Longboat writer shares process of co-authoring book on bridging divides

Robert Gary of Longboat Key welcomes discussion on the book he co-authored with Imam Azhar Subedar, titled "I Am the Other."

Following up on the recent publication of their co-authored book, "I Am the Other," Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key member Robert Gary and Imam Azhar Subedar invited community members to join a discussion about local approaches to bridging divides in beliefs. Rabbi Peter Kasdan moderated.
Included in artist Christine Hales' new exhibition at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church is a series centering on the crucifixion of Jesus. The display is open to the public through the end of April.
  • March 4, 2026
Iconography artist returns with new pieces at Longboat gallery
Charlie Cannon, Jim Leish, Charles Eldridge, Matt Zito, Dean Friedman and Harold Seegmiller are some of the newest and longest-serving members of the Longboat Key Club Friars, a cohort of golfers who enjoy the game, but also the camaraderie.
  • March 4, 2026
Friars golfers reflect on value of connection ahead of annual gathering
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2026-27
  • March 4, 2026
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2026-27
Brigette Kubin, owner of Three Island Monkeys, hosted a book signing by author James Langstaff on Feb. 28 for its latest "Meet the Artist" pop-up event.
  • March 3, 2026
Art boutique features local author

Business

Diners sit outside at Lazy Lobster. Owner Michael Garey said business really starts to ramp up in February before March, April and May, the busiest months of the year for the restaurant.
  • March 4, 2026
Seasonal upswing back to 'normal' on Longboat Key
Susan Phillips retired in 2025 from her role as the town manager's assistant.
  • March 3, 2026
Phillips named chair of Longboat Key Foundation
Longboat Key resident Patrice Fanning started off serving as an officiant for friends, and she is now expending her work into an official business.
  • February 11, 2026
Longboaters in love can keep it local with new wedding officiant business
Herb Methodology co-owner Tryla Brown Larson celebrates the launch of her line of locally made products at Longboat Key's Design 2000 Salon on Jan. 29.
  • February 4, 2026
Herb Methodology launches at Design 2000
Javaughn Wallace and executive chef Michael from Drift at Lido Beach Resort dish up a poached pear and prosciutto bite at the 15th annual Taste of the Keys on Feb. 26 at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom.
  • March 2, 2026
Taste of the Keys bigger than ever in 15th year
Pat O'Connell, Brenda Baril, Beth Scheible and Kim Lawrence said winning the championship Swing for the Cure annual golf day on Feb. 24 was especially meaningful to them, considering Lawrence is a cancer survivor.
  • February 25, 2026
Swing for the Cure unites golfers in fight against breast cancer
Rabbi Howard Simon, master of ceremonies at Temple Beth Israel's 47th annual gala, welcomes attendees to the event on Feb. 22 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
  • February 23, 2026
47th Temple Beth Israel gala centers on community
Artist Kathleen Murphy Willer, based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, said she has fun incorporating elements evocative of childhood in her acrylic paintings. She was one of the artists to brave the sun and rain at last weekend's fine art festival on Longboat Key.
  • February 23, 2026
Specialized artists turn out for fifth Longboat Fine Art Fest
Executive directors Brian Walton, Jessica Ryherd and Amy Steinhauser respectively from Save Our Seabirds, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Inc. and The Paradise Center, pitched their future development ideas to attendees at the inaugural Longboat Key 100 fundraiser Feb. 17 at The Resort at Longboat Key Club.
  • February 22, 2026
Inaugural fundraiser awards $100K to combat childhood hunger
Golfers competing in "Pittsburgh vs. The World" may be rivals out on the green, but at the celebration afterward, they have nothing but smiles for one another. Jan Van Iten and Carol Westwood are the original captains in the friendly tournament, which marked 25 years on Feb. 16.
  • February 20, 2026
Longboat golfers celebrate 25 years of friendly competition
Terry Creighton lines up a shot at a Feb. 15 tennis session at The Sanctuary.
  • February 20, 2026
The Sanctuary kicks off season's activity with tennis pro
Artist Jonell Yoekel showcases her nature photography at the Women's Guild Valentine's Day-themed art show on Feb. 10 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.
  • February 16, 2026
Valentine's Day-themed art show gives back to community
About 130 Longboaters turned out to join "Choirpalooza" at the Feb. 15 service at Christ Church of Longboat Key to sing "The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune."
  • February 15, 2026
'Choirpalooza' unites 100-plus community members in song
Diane Collins, Sandy Ruppert and Linda Pike were among the record 150 attendees at the Feb. 11 at the Longboat Key Resort for the Go for the Cure kick-off game day.
  • February 13, 2026
Go for the Cure kickoff sees record attendance
Frank Martucci, joined by Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding and his wife, Katherine Martucci, explains what compelled him to give back his 50/50 raffle winnings from the Lawn Party to support the Children's Guardian Fund.
  • February 8, 2026
Kiwanians present record-breaking check from Lawn Party
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