Longboat Harbour names event planner extraordinaire Woman of the Year

By Dana Kampa
| 2:45 p.m. February 19, 2026

Joyce Hecklau, who played essential roles in planning Longboat Harbour's change of watch and holiday festivities, earned the title of Woman of the Year.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Social gatherings at the Longboat Harbour Owners Association are the lifeblood of the residential community, and events like the Lighting of the Docks wouldn't have the same sparkle without the planning efforts of coordinator Joyce Hecklau.

In recognition of her contributions, the association awarded her the title of Woman of the Year at the brunch the Men's Club hosted Feb. 15.

When announcing the award, Mark Spillersi said Hecklau's name just kept rising to the top as club members considered potential nominees.

She has been the Longboat Harbour Yacht Club event chair for three years.

Joyce Hecklau accepts her award from Mark Spillersi on behalf of the Longboat Harbour Men's Club on Feb. 15.

Members of the Longboat Harbour Men's Club showed their appreciation at their annual brunch.

"Joyce is always there when anyone needs help with any events and activities," Spillersi said. "She's always there to provide a helping hand."

Hecklau, hailing from New Jersey, is a Longboat Harbour resident. She quickly got involved with more event planning while her husband, Jeff Hecklau, assumed the role of commodore of the yacht club. They bought their residence in 2018 and started living full-time on Longboat in fall 2023.

Stepping up to the podium, Joyce Hecklau took the opportunity to share the praise with her fellow volunteers who make these events happen.

"We do it because we love it, and we love our little piece of paradise," she said.

She said every event has its own special touch, but she is particularly proud of the change of watch evenings she has helped plan.

Last year, the club recognized Mary Bock, celebrating her work to improve condominium facilities.

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.