Cast your votes for your favorite Longboat businesses

Last year, community members celebrated their collective recovery efforts under a "Starry Night" setting for the 2025 Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Awards. Now, organizers are inviting members to cast their votes for who deserves commendation for going above and beyond to serve the Longboat community in 2026. 

Chamber president and CEO Kim Verreault said attendees have plenty to look forward to seeing at this year's ceremony, which is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.

"We're very excited for this group of nominees," she said. "The things they have accomplished are outstanding."

This year's theme is "Honoring the Brilliance of Our Community."

Verreault said planners couldn't find a more fitting word for how Longboaters have shone this year, working to start new enterprises and find innovative ways to serve regulars.

Reflecting on last year, Verreault said community members seemed to appreciate changeups to the award categories to recognize local contributors outside of small businesses, so they felt confident in further expanding the selection.

"Some of our members have been recognized nationally for the work they're doing," she said, explaining the chamber is looking forward to providing local recognition.

The lineup will include 10 winners chosen by chamber members, with three nominees per category. The chamber will also award three special recognitions.

Nominees range from some of Longboat Key's newest additions to the business community, like ClearView Windows & Doors, to some of the area's longest standing institutions, including St. Armands' Columbia Restaurant.

This year also includes a change of venue, which can accommodate up to 400 attendees. Verreault said there will be live piano music from instrumentalist Timmy Phelan. Music lovers can also anticipate prizes including a piano in this year's silent auction.

Guests can view silent auction items online a week ahead of the awards ceremony.

Registration is now open for the gala, and tickets are available at LongboatKeyChamber.com. Admission is $125 per person and includes dinner and entertainment. Visit the website to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.