Summer Night Out has the Whitney Plaza buzzing with laugher and chatter
By
Carlin Gillen
| 10:45 a.m. June 21, 2025
Longboat Key
Neighbors
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Owner of Driftwood Beach Home and Garden Heather Rippy and co-owner of Design 2000 Irina La Rose were beaming from ear to ear over the success of the monthly summer event, Summer Night Out.
On Thursday, June 19 businesses at the Whitney Plaza stayed open late while local residents engaged in shopping with prosecco at Driftwood Beach and pizza from Ventura’s Italian Kitchen next door.
Driftwood Beach caters to many local artists, and many came out to support.
“I love meeting people that have bought my artwork, and hearing about how they used it,” says Michelle Romine, owner of Coastal Magpie Studios.
Rippy's passion and enthusiasm echoes throughout the event. She highly encourages everyone to come out and support local businesses, especially during the slower seasons.
“The chains don’t miss you but we do!” says Rippy.
This monthly summer event brings not only sales but spirits up. The next planned Summer Night Out is July 17.
Heather Rippy, owner of Driftwood Beach Home and Garden poses after a successful first of the Season Summer Night Out.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Residents line up to check out all of the unique and amazing items at Driftwood Beach Home and Garden.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Colorful clothes can be found throughout Driftwood Beach Home and Garden.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Irina LaRose co-owner of Design 2000 and Alzira Meierling member of the Rotary Club.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
One of the many set ups done by Heather Rippy at Driftwood Beach Home and Garden.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Irina LaRose c-owner of Design 2000 and Alzira Meierling member of the Rotary Club showing of the pizza from Venturas Italian Kitchen and Wine.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Residents gather to look at the showroom thats a couple stores down from Driftwood Beach Home and Garden.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
From left to right: Irina LaRose (co-owner of Design 2000), Ashley Dawson, Liz Yerkes, Brigitta B. Gaspar (stylist at Design 2000)
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Residents all came to show their support for the first of this seasons, Summer Night Out.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Up close at a few of the amazing pieces that can be found at Driftwood Beach Home and Garden.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Too much to choose while shopping at the Summer Night Out.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Heather Rippy owner of Driftwood Beach Home and Garden and Michelle Romine artist and owner of Costal Magpie Studios are all smiles.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Owner Heather Rippy checking out a local customer at the Summer Night Out 2025.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Residents catch-up over pizza from Ventura's Italian Kitchen and donuts from Elegant Lady.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
One of the many creations found from Costal Magpie Studios in Driftwood Beach Home and Garden.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Up close at the delicious donuts from Elegant Lady Cheesecake, Donuts and Ice Cream.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
A close up on the showroom from Driftwood Beach Home and Garden a few stores down.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
From left to right: Michelle Romine (artist and owner of Costal Magpie Studios), Margaret Rohr (owner of Dalton Reed Interiors) and Heather Rippy (owner of Driftwood Beach Home and Garden)
