Longboat Key isn't crime-free, but it's close

The Florida barrier island has a lower crime rate than the national average in every category, but the town's new police chief still has goals for the new year.

Longboat Key Police Department officer Michael Mathis measures the speed of drivers on Gulf of Mexico Drive. LKPD issued 4,000 traffic warnings and 1,900 citations in the 2025 fiscal year.
Temple Beth Israel named Suzan and Barry Friedman as this year's honorees for its 47th annual gala happening this month.
  • February 3, 2026
Longboat Key temple celebrates multigenerational family
Susan Benjamin, The Education Center's biographical historian who is praised for her engaging presentations about the lives of some of the industry's most famous musicians, turns her attention to Billy Joel, Gene Kelly and Bob Fosse this season.
  • February 3, 2026
Education Center dives into the stories and music of Billy Joel
Ann-Marie Thompson and Cheryl Mulherin, attendees at the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild new members luncheon on Jan. 29, applaud the soon-to-be-outgoing board members.
  • February 2, 2026
New Women's Guild members share stories of togetherness
Mary Baker, board president of the Longboat Library, says guests can plan a fun book date for Valentine's Day to shop the annual sale.
  • January 30, 2026
Plan a book date for Valentine's Day on Longboat Key

Business

Couch LBK joined neighboring Brista Commons businesses in celebrating their official opening on Jan. 20.
  • January 22, 2026
Meet the people behind Brista Commons' new opening
Malia Price, co-owner of The Sarasota Style, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 14 with the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
  • January 21, 2026
Lifestyle, clothing brand officially opens on St. Armands Circle
Couch LBK co-owner Ken Rushing shows a pair of shoppers a fabric sample inside the furniture showroom at Brista Commons Wednesday, Jan. 14.
  • January 18, 2026
Brista Commons hits the ground running
Barista Claudia Aridus pours a latte while Sara Rountree rinses a cup at Sips this January. The popular north-end coffee shop is expanding with a second location on Longboat Key.
  • January 16, 2026
Longboat Key coffee shop's success brews expansion
Sips Coffee is located at 6828 Gulf of Mexico Drive and plans to open a second location on Longboat Key at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
  • January 6, 2026
Starbucks pulls out of plans for Longboat Key location
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
Ann-Marie Thompson and Cheryl Mulherin, attendees at the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild new members luncheon on Jan. 29, applaud the soon-to-be-outgoing board members.
  • February 2, 2026
New Women's Guild members share stories of togetherness
Reed Medical Group and Longboat Key Fitness both celebrated their grand reopenings on Jan. 22 at the Shoppes of Bay Isles complex, introducing visitors to their expanded facilities. Dr. James Reed, owner of the concierge medical service, wields the big scissors.
  • January 25, 2026
Longboat Publix plaza celebrates grand openings
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe singer Michael Mejia-Mendez belts the opening note of Harry Belafonte's iconic "Day-O" during a tribute performance on Jan. 21 at Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • January 24, 2026
'King of Calypso' tribute singer gets Christ Church grooving
Soloist Kei Sulhi, backed by fellow members of the Temple Beth Israel choir, offers her annual rendition of “The King of Love is Dead,” originally sung by Nina Simone and written by Gene Taylor, in memory of Martin Luther King Jr. at a special Shabbat service.
  • January 19, 2026
Differences celebrated at MLK Jr. memorial Shabbat
Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay kicked off its 60th anniversary celebration on Jan. 15 with live music and special guests including Plymouth Harbor President and CEO Jeff Weatherhead, City of Sarasota Mayor Debbie Trice, Chris Pfahler, Plymouth Harbor vice president of philanthropy, Pastor Wes Bixby of First Congregational United Church of Christ Sarasota and Sara Little, president of the Resident Association.
  • January 18, 2026
Plymouth Harbor celebrates 60 years
Bonnie Michaels, literacy coach at Alta Vista Elementary School, helps students Deja (5th grade), Gianni (4th grade), Yoselyn (1st grade) and Andre (2nd grade) try out the new book vending machine. Sarasota Yacht Club youth board members coordinated the installation to help promote strong reading habits.
  • January 18, 2026
Reading comes with a fun twist via new book vending machine
Tom Watson showcases his 1929 Ford Model A.
  • January 17, 2026
Sarasota Yacht Club, St. Armands commemorate anniversary with century of cars
Bandleader and clarinetist Michael Drapkin said he connected with his fellow band members while performing with The Venice Symphony. The Yiddish Cowboys performed on Jan. 11 at The Education Center.
  • January 12, 2026
Yiddish Cowboys kick off Sunday Performing Arts lineup
Views from 1418 John Ringling Parkway include the city skyline, Sarasota Bay and John Ringling Bridge.
  • January 4, 2026
Home within walking distance of St. Armands lists for $9 million
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening