Event to celebrate positive change on Longboat Key

Kitchens by Kerrie won’t open its Longboat Key location until mid-February or early March but, already, owners Robert Dinan and Kerrie Ann Lehnert like the changes they’re seeing on the island.

“We’ve really liked the progression that the Longboat Key Club is taking, and we like the changes in Longboat for the positive,” Dinan said.

Dinan has been impressed by what he sees as the town and its residents working together. That’s why Kitchens by Kerrie is one of the presenting sponsors for the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce’s “The New Year, the New Longboat: A Celebration of Things to Come” event, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 19, at the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Harbourside Dining Room.
According to Kristi Bonsack, project development coordinator at the Key Club, the public hearings for the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s proposed $400 million Islandside redevelopment project had the effect of bringing the community together, even if the atmosphere was sometimes contentious.

“So many people want to know about this new momentum,” Bonsack said. “People worked so hard during the hearing process, and it really has had a ripple effect.”

The chamber event is a celebration of that momentum and of all positive things that are occurring on the island.

The event will feature “Business After Hours”-style displays from participating businesses, along with music, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The event will also feature local business leaders who will speak briefly.

According to Dawn Mims, executive vice president of the chamber, the event could draw approximately 300 people.

“This has moved into more of a community event,” Dinan said. “It’s not going to just be chamber members.”

In addition to the Key Club and Kitchens by Kerrie, additional sponsors are HeartCare and Signs Now.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected]