Cannons Marina co-owner talks to Longboat Key Kiwanis Club

Before the high-rise condominiums and the five-star restaurants, there was nothing on Longboat Key, according to resident David Miller.

Miller arrived on the island in 1955 when his father purchased Cannons Marina. Now, he is the co-owner of the staple business and loves sharing his knowledge of the island's history with other fellow Longboaters. 

"There wasn't even a bridge here yet," said Miller. "I watched them build the Longboat Pass Bridge. When they finished the bridge in 1957, that was the first day I got to go to school at Anna Maria Elementary for third grade. I came home from that day and said to my dad, 'These people know how to read and write.'"

Miller spoke at the Longboat Key Kiwanis Club's first evening social of the season on Nov. 21 on the Lazy Lobster's patio. Members were intrigued to hear from one of the island's longest residents.

They asked him numerous questions, such as where he would go grocery shop and where to pump gas while growing up when the island was undeveloped. Miller has a story for each question. Kiwanis Club member Michael Garey called him "the resident historian of Longboat Key."

As the holidays approach, the Kiwanis Club is excited about what is in store for them this upcoming season. 

On Nov. 29, its annual bell ringing for the Salvation Army, led by President Chris Sachs, will begin. Members of the club, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key and Christ Church of Longboat Key, will be collecting donations for the local nonprofit outside of Publix starting that morning until Christmas Eve.

Anyone is welcome to join them and volunteer as a bell ringer. If interested, email Sachs at [email protected].