Le Gardenia Bleu closes on Longboat Key

The team at Le Gardenia Bleu, a family-run Longboat Key flower and gift shop that opened shortly before hurricanes Helene and Milton, announced on July 6 they are closed.

Co-owner Lita Brannan shared on Facebook multiple factors prompted the closure, including several personal issues the small staff needed to prioritize.

Lita and John Brannan ran the shop with Jon Mongeau, a florist with nearly 40 years of experience.

Community members recognized the owners' resilience at the 2025 Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce awards. The team won the "Emerging Business of the Year" commendation.

Lita wrote they made this decision with a heavy heart and are grateful to the Longboat Key community for its support.

"Thank you for being a part of our journey," she wrote. "We will cherish the memories we've made together."