Local author's 'Super Cat' returns with sequel children's book

Wilma Davidson, president of the local Pen Women chapter and author of the original "Super Cat" children's book, shares the second installment of the planned trilogy.

Longboat Key author Wilma Davidson, president of the local Pen Women chapter, is celebrating the publication of 'Super Cat Chit Chat,' the follow-up story to the 'Super Cat! Splat! Splat!' children's book.
Christy James, owner of Longboat Key Flower Shop, is the driver of one of the island's most recognizable rides, a Barbie-pink limo.
  • August 5, 2026
Longboat florist cruises paradise in her iconic pink limo
Longboat Key author Wilma Davidson, president of the local Pen Women chapter, is celebrating the publication of 'Super Cat Chit Chat,' the follow-up story to the 'Super Cat! Splat! Splat!' children's book.
  • August 4, 2026
Local author's 'Super Cat' returns with sequel children's book
The Mah Jongg Weekend was filled with colorful, coastal mahjong sets provided by Event Organizer Rennee Fannin.
  • July 29, 2026
Paradise Center hosts first Mah Jongg Weekend fundraiser
Brooks Peirce, 6, holds the epic fossilized megalodon tooth off Lido Beach that Garrett Peirce found while freediving.
  • July 28, 2026
Vacationing family uncovers a 'Jaws'-dropping Lido treasure

Business

Logan Shaw, Wolfe Shaw, Michael Garey and Calvin Shaw, the team behind the new M & W Sweet Spot frozen treat shop on Longboat Key, showcase a variety of their offerings, including frozen custard sandwiches and drinks.
  • July 15, 2026
From frozen custard to soft serve, Longboat's treats help locals stay cool
Whitney’s Restaurant on the north end of Longboat Key is planning to expand to the office building next door, pictured to the right.
  • July 15, 2026
Whitney's restaurant plans expansion
Jon Mongeau and Lita and John Brannan accept the award for Emerging Business of the Year on Oct. 23 at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce 2025 membership awards banquet at Lido Beach Resort. Following the shop's recent closure announcement, John Brannan explained their team is proud of everything it did, but knew this was a tough decision they had to make.
  • July 14, 2026
Le Gardenia Bleu thanks community for support
Le Gardenia Bleu's John and Lita Brannan showcase their ornament tree filled with Florida's iconic flamingos and more at the 20th annual Meet Greet Eat.
  • July 6, 2026
Le Gardenia Bleu closes on Longboat Key
The Mah Jongg Weekend was filled with colorful, coastal mahjong sets provided by Event Organizer Rennee Fannin.
  • July 29, 2026
Paradise Center hosts first Mah Jongg Weekend fundraiser
Ernie Smith lines up trays of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for lunch at Resurrection House. He and nine other volunteers prepared a meal on July 23 as one of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church's monthly charitable events.
  • July 28, 2026
St. Armands volunteers put their cooking skills to good use
A cownose ray waves a wingtip at onlookers from the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort lagoon on Friday after caretakers introduced half a dozen pups to the enclosure. Resident rays had the babies in December, and experts released the adolescents into the Under the Sea Lagoon.
  • July 20, 2026
Half-dozen baby rays debut at St. Regis lagoon
A firefighter sprays the roof of a Dock on the Bay condo building Wednesday morning, July 15.
  • July 17, 2026
Fire engulfs Dock on the Bay condo units
Poppy Otte paddles through the water while Mote Education Specialist Morgan Swartz helps.
  • July 12, 2026
Campers make a splash with Mote Marine Laboratory
Lucy Clark and Carlin and Ellie Mackintosh, granddaughters of Longboat Key artist May Lou Johnson, help release the first of 250 butterflies at Freedom Fest. The Fourth of July festivities also included a parade, canine costume contest, rededication of Bicentennial Park and family activities.
  • July 4, 2026
Longboat Key pulls all the stops for special Freedom Fest
Gregg Vesta became the round one winner at the introduction of "singo" on June 29 at The Paradise Center. The game is a musical twist on bingo, prompting players to listen to a song snippet and mark its title on the card. The evening was a fundraiser to support the center's summer programs.
  • July 1, 2026
A musical twist on classic bingo draws praise from Longboaters
Liam Schreiner reviews the selection of house-made sweets available at the newly opened Chocolate Emporium on St. Armands Circle. Branching from the original location on Anna Maria Island, the second shop held a soft opening this week.
  • June 30, 2026
Local artisanal chocolate shop brings sweet treats to St. Armands
Kelera Turaga, a dancer with GRAE Productions, performs at sunset for The Ritz-Carlton's reopening celebrations for the Lido Key Tiki Bar on June 20. After a year-and-a-half rebuilding process, the beachside bar is now open to the public.
  • June 27, 2026
Lido Key residents and visitors rejoice a Tiki bar's return
Ellen Waugneux, Heather Rippy and Stephanie Troxler at the first Summer Night Out of the summer season.
  • June 26, 2026
Longboaters meet to sip and shop during summertime event
Commodore Saul Landesberg assumed his new leadership role with the Bird Key Yacht Club at the passing of the gavel on June 20 at Art Ovation Hotel.
  • June 25, 2026
Bird Key Yacht Club leadership looks forward to clubhouse completion