Longboat 7-Eleven to close

The Longboat Key 7-Eleven convenience store is closing next month.

7-Eleven spokesperson Margaret Chabris told The Longboat Observer the store will close at 5 p.m., Sunday, June 20.

7-Eleven officials, Chabris said, could not reach an agreements on terms for a new lease with Reed Savidge, who is also the owner of the neighboring Longboat Key Ace Hardware store.

“Both sides were too far apart on the length of a lease and the financials for a new lease,” Chabris said.

The store’s 15-year lease is set to expire June 30.

Savidge did not return phone calls seeking comment for this story.

Employees at the 7-Eleven, 4032 Gulf of Mexico Drive, received a statement in March announcing the store’s possible closure in June, according to 7-Eleven Longboat Key Manager Tom Phillips.

Phillips estimates his store services 500 customers daily and it continues to be a popular convenience store in the middle of the island.

Chabris said 7-Eleven will be looking for a favorable location with an attractive rental rate to restore its store on the island.

“Longboat Key continues to be a desirable location for 7-Eleven, and we will do what we can to continue to service our customers there, Chabris said.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].