Petra Rivera
- Marketing Specialist, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida
Sarasota
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Articles by Petra Rivera
Temple Beth Israel plans to honor its music director and soloist
Temple Beth Israel Music Director and Organist Ann Stephenson-Moe and Choir Soloist Kei Sulhi said they are more like sisters than just co-workers. “Ann actually knew my daughter before she knew me,” said Sulhi. “The first time she called me about a singing job was to hire my daughter, who was a child, to be in one of her productions.
Observer Challenge hopes different format will attract more players
From Jan. 17-19, the Observer Challenge returns to Longboat Key. Hosted at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, the tennis tournament will keep players on their toes with a different format this year. "The center is already busy off the bat this season," said Tennis Center Manager Kay Thayer.
Seaplace Condominiums hosts its annual polar plunge for new year
On Jan. 1, about 60 to 70 residents of Seaplace Condominiums "braved" the "frigid" waters of the Gulf of Mexico for the annual Polar Plunge. Actually, with temperatures in the 70s, there wasn't much to brave, but the 20-year tradition carried on. "It has been cold in some years," said June Hessel, events chair at Seaplace.
Christ Church of Longboat Key celebrates 20 years
When walking into Christ Church of Longboat Key, one can’t help but notice the giant stained glass window behind the altar. Thirty-three panels of vibrant colors in blue, yellow, orange, red, white and brown make up the picture of a risen Jesus Christ with three fingers raised in a blessing while his other hand reaches out in a welcoming gesture.
Market on the Key open for the season
From the sun catchers down to the tablecloth, everything is handmade at Debbie Lemieux's booth at Market on the Key. "I like to keep everyone on their toes," said Lemieux. "So I knew it was important to change up my booth from last year." Lemieux uses repurposed paper, jewelry, utensils, bottles, fabric and kitchenware to make unique suncatchers, clothes, cards and other trinkets for her to sell at local markets.
Longboat Key Kiwanis Club honor late members while bell ringing
Every year on the clock, the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key would receive a shoebox full of coins from the same woman for their bell-ringing campaign. Somehow, the late Cash Register would always be the one to receive it. "I would get the call from Cash every year saying that the shoebox is here with bags of pennies and nickels and every coin," said President Chris Sachs. "It turned to a kind of joke." As the Kiwanians started its annual bell ringing for Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign on Nov.
National tennis tournament hosted titleholders from around the country
Tennis runs strong in the Schlorf family. Twenty-one years ago, the late Dick and Donna Schlorf started the Masters Clay Courts National Tennis Tournament to call tennis lovers from around the country to Longboat Key. Even though his parents have passed, Todd Schlorf still flies in every year to compete in honor of his family's legacy. And this year, he made it to the finals. From Dec. 2 to Dec.
Longboat Harbour put new twists on its annual Lighting of the Docks
The residents at Longboat Harbour Condominiums love a friendly competition. As a first-time participant in Lighting of the Docks, Margarita Link noticed every time she added more lights to her dock, her neighbor's dock was brighter than before. Stopping at Link's dock, one learned everything they needed to know about her by its items, including a drink, a symbol of her home country and where she taught in her career. "I'm Margarita and I'm from Argentina," said Link, "So I'm serving margaritas.
Where to worship on Longboat Key for the holidays
Candlelight services, Christmas caroling and Hanukkah dinners. No one celebrates the holidays better than the six congregations of Longboat Key. Here is a roundup of where to worship this holiday season on the island. All Angels By the Sea Episcopal Church Rev. David Marshall, 563 Bay Isles Road A Blue Christmas service will be held at 4 p.m. on Dec. 12 to offer prayers for lost loved ones. The Christmas Eve service will start at 5 p.m. Christ Church of Longboat Key Rev.
St. Armands Circle hosts annual holiday tree lighting
A mixed crowd of snowbirds, visitors, and full-time residents heard the famous holiday classic Santa Claus is Coming to Town echoing from every corner of St. Armands Circle on the evening of Dec. 6. While attendees sang classic Christmas carols led by a choir from St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, all heads tilted toward the 60-foot Christmas Tree in the middle of the park.
