Kiwanians honor outgoing leader

By Dana Kampa
| 5:00 a.m. October 16, 2025

New Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key president Danielle Gladding presents former president Michael Garey, accompanied by his wife, Catherine, with an award for his years of service to the community.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key had a special surprise for former president Michael Garey at their Oct. 9 meeting. Garey recently stepped down from the role, making way for new president Danielle Gladding.

He admitted he had an inkling something was afoot when his wife, Catherine, joined him for the monthly meeting at his restaurant, the Lazy Lobster. But he was delighted with the commendation and turned the spotlight to his wife, thanking her for the ongoing support while he worked to bolster club participation.

Members also heard from guest speaker and mayor Ken Schneier, who has reached his term limit and will be leaving the position in March. He offered updates on the town's budget and hurricane recovery efforts.

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.