Longboat Key Democratic club selects new president

Arlene Skversky was sworn into the office Nov. 15.

By Lauren Tronstad, Lesley Dwyer
| 5:00 a.m. December 1, 2022

Alice Blueglass presents Arlene Skversky with the Blueglass Award for Distinguished Leadership.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

The Longboat Key Democratic Club recently changed leadership, inaugurating Arlene Skversky as president Nov. 15 at Sarasota Yacht Club.

Skversky previously served as precinct captain for the barrier island's southern precinct, Precinct 201 in Sarasota County.

"She motivated many (Longboat Key) Democrats to help get out the vote through her tremendous leadership, enthusiasm and kindness," the club's release said.

She was also awarded the club's Blueglass Award for Distinguished Leadership, which is awarded in honor of the club's former longtime president, Murray Blueglass.

Skversky unexpectedly received the award based on what the club deemed to be "outstanding service and commitment" to its goals.

“Apparently, they all knew for six months, and they kept it a secret,” Skversky said. “There were 102 people there. It was really nice, and they were all friends.”

There are 212 club members, yet there are about 2,500 registered Democrats living on Longboat Key.

“Very few of them belong to the club, and that is going to be our goal this year—to get more people,” Skversky said. “I want to reach out to the Independents too.”

Skversky is the first woman to take on the role of president and succeeds Ed Sabol.

Upcoming LBK Democratic Club events

Thursday, Dec. 8: The Hispanic Voters and Potential Voters in Florida, Unidos Now Executive Director Luz Corcuera and Lisa Ramirez, Strategic Initiatives Director, will explore the diversity of the Hispanic/Latino population in Florida. 11:30 a.m., Sarasota Yacht Club. $45 lunch and program.
Thursday, Jan. 12: The Status of the Right to Choose: Barbara Zdravecky, former CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, is a board member of Ruth's List and a community activist. She will discuss the implications of the post-Roe vs Wade world. 11:30 a.m., Sarasota Yacht Club. $5 lunch and program.
Tuesday, Feb. 7: I Have a Dream -- 60 Years Later: Join a panel of Sarasota-Manatee residents in remembrance of the dynamic energy that reverberated throughout the Capitol Mall in Washington on August 28, 1963. Have we lived up to Martin Luther King’s dream – and what dreams do we hold today for the future?

For information on club events, visit LBKDems.com

Upcoming Republican Club of LBK events

Tuesday, Dec. 12: Holiday Party with guest speaker Lt. Col. George Hardy, one of five remaining Tuskegee Airmen from World War II. In his distinguished, more than 28-year military career, Hardy flew 136 combat missions in three wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Reception, 5:30-6 p.m., Dinner 6-8 p.m. followed by music and dancing. Members, $45 with a gift to donate; members without a donated gift, $70; guests with a gift $50; guests without a gift $75.

For information on Longboat Key Republican Club events, visit RCLBK.org.

author

Lesley Dwyer

Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.