Where to celebrate the holidays on Longboat Key
Dec. 1-31 Christmas in the Garden 2024: A Celebration of Lights and Music Every evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The gardens of the Longboat Island Chapel will be enhanced with holiday music and lighting and decorated Christmas trees donated by community organizations, businesses and friends. On the evenings of Dec. 10, Dec. 12, Dec. 16, Dec. 19 and Dec.
Anna Maria Gift Boutique reopens on Longboat Key
Brigette Kubin didn’t think too much of it when she took a temporary job at the Lazy Lobster. During the summer, she spent tedious nights closing the restaurant after dinner and growing closer with her coworker and former head bartender, Courtney Rossler. As they worked, they chatted about their dreams of running businesses of their own.
New flower shop opens before hurricanes on Longboat Key
John Brannan and Jon Mongeau are complete opposites. Mongeau has been a florist for 38 years, making the most extravagant arrangements and displays for hotels in Boston. Brannan builds houses and crafts specialty items in his spare time. Brannan’s wife, Lita, said it's hard to believe that these two became friends. The duo met as neighbors on a zoning board in Massachusetts. This was their first form of teamwork and the beginning of a strong friendship.
Longboat Island Chapel kicks off Christmas in the Garden
Walking by the community tree at Christmas in the Garden, pops of white will sprinkle throughout its bright twinkle lights and green branches. "I was looking at it right when we first opened, and I saw a lot of white ornaments hanging on the community tree," said Kelly Shrout, co-chair of Christmas in the Garden.
Longboat Garden Club releases cookbook to fund environmental recovery
The Longboat Key Garden Club is exchanging its gardening gloves for oven mitts to get the island back into shape after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In November, the club released the "Longboat Key Garden Club Cookbook." It is now available to purchase for $45 at J. McLaughlin, Le Gardenia Bleu and at LBKGardenClub.org. All the proceeds will go to its Environmental Recovery Fund, which aims to beautify the island after the 2024 hurricane season.
FPL volunteers decorate Longboat Key Fire Rescue Station for the holidays
Light-up candy canes now line the sidewalk in front of Longboat Key Fire Station 92. Twinkle lights adorned around its building and colorful lights peek through the bushes for a glimmer of holiday cheer. To finish it off, a giant inflatable firefighter Santa is the perfect holiday greeting for passersby cars on Gulf of Mexico Drive.
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. Design 2000 Salon reopened on Nov. 19. Co-owner Irina LaRose said they are grateful to the David Gregory staff for allowing them to work there temporarily after being flooded with a foot of water during Hurricane Helene. Their favorite part about working with them was the camaraderie and making new friends who are also hair stylists on the island.
Lord’s Warehouse works to reopen next year after Hurricane Helene
Shelves of second-hand shoes and racks of donated clothes were toppled on the floor. Glass from rare china and other household items were spread through the racks covered in mud. Unique jewelry on the bottom shelves of the display cases started to rust only a week later. The water line was evident on the wall, showing the 4 feet of water that flooded in.
National tennis tournament to come back to Longboat for 21st year
Six years ago, tennis enthusiast Ron Watts was looking at the tournaments held by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) when a particular one caught his attention.
Cannons Marina co-owner talks to Longboat Key Kiwanis Club
Before the high-rise condominiums and the five-star restaurants, there was nothing on Longboat Key, according to resident David Miller. Miller arrived on the island in 1955 when his father purchased Cannons Marina. Now, he is the co-owner of the staple business and loves sharing his knowledge of the island's history with other fellow Longboaters. "There wasn't even a bridge here yet," said Miller. "I watched them build the Longboat Pass Bridge.
Interfaith service on Longboat Key unites residents and instills hope after hurricanes
It's a unique blend of stoles and vestments for a unique, but much-needed spiritual church service. For residents on Longboat Key, year-round and seasonal, the service at All Angels By the Sea Episcopal Church was a healing close to autumn after after a disastrous beginning with Helene and Milton. The six "pastor pals" gathered in the cloth of their corresponding house of worship for the 44th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship Service. The interfaith assembly at All Angels, with Rev.
