Key Club urges project support from members

Longboat Key Club General Manager Michael Welly told approximately 75 club members Friday, Dec. 18, at the Island House Dining Room that the Islandside renovation-and-expansion project won’t be approved without their support

The Islandside project comes before the Town Commission beginning 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at Temple Beth Israel. The commission will make the ultimate decision on the $400 million project.

“I know we are going to make the same presentation all over again,” Welly said. “But the town commissioners will sit up straight and do a great job if they see you out there.”

Welly told club members that his club is aging and the project is a necessity.

“I think this project will fuel Longboat Key’s recovery,” said Welly, who said his company will have spent $1.5 million in order to present this project to the town.

“This project is what’s needed for the island’s future,” Welly said. “The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort is back open, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to stay open, because it needs substantial upgrades.”

Welly told members he is seriously considering placing 56 residential units on top of the proposed hotel, which the Planning and Zoning Board proposed earlier this month.

Allen Wilson, the former president of the Longboat Key Club Moorings, told those in attendance that the marina has never looked better than it does today.

“We owe the way our marina looks today to Michael Welly and the Key Club,” Wilson said. “He put his money where his mouth is, and it’s my experience that what Mr. Welly proposes is what you will get for a finished product.”

Wilson’s comments were met with applause from most in attendance.

“I know there is a small group out there that’s trying to portray Mr. Welly and the club as not delivering on their promises,” club member Vince DeLisi said. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. What the club has delivered over a period of years is demonstrably better.”