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Longboat Key | Business

Stylist Sanda LaRose from Design 2000 Salon at David Gregory Salon.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 26, 2024
Design 2000 salon reopens after hurricane season

After weeks of sharing styling chairs at David Gregory Salon, Design 2000 employees are back in their newly renovated shop.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Hurricane Helene left the Lord's Warehouse at the Longboat Island Chapel in disarray.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 24, 2024
Lord’s Warehouse works to reopen next year after Hurricane Helene

After losing 75% of its merchandise, the Lord's Warehouse at the Longboat Island Chapel asks for donations and volunteers to reopen by February.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Petey the Pelican welcomes guests to Save Our Seabirds located at 1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 20, 2024
Save Our Seabirds reopens after hurricanes with future goals in mind

The avian rescue and rehabilitation facility on City Island reopened to the public on Nov. 18 after nearly two months of being closed after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Coldwell Banker Realty office on St. Armands Circle reopened on Nov. 13
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 19, 2024
Coldwell Banker Realty reopens its St. Armands Circle office

The real estate office renovated to build in resiliency for the potential of future flooding on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Harry, Lynn and Hal Christensen.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 12, 2024
Most Longboat Key restaurants are open

Staple restaurants on the Key shared what it is like being open after two hurricanes devastated the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
At the helm: Lucile Capo-Miller and David Miller still oversee day-to-day operations at Cannons.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 7, 2024
The family at the helm of Cannons Marina keep it strong after 68 years

In 1955, Michigan native Paul Miller traded his engineering career for the romance of Florida’s boating life and purchased Cannons Marina from Ernie Cannon. Today, under the leadership of David Miller and Lucile Capo-Miller, it’s a thoroughly modern boating enterprise.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Michael Nunes, Mary Bock, Robert Barney, Irina LaRose, Gregory Koss, Victoria Simko, David Roy and Sandra LaRose from David Gregory and Design 2000 salons.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 6, 2024
Longboat Key salons collaborate after hurricanes

David Gregory Salon opened its doors to Design 2000 Salon after it suffered great damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The St. Regis Longboat Key opened in August during a big celebration of the long-anticipated resort.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 2, 2024
St. Regis opens a new wealth of possibilities for Longboat Key

After a decade of twists and turns, the St. Regis Longboat Key introduces a different level of luxury for the island — with a nod to the noted property that preceded it.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Cariloha Sarasota lost about 80% of its inventory due to hurricanes Helene and Milton.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 30, 2024
Longboat Key small businesses seek public's help after losing everything

After hurricanes Helene and Milton affected them greatly, local businesses ask for help from the Longboat Key community to keep their businesses from closing down.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The wall and door at Café L'Europe shows the high water mark of the Hurricane Helene storm surge on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 22, 2024
Longboat businesses plan to move forward in wake of hurricanes

Businesses recount on how they were affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton and wonder how the high season on Longboat will look like.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Back row: Alexander Telfair, Angie Weaver, Mindy Ward, James Reed and Jessica Kowaliski Front row: Amy Steinhauser, Debby Debile, Sarah Lilly and Sara Carson
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 21, 2024
The Paradise Center offers help to Reed Medical Group

After being affected by the hurricane season, the two organizations banded together to become the hub of health and wellness on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Whitney Plaza business owner recounts his Hurricane Helene experience
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 7, 2024
Whitney Plaza business owner recounts his Hurricane Helene experience

After staying open during the hurricane, Gary Hagen of Donuts By Design got stuck in his shop with a dead phone and car.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The exterior mural at Guppy's Longboat Key was commissioned by local duo Foxxy Fine Art.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 24, 2024
Philly-based restaurant Guppy’s Good Times to open on Longboat

Owner Robin Gupta hopes the restaurant can bring a neighborhood sports bar feel to the island.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Fannie Bushin with her toy poodle Miles.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • September 4, 2024
Pet grooming business puts safety, comfortability first for Longboat dogs

Fannie's House Call Pet Grooming owner Fannie Bushin's lifelong love for animals is married with her passion for creativity.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Gary Hagen makes donut sundaes at the new Donuts By Design.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 19, 2024
Longboat cheesecake parlor becomes donut shop

Gary Hagen plans to shift the focus of Elegant Lady Cheesecake Parlor to serve up unique donut flavors on the island.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Mike Rusnak
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 6, 2024
UPS Store on Longboat Key makes house calls and ships cars

Owner Mike Rusnak shares the unique items he sees while assisting Longboaters with shipping.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Sandbar Seafood & Spirit is one of three Manatee County waterfront restaurants Chiles Hospitality has sold.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 18, 2024
Chiles Hospitality sells Mar Vista and 2 other beachfront restaurants

A St. Petersburg-based restaurant group also purchases Anna Maria Bake House and Chiles Hospitality's events department.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Dr. Daren Spinelle offers accessible health care for the residents of Longboat Key at the Paradise Center Medical Suite.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • June 24, 2024
Longboat doctor plans to expand health services at The Paradise Center

