Keep an eye out for these Longboat Key summer events

As Longboat Key eases into the slower pace of summer, area organizers remind residents there are still fun activities to anticipate.

Amy Steinhauser, executive director of The Paradise Center, recently demonstrated her talents with meditative singing bowls for members of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key, which also holds monthly social hours throughout the year.

Steinhauser will lead a free sound bath session on May 28 as one of many individual and recurring events coming up at the center.

She said ongoing events include pilates, tai chi, chair yoga and more. The popular qi gong lessons recently switched to a new time and date, meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

"We have offerings appropriate for all different fitness levels," she said. "We have classes like pilates, that are catered to those pretty well in shape or who want to be, and we have some seated classes like Stretch and Strengthen that are really for anyone."

She also noted community members can try out the center's Juvent Micro Impact Platforms anytime from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays for low-impact exercise focused on improving balance. Users do not need a reservation to use the equipment for a suggested donation of $5 per use.

Most exercise classes are $20 and many of the center's social events are free, though it does welcome donations.

The Paradise Center isn't the only organization staying active throughout the summer.

Longboat Island Chapel hosts monthly "Gather and Give" fundraiser social hours every third Tuesday of the month. Participants can learn about and support local charitable organizations while enjoying a potluck dinner.

Most churches on the Key adjust their service hours for the summer but remain open.

For those looking to stay up-to-date with development projects and other happenings on the island, the Town of Longboat Key hosts monthly "Let's Talk Longboat" open-format discussions with town staff.

Longboat Key Fire Rescue is hosting free first aid training sessions today, May 28, June 18, July 16 and Aug. 13 at Station 91, 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Prior registration is required.

Residents can take the opportunity to socialize at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's "Off the Clock" networking events. The first one of the year takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 29 at Zota Beach Resort. Attendance is $10 for chamber members and $15 for nonmembers.

For those seeking educational activities, visitors can tour Save Our Seabirds, which remains open throughout the year and welcomes volunteers. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium facilitates a variety of animal encounters and summer camp programs starting in June.

Longboat Library will remain open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays until July 4. Regular membership is $25 annually. The Sarasota County Pop-Up Library takes place 10 to 11:30 a.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Town Center Green, including a 10:30 a.m. story time.

Anyone who wants to embrace their artistic side can plan to stop by the St. Armands Circle Craft Festival, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7-8. Admission is free, and visitors will have the opportunity to meet local artisans.

Summer activities peak with the highly anticipated Fourth of July celebration at Bicentennial Garden, which features a butterfly release and a full day of family-friendly activities.