New flower shop opens on Longboat Key

The Key continues to blossom with new businesses.

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosted the ribbon cutting for the new Longboat Key Flower Shop the afternoon of April 4. 

“My passion is flowers. It helps everybody smile,” said owner Christy James. “I have always loved ruffles and lace, so it made sense that I would love flowers.”

The flower shop is available to order flowers for pickup and delivery but is not fully open yet.

James’s passion has been owning different gift shops selling refurbished antiques and one-of-a-kind knick-knacks. In the 1980s, she started learning about flower design. She also worked at a funeral home as a floral designer.

Photo by Petra Rivera

“Me and my husband grew up very poor and he never got me flowers,” said James. “Even at my wedding, thankfully the church had flowers because when we got there I turned to my husband and said, ‘I don’t have any flowers.’ But my curiosity and passion for it started there.”

Originally from Indiana, her family owned an asphalt plant and paving business, but they came to Florida every winter. They purchased a home in Orlando so her sons could grow up near Disney World. Around this time, James opened a flower shop called Flowers Tickle Me Pink. She also opened a flower and gift shop in Kissimmee called The Pink Flamingo.

James had to close these shops to take care of her husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. They moved to the Sarasota area six years ago. 

James opened Siesta Key Flower Shop close to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in 2022 so that it would be convenient for anyone who would need to get flowers for loved ones in the hospital. 

After feeling the tranquility of Longboat Key, she was determined to get involved in the community on the island. James signed the lease on the Longboat Key Flower Shop in August 2023. 

Photo by Petra Rivera

With the Longboat Key Flower Shop, she will combine her passion for flowers and antiques to make it a one-stop shop for all gifts. James plans to host an open house before Mother’s Day when she finishes setting up her shop.

James also hopes to host floral design classes at her shop called “Boots and Bouquets,” teaching anyone who wants to learn how to handle and design flowers. She plans to incorporate her faith into her floral design classes. This class will be called “Teacups with Jesus.” 

“I was looking for vinca plants and someone told me I should call Christy,” said Longboat resident Gail Pyke. “I called her up and she said she didn’t have any, but she went out to buy them for me. That dedication to make sure I got my vincas really got me. She has a wonderful heart and is dedicated to connecting with her customers. That is why I decided to come and support her ribbon cutting. I’m super excited for the shop to be fully open.”