry Radabaugh, Wagner Realty(941) 462-4200P.O Box 231, Anna Maria, FL 34216-0231email: [email protected]

Waterfront 7 Realty, Pamela J. Hagan, Broker/Owner(941) 400-6682595 Bay Isles Road, Suite #120ELongboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w REMODELING

Edgewater Contractors Inc., Jay Anderson(941) 366-15251003 N. Orange Ave., SteA2, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

ShelCidy Custom Remodeling, Inc., Albert D. Brannon, Jr.(941) 921-42223750 S. Osprey Ave. Sarasota, FL 34239

email: [email protected] / www.shelcidy.com

w RENTAL AGENCIES


Century 21 Beggins Enterprises, Gunner Davis(941) 387-88887000 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.c21beggins.com

Florida Vacation ConnectionMichele Knuese & Jan Jordan(941) 387-9709 (800) 593-43903720 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Jennette Properties, Kim Blakeney(941) 359-3435129 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

Jennifer Horvat, Rental DivisionMichael Saunders & Co.(941) 552-420032 N. Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]/rentals

RVA, Resort Vacations, Jana Troyer(888) 655-86404030 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.RVAFL.com

Wagner Realty, Dia Wilson(941) 383-5577 (800) 352-03675360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #101Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

Freedom Village Bradenton, Veronica Rogers(941) 798-81906406 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209www.brookdale.com

Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay, Gordon Okawa(941) 365-2600700 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

Westminster Towers & Shores, Karen Seus(941) 747-18811533 4th Avenue W, Bradenton, FL 34205www.westminsterretirement.com

w ROOFING


Manson Roofing, Inc., Bruce Manson(941) 748-5547807 24th Avenue, West, Bradenton, FL 34205email: [email protected]

w ROWING & SCULLING

RUM International Inc., Urs Wunderli(941) 387-77734134 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 207Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w SAILING CHARTERS

Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans, Tracey L. Dell(941) 896-64002 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w SENIOR COMPANIONS (non-medical)

Elite Family Care, Debra Fortosis(941) 556-11173947 Clark Road, Suite D, Sarasota, FL 34233email: [email protected]

w SENIOR SERVICES

Aging in Paradise Resource Center, Donna Dunio(941) 383-64936200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key, Armando LindeMeets Thursdays (7:30 am)Longboat Key Club Harbourside TavernLongboat Key, FL 34228

w SEWER & DRAIN LINE INSPECTIONS/ REHABILITATIONS


Specialized Plumbing Technologies, Justin Mizell,VP(941) 379-5118 (800) 849-4610226 Field End Street, Sarasota, FL 34240email: [email protected]

SHIPPING / PACKAGING SERVICES


The UPS Store, Neil McDonald(941) 383-89895380 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #105Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]/3225

w SHOPPING CENTERS & MALLS

Centre Shops of Longboat Key, Susanne Stovall(941) 954-23002 N. Tamiami Trial, Ste 100, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]. Armands Circle, Diana Corrigan(941) 388-1554300 Madison Drive, Suite #201St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]


w SIGNS

Key Signs, LLC, Ross Toussaint(941) 383-0202536 General Harris Street, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Signs by Tomorrow, Tim Eastwood(941) 925-26053959 Sawyer Road, Sarasota, FL 34233email: [email protected]

w SOCIAL MEDIA / MARKETING

Local Jaw, LLC, Josh Petitt(231) 330-2083505 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected] / www.localjaw.com

w SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT

Dryden Sports, Anthony Driscoll(941) 809-89961680 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w STORAGE FACILITY

Budget Self Storage, Fruitville, Laura Georgia(941) 364-92022201 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34237email: [email protected]

Davi & Valenti MoversStevens Van Lines, Jason Taylor(941) 727-1459 (800) 282-76746470 Parkland Dr., Sarasota, FL 34243email: [email protected] / www.davivalenti.com


The Lock Up Self-Storage, John Jones(941) 906-16011003 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w SUNGLASSES

Sunglass Express Optical, Yvonne Schloss(941) 388-5115343 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w SYNAGOGUES

Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key, Inc., Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz(941) 383-3428567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.tbi-lbk.org

w TAX COLLECTOR

Sarasota County Tax Collector, Barbara Ford-Coates(941) 861-8300101 S. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236-6993email: [email protected]

w TAX PREPARATION

Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Beth Ebersole, CPA(941) 365-4617 (800) 966-86761990 Main Street, Suite #801, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.kbgrp.com

Wright Accounting, Inc., Barbara Wright(941) 366-03441226 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite #200, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

w TENT RENTALS

Rental Depot Weddings, Tents & Events, Co., Alan R. Giever(941) 929-93823914 Swift Road, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

w THEATRE

The Players, Inc., Michelle Pingel(941) 365-2494838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected] / www.theplayers.org

w THRIFT STORES

Goodwill - Manasota, Rick Hughes(941) 355-27212705 51st Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203email: [email protected]

Longboat Island Chapel Lord’s Warehouse, Joan Roecker(941) 383-47386140 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w TITLE SERVICES

Caswell Legal, Chris Caswell(941) 366-77276842 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w TRANSPORTATION


w TROPHIES & AWARDS

Contemporary Industries South, Peter Hankins(941) 955-24401940 12th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]

National Awards Florida, Inc., Andrew Vac(941) 383-9700595 Bay Isles Rd., Suite 120C, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]


w UTILITIES

Florida Power & Light, Rae Dowling(941) 917-0708P.O. Box 1119, Sarasota, FL 34230www.fpl.com

w VACATION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

AMI LBK Property Management, William Ayers(941) 404-46004211 Carrollwood Village Drive, Tampa, FL 33618email: [email protected] / www.itrip.net

w VACATION RENTALS


Casa Del Mar Beach Resort, Mark Meador(941) 383-55494621 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Florida Vacation ConnectionMichele Knuese & Jan Jordan(941) 387-9709 (800) 593-43903720 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

Janice Reed, Rentals, Michael Saunders & Co.(941) 552-420032 N. Osprey Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236email: [email protected]


RVA, Resort Vacations, Jana Troyer(888) 655-86404030 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected] / www.RVAFL.com

White Sands of Longboat, Linda Buchanan(941) 383-2428 (800) 230-24285114 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w VETERINARIANS Island Animal Clinic, William V. Bystrom, DVM(941) 778-24455343 Gulf Drive, Suite #900, Holmes Beach, FL 34217email: [email protected]

w VIDEO & AUDIO PRODUCTION & DUPLICATION Watrous Video Productions, Inc., William T. Watrous(941) 366-3316 (800) 780-3316739 S. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236-7717email: [email protected]

w WASTE & RECYCLING COLLECTION Progressive Waste Solutions, Ian Boyle(813) 352-9156 (800) 252-52111312 16th Avenue East, Palmetto, FL 34221www.progressivewaste.com

w WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION Myco-Tek, Joe Tine(941) 486-9595325 Laurel Road East, Nokomis, FL 34275email: [email protected] / www.myco-tek.net



w WATER EXTRACTION PuroClean Emergency Property Specialists, Toni Artusa(941) 225-47706130 Clark Center Avenue, #107, Sarasota, FL 34238email: [email protected]/peps-fl



w WATER SPORTS

Liquid Limousine Charters, LLC, Capt. Jimmy Seaton(941) 383-1235PO Box 10306, Longboat Key, FL 34228email: [email protected]

w WEB DEVELOPMENT / HOSTING

boostDFM, Chris Laney(941) 907-92937317 Merchant Court, Suite ALakewood Ranch, FL 34240email: [email protected] / www.boostdfm.com

w WILDLIFE TOURS


w WINDOW FILM

NBI Suncontrol, Angelo Ragone(941) 360-85002744 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, FL 34231email: [email protected]

w WINDOW TREATMENTS & BLINDS

Blinds Unlimited, Jane Shea(941) 359-88001199 N. East Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237email: [email protected]

w WINDOWS

Grayhawk Systems, Judy Tatar(941) 487-29646008 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton, FL 34210email: [email protected]

Lbkguidefinal2015

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