Where to get Thanksgiving dinner on Longboat Key
If you don't want the hassle of making Thanksgiving dinner this year, gather the family together at a table at one of Longboat Key's restaurants. You will have a lot to be grateful for with these delicious dishes. The Lazy Lobster The Lazy Lobster is known for celebrating Thanksgiving twice a year. This summer, the restaurant hosted its "Thanksgiving in June" as a way to raise donations for Meals on Wheels Plus and All Faiths Food Bank.
Welcome back party at Christ Church
Christ Church of Longboat Key welcomed back its snowbirds with a Hawaiian-themed party on Nov. 13 at Hugo II at the Cedar Tennis Resort and Club. Members enjoyed food and conversation while reuniting with their friends that haven't been on the island since before Easter. Christ Church member Sue Wertman said the annual welcome back party was a good time to check on all her returning friends and hear how they are recovering from the hurricanes.
Volunteer decorators needed for Longboat chapel's Christmas event
It's time to start rocking around the Christmas trees at the Longboat Island Chapel. Christmas in the Garden is right around the corner and the Chapel is looking for volunteers to help decorate. For the fourth year in a row, the community will come together when they need it the most to celebrate the holidays at the Chapel's Christmas in the Garden: A Celebration of Lights and Music.
Coldwell Banker Realty reopens its St. Armands Circle office
In 2022, Hurricane Ian destroyed the Coldwell Banker Realty office on St. Armands Circle. They repaired the necessities with the hopes of getting open fast, not thinking about how to prepare for future hurricanes. “It was very plain because we were trying to get open fast after Ian,” said Managing Broker Ellen O’Day. “It had the gray luxury vinyl style on the floors and white walls.
Shore Longboat Key hosts Sarasota Debutantes
The Sarasota Debutantes grabbed their pearls and channeled their inner Holly Golightly on Longboat Key this past weekend. High school seniors Camiryn Opstal, Rylie Jackson and Maggie Mays hosted their debutante event as a formal brunch at Shore Longboat Key on Nov. 16. Inspired by the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's," all guests wore black, white and blue attire to stay on theme while the hosts dressed in all white to stand out.
St. Mary Star of the Sea Women's Guild welcomes back members
During Hurricane Helene, the property grounds of Ginny Akhoury, a member of the Women's Guild of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, was completely flooded. She said that she lost many things, including her file cabinet floating away. Even after enduring the damages from the hurricanes, the thought of being back with her close friends from Longboat is what has gotten her through these past few weeks. "I was really looking forward to this lunch," said Akhoury.
Longboat Key plans to move into the season as normal
Cheers of joy were heard out on the Links on Longboat Golf Club when the Key-Niners held its first match of the season. At its welcome-back lunch on Nov. 7, the ladies of the Key-Niners explained it was a special feeling seeing their snowbird friends and feeling some normalcy after weeks of uncertainty. “You should have heard us out on the driving range,” said member Ricki Harvey. “We were like screaming when we first saw each other.
Most Longboat Key restaurants are open
Hal Christensen, general manager of Harry's Continental Kitchens, was ecstatic to put down his construction hat after a month of being closed due to destruction from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The iconic restaurant and deli opened back up on Nov. 8. "I'm just amazed at my staff and their resilience and their ability to come in and get things set up and have such a happy and positive attitude towards everything," said Christensen.
St. Armands Art Festival welcomes back customers to the Circle
Longboat resident and photographer Mary Lou Johnson admits she didn't expect high attendance in preparing for the St. Armands Circle Art Festival. After the first day, she was pleasantly surprised at how many pieces she sold to customers looking to support the community after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “Sales have been over the top, but that is not what I expected at all,” said Johnson. “I thought nobody would come with all the stores closed, but it is honestly great.” On Nov.
