Longboat Key first responders enjoy ice cream provided by Rotary Club

Employees of the Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue departments on July 25 lined up outside to cool down with summer treats. The Rotary Club of Longboat Key arranged for the Sunny Days Ice Cream truck to come to the departments' campus in recognition of the hard work the first responders do around the Key. 

Nancy Rozance organized the event. She said there are few chances to show appreciation for what these departments do so it's important to make it a priority. “We try to do different things. The ice cream truck has been done in the past and they really appreciate it.”

Joe and Jennifer Kyser own Sunny Days Ice Cream. Joe Kyser is a retired lieutenant from the Sarasota Fire Rescue. Several staff members from the Longboat Key Fire Rescue worked with Kyser when they were employed by Sarasota County, including Fire Chief Paul Dezzi.

Kyser gave two ice cream bars to each employee of the police and fire departments and one to Rotary Club members. For all off-duty employees, they requested their choice of ice cream in advance and Kyser left it in the departments’ freezers for them to enjoy at their leisure. 

The Rotary Club has hosted events celebrating the police and the fire departments for several years now. Some of the events include organizing barbecues on the beach for the departments and their families and a Cinco de Mayo event at Bayfront Park that is open to the whole community. 

During the pandemic, the Rotary Club delivered meals to the employees from local restaurants.They also try to provide equipment the departments need when it is not included in the town budget. 

“We have ‘Guns versus Hoses,’ which is a tug-of-war tournament between the two departments and we will give out trophies,” said Rozance. “One year, the fire department reported that their trophy was missing. The police department had gone in and stole it. It was like a big fun joke. They just really enjoy it.”