We are proud to continue as sponsors of the "Arts in April" series of events! See last year's event details in our flyer below. The success of the 2025 and 2026 Arts in April series, inspired us to continue sponsoring these events in 2027! Stay tuned for additional details, and please save 2027 event dates!
These four creative and fun community events bring us together, in collaboration with other non-profit organizations who serve Longboat Key. Please join us in celebrating the arts, and each other!
2027 Arts in April events are scheduled for:
** April 1 - Comedy Night at the Pavilion, 6-9:30 pm @ Town Center Green & Stage, 600 Bay Isles Road, LBK
** April 2 & 3 - Artists in the Garden, Saturday, 10am - 3pm; Sunday, 11am - 3pm @ Longboat Island Chapel Garden 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, LBK
** April 9 (10th rain date) - Dinner & A Movie, 5:30 - 9:30pm, @ Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive, LBK
** April 22 - Town Hall Art Exhibit & Artists' Reception, 5 - 7pm, Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, LBK
Our History
The Longboat Key Foundation organization formed in 2012 with the recognition of late Mayor Hal Lenobel and his wife Hazel. Two of the Foundation's current Board members served as members of the Host Committee, Founder Jim Brown, and Chair Susan Phillips. The Longboat Key Foundation's inaugural event featured a Golf Tournament hosted by the Resort at the Longboat Key Club.
In 2013 the Longboat Key Foundation officially fell under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County in order to raise money for island projects under their
501(c)3.
The Longboat Key Foundation, Inc was incorporated in November 2019 as a 501(c)3 and since that time has operated independently. Our original mission continues to identify opportunities and fund initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents, visitors and employees of Longboat Key.
Successful donor-funded initiatives include establishing medical and wellness facilities on the island; fundraising to design and construct a stage for the Town Center Green; fundraising for SRQ Vets, a local "Veterans helping Veterans" non-profit organization; and installation of K-9 artificial turf in the Bayfront Park Dog Park.
The most recent collaboration with the Town successfully exceeded the goal to raise $3.5 million to design and construct community spaces as part of a Sarasota County Library. This project breaks ground later this year.
Funds are still being accepted to bring events, speakers, programs and enhanced interiors to the community spaces.