- December 13, 2025
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Patty Mayer has been organizing Longboat Key's popular bridge matches for about four years.
When The Paradise Center announced last spring it would be moving from its Bay Isles home, Mayer wasn't entirely sure what the future of the bridge club would be. However, Mayer said she knows how much this club means to residents, and she endeavored to find a way to keep it going.
"I just love bridge, and there's a demand for a game here," she said when asked what motivated her to keep it going. "They're sad when I leave in May and want me to stay all summer. People like the socialization, and they love the game."
Mayer said The Paradise Center did extend an invitation to continue holding the bridge club in the new location at Longboat Island Chapel. However, when she weighed the additional distance some members would have to travel and the changes from their former subletting arrangements, she decided it was time to find something different.
After a bit of searching, she landed at Longboat's Bayfront Park Recreation Center.
She is grateful to The Paradise Center for hosting them over the years. One change she does look forward to, though, is having the space to accommodate more players at all experience levels.
Last year, she had a maximum of 12 tables with a waiting list. Now, she thinks she could handle potentially up to 18 tables, as long as she can still smoothly manage the matches.
"I have room to grow in a nice space," she said.
Mayer started making the move in early November, and she said, with available kitchen, storage and restroom facilities, it has been a great fit.
"We've had a couple games, and I think it's going to work out just fine," she said. "I'm hoping for a good season."
Because the matches are indoors, the group should be able to continue meeting in the face of most weather. Mayer plans to host meetings every Thursday and Friday, excluding major holidays.
She noted the matches are still American Contract Bridge League-certified under her administration. Updates are on the club profile page at My.ACBL.org.
