Easter Bunny brings seasonal cheer to Siesta Key Village

Even before 10 a.m. on April 4, a line had already formed outside the gazebo at Siesta Key Village, where the Easter Bunny was seated. 

The bunny also remained busy for the rest of the morning, with a steady turnout of kids and sometimes adults.

"I was blown away by the turnout," Laura O'Donnell, the organizer of the event, which involved the participation of a variety of local businesses. 

As the owner of the recently opened home and gift store Bungalow Imports in Siesta Key Village, and the mother of three children—Ivy O'Donnell, 2, Ellie Beri O'Donnell, 4, and Sienna Moon O'Donnell, 13—she wanted to do something for the community, and for its kids. 

While the egg hunt usually held by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce did not take place this year, the Key nonetheless had the chance to enjoy a free community celebration with the event. 

"I love the small town feel," she said of the area. "I love the locals, all of the local business owners, and so I wanted to do something that could give back to all of the families, and anybody with kids who wanted to come and see the Easter Bunny."

With door-to-door visits, O'Donnell obtained donations for gift bags offered to the first 140 kids as well as giveaway baskets.

The major gift bag donation came from Wendall Jacobsen of Beach Bazaar, who says he donated almost $600 worth of products, while local Realtor Dan MacKinnon helped with social media and created an event website.