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Longboat Key | Business

Publix anchors The Shoppes at Bay Isles. To the left, Longboat Key Fitness is expanding and Reed Medical Group is moving into the corner unit.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • December 1, 2025
Reed Medical Group finds a new Longboat Key home

Dr. James Reed and his team of physicians move from temporary home at the Tidewell Building to the Shops of Bay Isles complex.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Petar Sibinkic is the owner and a trainer at Longboat Key Fitness, which is expanding to the unit next door, with the new space focused on stretching and massaging.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • November 28, 2025
Longboat Key Fitness expanding, stretching

The gym is expanding to the unit next door with the new space to focus on stretching and massaging.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Tommy Bahama CEO Doug Wood said he is thrilled with how the rebuilding of the restaurant and retail space at 465 John Ringling Blvd. turned out, especially the indoor bar area.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • November 8, 2025
Tommy Bahama celebrates grand return to St. Armands Circle

The combined restaurant and retail store invited guests to join in recognizing the official return after rebuilding from last year's hurricanes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Christian Delunas, retail general manager, shows one of his favorite unique purses offered at the newly opened Italian Idea boutique on St. Armands Circle. The shop recently hosted a soft opening for its third attempt to open a location on the shopping hub.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • November 3, 2025
Boutique featuring Italian leather handbags opens on St. Armands

Italian Idea, which hosted its soft opening last week, brings its family fashion tradition to St. Armands Circle.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Rachel Ghormley says Euphemia Haye has been a family favorite on Longboat for decades.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 30, 2025
Beloved Longboat restaurant continues legacy with new owners

The new owners of longtime local landmark Euphemia Haye aim to maintain the newfound momentum since taking over earlier this year. "There is a lot of love we are putting into this," says one co-owner.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Valarie Evanko, Bob Mazurek and Iris White shared their hope that The Lord's Warehouse thrift shop will keep its normal operations running after a new Goodwill donation center opens on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 27, 2025
Lord's Warehouse prepares for incoming Goodwill

Organizers of the Longboat thrift shop hope they'll be able to maintain usual operations when the new Goodwill donation center opens.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jon Mongeau and Lita and John Brannan accept the award for Emerging Business of the Year on Oct. 23 at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce 2025 membership awards banquet at Lido Beach Resort.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 24, 2025
Longboat chamber awards highlight business recovery

Business leaders celebrated their ability to rebound and recover from the 2024 hurricanes as the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce handed out 13 awards Thursday.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A car carrier sits in the median of Gulf of Mexico Drive Tuesday, Oct. 14. Many seasonal residents fly down and have their cars shipped on carriers to Longboat Key, and the return of the car transporters has become known as one of the first signs of the more busy winter season.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 22, 2025
Longboat businesses optimistic for better season from visitors

The snowbirds are returning, and their dollars extend a lifeline for businesses that rely on the season to make up for a summer lull.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Pepper shrimp is just one of many cross-cultural dishes popular in Trinidad and Tobago and available on the menu at Flambo, the newest restaurant to open on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 22, 2025
Trinidadian cuisine on the menu at new St. Armands spot

A new family-run Caribbean restaurant called Flambo quietly opened on St. Armands Circle and looks forward to bringing energy to its new home.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Gonzmart family announced it would build a restaurant paying homage to the Buccaneer Inn to Longboat Key, though the project has not broken ground since the restaurant group purchased the parcel in 2016.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 20, 2025
Buccaneer restaurant concept on Longboat Key paused

The group behind Columbia Restaurants is not moving forward with their plans for a 196-seat concept on the parcel previously home to Pattigeorge's.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
A banner announcing a new Starbucks location still sits inside the storefront of 3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, but interior work is yet to begin.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 15, 2025
Longboat Starbucks 'on hold' with build-out yet to start

It has been eight months since the arrival of Starbucks to Longboat Key was announced, and interior work is yet to start.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Daniela and Giuseppe Fornieri, owners of La Norma, recently brought some homegrown design touches to the Italian restaurant on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 15, 2025
La Norma brings homey feel to restaurant renovation