St. Mary's Women’s Guild hosts handmade Christmas market
When the ladies of the St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church Women’s Guild receive donated Christmas trees and wreaths to decorate, they aren’t in the best shape. Some are old and ragged, but this doesn’t scare the seasoned tree decorators. “It is all about the transformation for me,” said Diane Monaghan. “We each come in with different ideas each year. We look online to see what is trending because we are competing with big stores.
Congregations on Longboat Key plan to unite at annual interfaith service
Going into the Lazy Lobster on Oct. 28, six religious leaders of Longboat Key sat enjoying lunch together. Around the table were the Rev. Julia Piermont of Christ Church of Longboat Key, Rev. David Marshall of All Angels By The Sea Episcopal Church, Rev. Brock Patterson and Rev. Jeffrey Nunes of Longboat Island Chapel, Rev. Kenneth Blyth of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church and Rabbi Stephen Sniderman of Temple Beth Israel.
Snowbirds returning to a vastly different Longboat Key
As snowbird Sue Reese gears up to visit Longboat Key for the first time after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, she can't help but be anxious to see her condominium in Spanish Main Yacht Club in person. "Everyone has told me that they start crying even before they get to their house," said Reese. "We have been there since 1992, and we have never seen our community this divided. It is hard to be away because we get new reports every day.
The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel looks toward fall semester
School is back in session on Longboat Key. As of Nov. 4, the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel will start its fall semester with a new series, "Holistic Health and Wellness." Education Center Program Manager Susan Goldfarb thought it would be the perfect way to welcome back Longboaters after weeks of stress due to the hurricane season. "People, right now, need stimulation," said Goldfarb. "After what we have been through, people need relaxation and healing.
Longboat Key salons collaborate after hurricanes
Victoria Simko swears Sandra LaRose's hair dryer is the strongest. "Sandy has a very strong blow dryer," said Simko. "She loves to joke around and blow my hair and clients' while she is next to me. We have loved joking about that." With Simko being a stylist at David Gregory Salon and LaRose at Design 2000 Salon, Longboaters would never have thought that these two would be working and joking together as competitors.
Plymouth Harbor residents raise more than $300,000 to help its employees
For the first time since living at Plymouth Harbor Retirement Community, Resident Marie Belcher evacuated with other residents and staff during Hurricane Helene. As an artist, Belcher was saddened to hear the art room on the ground floor was totaled after the storm. Thinking that her most recent painting was gone with it, an employee who stayed at Plymouth Harbor during the hurricane was able to cure her disappointment.
Christ Church of Longboat Key host annual food drive for hurricane relief
Christ Church member Brent Piersma is always amazed by the number of languages he hears when volunteering at Our Daily Bread in Bradenton. "Try telling a person who only speaks Creole they can't have any more diapers," said Piersma. "Even with the language barrier, volunteering at Our Daily Bread is something that really matters to all of us." His fellow congregant Holly Braun shared the most heartwarming aspect to her is connecting with the young moms who are looking for support.
Christmas Bazaar returns Nov. 9 to Longboat Key
Put away your cobwebs and skeletons because the most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner. The Women's Guild of St. Mary Star of the Sea will host its annual Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9 in Father Pick Hall, 4240 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The ladies from the Women's Guild have curated a collection of handmade ornaments, trees, wreaths and other holiday-themed trinkets. People will also be able to enjoy a variety of baked goods at the Bazaar.
Longboat Key small businesses seek public's help after losing everything
Longboat Key businesses were found in disarray after hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed their locations and most of their inventory. With no clue how to move forward, they look toward the community to help keep them in business with the hopes that residents find them necessary enough to donate. "We have had multiple customers thankfully opening their checkbooks to us," said Debra Murphy, owner of Ventura's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar in Whitney Plaza.
Consultants provides free advice to small businesses from the barrier islands
Bob and Mary Parrish from Bob Parrish CPA were at a loss on how to move forward after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Along with other physical losses at their business in the Centre Shops of Longboat Key, they lost a $13,000 desktop computer, setting back their business immensely. They also lost a 2014 Camaro parked, which is still sitting behind the Centre Shops to this day.
