Lido Key residents embrace maritime theme for farewell party

By Dana Kampa
| 8:15 a.m. April 7, 2025

Dennis and Jody Matthier dress to the nines for the pirates and mermaids-themed beach party closing out the peak season for the Lido Key Residents Association.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

The Lido Key Residents Association held its big hurrah for the end of busy season on April 4, kicking up sand as members got down on the dance floor and enjoyed a dinner together.

This celebration falls six months after hurricanes Milton and Helene hit the area. Though the group has typically held its soiree at the Sandcastle Resort, the facilities sustained significant damage during the storms.

Special events director Diane Sterner and event coordinator Pat Ludwig were thrilled so many people could still make it to the beach party this year, with more than 170 people in attendance. They said the new venue at Lido Beach Resort was a good fit, with enough outdoor space for the dinner tables and the dance floor on the sand.

"We’re a very tight-knit community,” Ludwig said. “We’re very proactive in protecting the beach, but also enjoying it.”

Vice President Jay Elsasser said the club takes pride in the fact membership remains open to all and affordable at $30 while still providing ample social activities to enjoy.

Attendees said they appreciated having one more opportunity to get together before some residents leave for the season. Under the theme "Drink like a pirate, dance like a mermaid," they enjoyed an evening of fun led by deejay Joey-D.

For information on membership and upcoming events, visit LKRA.org.

The Lido Key Residents Association saw a high turnout for its annual beach party.

Diane Sterner, Courtney Warner and Charlie Shrem opt for pirate attire.

Joey-D deejays at the Lido Key Residents Association beach party.

Bob Mach, Serge Gauthier, Marc Hayman and Sonia Gauthier

Diane Sterner shows the maritime-themed swag for the beach party.

Chris Amstutz, Jennifer Riefle, and Nancy and Dave Wood

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.