The Longboat Key restaurant brings an authentic Sicilian flair to the restaurant scene, backed by thorough financial planning.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A Goodwill bookstore and donation center will occupy the new outparcel building at 3150 Gulf of Mexico Drive by the end of the year.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 13, 2025
Goodwill sets up first Longboat Key location

The bookstore and donation drop-off at the outparcel of the new Brista Commons commercial complex is expected to open by the end of the year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Mark Ursini, owner and developer of Brista Commons at the 3100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive, said the commercial complex will be open by December.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 10, 2025
Shopping plaza opens soon with furniture, windows, flooring tenants

Brista Commons, a new commercial complex on Longboat Key closing in on completion, will feature everything needed to build and decorate a home.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Sandpiper Inn, located at 5451 Gulf of Mexico Drive, reopened mid-August after rebuilding from significant hurricane damage.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 28, 2025
Resilient owners of Longboat legend celebrate post-storms reopen

Owners Harold and Christine Cullison officially reopened Sandpiper Inn on Aug. 16 after working hard to rebuild from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Cannons Marina is at 6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key. The 70-plus year-old business started as a fish camp in the late 40s opened by Ernie Cannon.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 26, 2025
Cannons Marina changes hands

Port-Charlotte-based Ingman Marine is acquiring the 70-plus-year-old Longboat Key marina.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Kilwins Sarasota is located at 312 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 25, 2025
Kilwins makes sweet return to St. Armands Circle

Following a nearly yearlong closure from hurricane damage, the fudge and ice cream shop is reopening this weekend.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Staff at the newly opened Spartina 449 on St. Armands Circle celebrate the opening of the clothing boutique this month. The brand blends flowery linens and leather goods.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 22, 2025
South Carolina-inspired boutique comes to St. Armands

Spartina 449 hopes to help the rebuilding process of St. Armands Circle with the opening of its newest clothing shop.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Columbia Restaurantโ€™s fourth-generation owner Casey Gonzmart Sr., believes that passion and fun are essential in running a restaurant empire.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 14, 2025
Family legacy at Columbia Restaurant carries to next generation

Casey Gonzmart Sr. is passing the torch to family members as he steps down as chairman of the board of the 1905 Family of Restaurants.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Val Evanko, Joyce Mazurek and Dona Petruccelli run the counter at the Lord's Warehouse reopening.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 4, 2025
Lord's Warehouse thrift shop closes for month

The second-hand shop celebrated its reopening in February after the storms, and now will temporarily close for a deep clean.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Simone Salustri and Amber Mayner started a new food truck, Buonissimo Mobile Italian Kitchen, to keep the family legacy of serving up Italian food to the community while they work to rebuild the former Le Colonne.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 29, 2025
A single food truck helps rebuild a St. Armands Italian family tradition

Le Colonne, a longstanding Italian restaurant on St. Armands Circle, plans to reopen as Nลnnล Umberto later this year.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Amy Blair, the manager at the Old Salty Dog on City Island, said visitors often enjoy seeing dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other wildlife from the waterfront seating.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 12, 2025
Old Salty Dog celebrates post-recovery recognition

Not long after reopening from a five-month closure caused by hurricane damage, the longstanding Sarasota bar is celebrating a new national commendation.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Venturaโ€™s Italian Kitchen's menu ranges from a Margherita Pizza to Chicken Piccata.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 12, 2025
Longboat Italian eatery to open second Manatee County location

The owner says Venturaโ€™s Italian Kitchen "promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere."

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Sutton family hand feeds the cownose rays at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort's Under the Sea Lagoon.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 16, 2025
Longboat Key St. Regis closes in on first anniversary

Luxury resort makes an impact on Longboat Key and beyond.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Taylor and Sydney Nichols, co-founders of Le Shop, opening soon on St. Armands Circle, said they are excited to bring high-end espresso and wine to shoppers.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 8, 2025
High-end espresso and wine shop coming to St. Armands Circle

The owners aim to bring a little something special to the area, providing provisions for the perfect beach picnic and a go-to spot for high-quality beverages.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Greg Koss and David Roy, owners of David Gregory Salon, share an afternoon with friends at the shop before closing its doors.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 2, 2025
The Centre Shops loses David Gregory Salon

