Longboat Harbour celebrates annual Lighting of the Docks

All 52 docks were decorated for Longboat Harbour Condominium's annual Lighting of the Docks event. 

Some of the docks had themes, including those that paid tribute to celebrating the holidays in Florida. 

Lights were strung around posts, inflatable Santas were set up and even some of the residents' boats were decked out in holiday style. 

Each year, the residential complex raises money for Toys for Tots as part of the event. This year, about $5,300 was raised, according to condo Commodore Bill Coughlin. 

"We crushed our Toys for Tots goal," he told residents at the awards ceremony. 

The goal this year was to raise at least $4,000, he said. 

Each resident with a dock who participated in the event, in this case all of them, received a Yacht Club goodie bag and coffee mug. 

The top five finalists received a $75 gift card to Lazy Lobster. The next five received $25 gifts to the restaurant. 

"It's great seeing old people have this kind of fun," Coughlin said. 

Jane Hunter and John Wheeland were among the top five finalists, which they said is not unusual for them. 

They have placed first or in the top five for the last three years. 

This year, their dock was an undertaking. 

"Each pole took us about three-and-a-half hours to do," Hunter said.