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Longboat Key | Business

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 3160 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 Restaurant’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 Nōnnō 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
Ventura’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 Ventura’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
The commercial space at 3170-3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive will soon include a Starbucks location.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 6, 2025
Starbucks location to open on Longboat Key this summer

The shop, located at 3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will emphasize the brand’s "community coffee house" feel with a modern look tailored to Longboat Key.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Columbia Restaurant is known for its authentic Cuban sandwiches, vibrant paella and signature sangria.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 29, 2025
Columbia Restaurant preserves family tradition while evolving with the times

A staple for visitors and locals alike, the Columbia Restaurant shares the legacy behind its tasty traditions.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lo’ Key Island Grille opened Jan. 6, 2025.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 15, 2025
Lo' Key Island Grille now open on Longboat Key

The island's newest restaurant, Lo' Key Island Grille, is now open for business.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Brigette Kubin cut the ribbon for her business, Three Island Monkeys, on Jan. 8.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 11, 2025
Three Island Monkeys celebrates Longboat opening with ribbon-cutting

The gift shop offering unique gifts and from local artists opened in November 2024 but had a ceremony to celebrate the opening with the local community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Jon Mongeau, the florist at Le Gardenia Bleu.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 31, 2024
Jon Mongeau brings extravagant florals to Longboat with Le Gardenia Bleu

From programmer to florist, Jon Mongeau plans to use his 38 years of floral design to mentor new florists and help Longboat Key bloom.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Will Parard, the head of culinary for Oysters Rock Hospitality
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 30, 2024
Former Café L'Europe chef leads the restaurant into a new era

New Head of Culinary for Oysters Rock Hospitality Will Parard plans to bring a mix of his Florida roots and unique flavors to Café L'Europe and Anna Maria Oyster Bars.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cafe L'Europe renovated its private and semi-private dining areas ahead of the restaurant's 50th anniversary in 2023.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 11, 2024
Café L'Europe becomes The Café on St. Armands with new dining theme

The St. Armands Circle staple will reopen in January 2025 with a reimagined dining theme and new name following damages from Hurricane Helene.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Kandi Kerekes's original logo for Three Island Monkeys.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 4, 2024
Anna Maria Gift Boutique reopens on Longboat Key

Brigette Kubin brings whimsical art and gifts to lighten up Longboaters as they recover after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Jon Mongeau, Lita and John Brannan are the owners of Le Gardenia Bleu.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 3, 2024
New flower shop opens before hurricanes on Longboat Key

Le Gardenia Bleu aims to bring hope to Longboat Key with its unique trinkets from local artists and accessible flowers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
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Latest in Longboat Key

1
Danae Tran plays the violin for Longboat Island Chapel attendees of the July 19 morning service before she and fellow scholarship recipient Michelle McLeod move to greet guests at the award reception.
  • July 24, 2026
Scholars celebrated at Longboat Island Chapel award reception
2
A Flock camera takes pictures of vehicles that drive on Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key.
  • July 22, 2026
Flock cameras photograph every car that enters Longboat Key
3
The home at 344 W. Royal Flamingo Drive sold for $6.55 million. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,344 square feet of living area.
  • July 22, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for July 6-10 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key
4
Mother-daughter duo Bridgette, left, and Giana Clark make a doubly positive difference in their community by monitoring sea turtle nests and clearing litter from the beach as volunteers with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch. The group recently celebrated seeing their new "Adopt A Shore" signage.
  • July 22, 2026
Clean beaches are a 'shore' thing under Turtle Watch's eye
5
Multiple species of starfish have found a home on the "Living Wall" at Longboat Key's Bayfront Park. The innovative project uses 3D-printed concrete slabs modeled after mangrove roots to provide better habitat for aquatic animals.
  • July 21, 2026
Longboat's living seawall recognized for creativity

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