Dr. Daren Spinelle hopes to provide accessible educational and medical resources for snowbirds and full-time residents on the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
SeaMonkey Apparel's Longboat Key Turtle Watch design for June.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • June 10, 2024
Apparel brand with LBK ties launches partnerships with local nonprofits

A collaboration between SeaMonkey Apparel and Longboat Key Turtle Watch led to a unique design that raises awareness for sea turtle nesting season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The former Holiday Inn on Lido is undergoing renovations.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • June 10, 2024
Holiday Inn on Lido Key undergoes major face-lift

Cirque St. Armands Beachside is expected to open this fall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Christy James and Art Conforti
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 19, 2024
Longboat Key Flower Shop readies for in-person shopping

The shop will hold an open house throughout the month of July complete with giveaways.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Charlie the goldendoodle from Cannons Marina is one of Jadyn Norton's regular clients.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 13, 2024
Dog groomer makes a name for himself on Longboat Key and beyond

Jadyn Norton decided to start a new chapter in his life by moving to Sarasota. It led him to start his own business, Puppy Pals Dog Grooming, which has been a success so far.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Club Leaf & Bean in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • April 29, 2024
Cigar club on Longboat Key is now open for its inaugural members

Club Leaf & Bean co-owners Mark Zini and Matt Kaltenberger are close to reaching their max for membership for the new members-only social cigar lounge on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Alessandro Di Ferdinando, Antonio Mancini and Giancarlo Di Cosmo
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • April 22, 2024
New Italian restaurant opens on St. Armands Circle

The highly anticipated Italian restaurant, 15 South By Napulè, will be the best of both worlds with an intimate restaurant downstairs and a lively bar and dance floor upstairs.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
St. Armands Circle will soon have a new Italian restaurant concept, 15 South by Napulè, located at 15 S. Boulevard of the Presidents, which was most recently the home of St. Armands Oyster Bar.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 18, 2024
New Italian eatery opens this month on St. Armands

The owner of Napulè is opening an Italian restaurant called 15 South by Napulè.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lo' Key Island Grille is expected to wrap up construction this summer and open its doors in October.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 18, 2024
Casual restaurant to open on Longboat Key in October

Lo’ Key Island Grille will emphasize a laid-back atmosphere with a sizable outdoor space while serving fresh seafood.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Colleen Collandra
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • April 10, 2024
Longbeach Cafe celebrates 10 years at Whitney Plaza

The restaurant keeps people coming back with delicious food, friendly service and consistent experiences.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Gary Hagen of Elegant Lady Cheesecake
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • April 9, 2024
Long-awaited cheesecake shop open in Whitney Plaza

Gary Hagen has brought Hollywood to Longboat Key through his new cheesecake shop, Elegant Lady Cheesecake.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Christy James of the Longboat Key Flower Shop
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • April 7, 2024
New flower shop opens on Longboat Key

Owner Christy James shared her hopes and plans for the new flower shop on the island at her ribbon-cutting with the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Michael Garey at Longboat Key’s Lazy Lobster.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 29, 2024
Lazy Lobster's Michael Garey is anything but lazy

This Lazy Lobster co-owner doesn’t have a lazy bone in his body. He loves his work and honors the mentors who got him started.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Penny's Ice Cream offers a variety of flavors, fresh pastries and beverages like hot and iced coffee.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 13, 2024
Ice cream shop named for owners' beloved dog opens on Longboat

Greg Bukowski and Volha Siamashka have opened Penny's Ice Cream near the beach and hope to grow a loyal customer base.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Harry, Lynn and Hal Christensen are celebrating 45 years of business in 2024.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 6, 2024
Harry’s Continental Kitchens celebrates 45 years on Longboat Key

The Christensens say the key to their business' longevity has been patience and gradual evolution.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Mark Johnson, Jack Dean, Linda Dillon, Kim Verreault, Michelle Johnson, Mary Lou Johnson, Andrew Vac and Kellie Spring
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • March 1, 2024
Edward Jones cuts the ribbon on first Longboat Key branch

Financial planner Michelle Johnson opens the first Edward Jones branch on the island to provide personalized financial planning for residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The outdoor patio space doubled in size after Sips began leasing its second space.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 29, 2024
Sips marks one year on Longboat with gelato shop expansion

The new gelato spot, a sister business of Longboat Key coffee shop Sips, opens March 1 in Whitney Plaza.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
True Fitness provided all new equipment for Reed Medical Group.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • February 13, 2024
Reed Medical Group expands with new physical therapy suite

The PT team at Reed Medical Group moves to a suite with all-new equipment to serve Longboaters.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Gary Hagen
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 3, 2024
Cheesecake mogul to open new dessert cafe on Longboat Key

Gary Hagen brings his big Hollywood cheesecake shop to Whitney Plaza to provide a hub for good eats and good times.

  • 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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