More than half a dozen salons once called Longboat Key home, but that number has decreased to one with the closing of the shop.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Rachel Ghormley, the new owner of Euphemia Haye with husband Jason, said they were glad to save the 50-year-old restaurant that holds special sentimental meaning for her family.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 6, 2025
New owners of Euphemia Haye excited to save 50-year-old restaurant

Preserving and celebrating this Longboat Key staple is personal for Rachel Ghormley's family.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sandra Smith and Ziggy, the firm's official public relations specialist, get settled after Secur-All Insurance's relocation to 510 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 3, 2025
Secur-All Insurance returns to Longboat Key's Bay Isles area

Having served Longboat Key residents for 15 years, the insurance agency explains how close community ties have led to its longtime success on the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The Sarasota Style is a new lifestyle shop featuring apparel and more that is slated to open on St. Armands Circle at the end of the year.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 13, 2025
New retail, lifestyle shop to open on St. Armands Circle

Co-owner Malia Price eagerly anticipates the opening of her new store, The Sarasota Style, a lifestyle brand to feature clothes, accessories and items by local artisans.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Families join in celebrating the grand reopening of The Beaufort Bonnet Company on St. Armands Circle on Saturday, just in time for Mother's Day.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 7, 2025
Families celebrate reopening of trendy tot boutique on St. Armands

Just in time for Mother's Day, The Beaufort Bonnet Company invited families to come celebrate its grand reopening from 2024's hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Euphemia Haye would have celebrated 50 years this year, but instead, the doors are shut on the iconic Longboat Key restaurant.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 29, 2025
Longboat Key fine dining institution Euphemia Haye closed

Euphemia Haye and The Haye Loft closed abruptly last week with little notice or detail.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Store manager Jessica Siriphokha celebrates the reopening of the Lilly Pulitzer on St. Armands Circle on April 17.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 17, 2025
Longtime Lilly Pulitzer fans share approval of remodeled shop

Six months post-storm, Lilly Pulitzer celebrates reopening on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Artists Laurie Foote, left, and Deb Tucker, right, join business owner Heather Rippy at an open house for the newest addition to Driftwood Beach Home and Garden.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 16, 2025
Boutique featuring Longboat artists expands

Driftwood Beach Home and Garden now has two storefronts on the plaza, one catering to decor and the other furniture.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Ellen Thomas joins the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce as the new event coordinator.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 22, 2025
Meet Longboat Chamber of Commerce's newest addition

Event coordinator Ellen Thomas looks forward to offering new activities for Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The family who runs Sips, from left to right: Micah Carter, Justina Carter, Chris Carter and Lorenza Condensa.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 24, 2025
Sips celebrates two years of keeping Longboat residents caffeinated

Over the past two years, the family-owned coffee and breakfast business has been able to expand its offerings, and its family.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Attendees cut the ribbon for the official opening of Lo' Key Island Grille on Feb. 7.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 10, 2025
Relaxed restaurant throws open doors to families, furry friends and all visitors

An idea, entrepreneurial spirit and years of industry experience lead Courtney Rossler and Kevin Pass to officially open Lo' Key Restaurant.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest in Longboat Key

1
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
  • December 4, 2025
Hurricane season ends without Florida landfall
2
Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager speaks at a Rotary Club of Longboat Key meeting Tuesday, Sept. 16. Mager, who spent nearly three decades in law enforcement primarily in Delray Beach, said LBKPD has training requirements similar to the much larger city of Delray and that officers on the Key are well prepared for any event that may take place thanks to partnerships the department has with neighboring jurisdictions.
  • December 4, 2025
Longboat police chief begins community video series
3
Sidewalks on the southern portion of Gulf of Mexico Drive will be closed nightly as construction crews begin work to install a gas line to accommodate a dredging project in Sarasota Bay.
  • December 3, 2025
Expect road, sidewalk closures on Longboat Key
4
Lucie Lapovsky, president of the Longboat Key Democratic Club, and Nick Gladding, president of the Republican Club of Longboat Key, are two members of Miracle on the Key, a group which aims to find common ground among hot-button political issues.
  • December 3, 2025
Longboat Dems, GOP join together to find common ground
5
A leatherback turtle hatchling crosses the beach.
  • December 3, 2025
Turtles born on Longboat return home to nest decades later

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