Exclusive cigar club hosts community for hurricane relief
After losing his home during Hurricane Helene, Longboater Edward Principe was the new neighbor on the block when he started renting at Beach Harbor Club. Even though his living situation was temporary, residents at the condominium were quick to include him in their community by inviting him to all their outings. When they decided to check out an open house at the island's exclusive cigar Louge, Principe couldn't say no to his new friends.
Georgia high school students collect hurricane relief supplies for Longboat
Milton, Georgia wanted to make amends with Longboat after a hurricane with its namesake came ashore on the Key. When Twin Shores resident Sharon Austin shared the disarray left on the island by the two recent hurricanes, her friend who lives in Sarasota, Julie Swanger looked for ways to assist. Her solution was to reach out to their hometown of Milton, which is a suburb of Atlanta, because she knew they would band together to help one of their own.
St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church feeds Longboaters after hurricanes
When attending a potluck with her neighbors, Longboat resident Sue DiNatale said the atmosphere lightened up for the first time after Hurricane Helene and Milton. Their community opened back again, feeling like Longboat's positive community again. Sharing this with the Rev. Robert Dziedziak, DiNatale and Dziedziak thought it would be important to spread the same supportive environment with all of Longboat, no matter how the hurricanes affected them.
Longboat organizations bring healing opportunities for residents
During the exchange of peace at its Sunday service on Oct. 20, congregants at All Angels By the Sea Episcopal Church lingered longer than usual, chatting with their friends and making their way around the room to say hi to everyone. “Exchanging peace today with everyone was different,” said congregant Carol Erker. “It was a bit moving.
Longboat businesses plan to move forward in wake of hurricanes
Longboat Key Club Managing Director Rick Konsavage’s priority after Hurricane Milton was to give members a sense of normalcy. “The wind did some pretty serious stuff, landscaping-wise,” said Konsavage. “Trees were everywhere. It was like Jurassic Park out there. We spent that first weekend cleaning as much as we could to be able to put on some activities because everything else on the island is canceled.
The Paradise Center merges with Reed Medical Group
Even with 4.5 feet of flooding from Hurricane Helene, Reed Medical Group did not miss a day of work during back-to-back hurricanes. During house calls to its patients the week before Hurricane Milton came, Dr. James Reed and his staff pondered where they would call home after losing about 90% of everything from their clinic.
Lazy Lobster celebrates 15 years on Longboat Key
No matter what their damage was, every customer had a story. This is what co-owners Michael and Catherine Garey recalled when the Lazy Lobster was one of the first restaurants to open after Hurricane Helene. Its first night back was packed with regulars searching for normalcy after being disheartened as they returned to the island. Customers expressed their gratitude for being open so quickly and this stuck with the Gareys.
Businesses step up to offer meals to those in need
At a time when the community was left without power following Hurricane Milton, businesses in the area were still powering on the grill. At different locations in the community, the public had a chance to take a break from cleaning up the storm's damage, to enjoy a hot meal. Personal chef makes services public Although only a handful of businesses were open in Siesta Key on Oct. 14, the smoke of a grill could be found in a tent just in front of Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites.
ACE Hardware on Longboat Key throws barbecue after Helene
Longboater Chris Sachs stopped at ACE Hardware for a quick trip to get some essentials after Hurricane Helene and left with a full stomach. On Oct. 2, owners Reed and Ginny Savidge decided to throw a barbecue at their store to bring joy and camaraderie to the island after the surge of Hurricane Helene destroyed many Longboaters' homes. Ginny was saddened by seeing all the people without homes, especially those who lived in mobile homes in the Gulf Shore of Longboat Key.
Some Longboat events still on after Helene, Milton
With two hurricanes back to back, many residents, business owners and leaders have expressed the time it will take to get the island back to normal. This doesn’t stop the season from coming around the corner. Here are a few events to look forward to after weeks of uncertainty and destruction of our paradise. Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship Service 5 p.m. on Nov. 19. Location still to be determined. Religious congregations on Longboat Key are hoping to spread joy after a hectic hurricane season.
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