Longboat Key celebrates end of fall stress with community concert

Navy blue shirts spread out across the Town Center Green with the words "LBK Strong" on the front of them.

After receiving the shirts at their staff retreat on Dec. 13, Longboat Key town employees wanted to bring their unity into the next day at the "LBK Strong" community concert. 

The shirt is now in high demand from residents after the camaraderie from the concert.

"Gulf Coast Eagle Distributing donated all the drinks for free," said Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips. "The food trucks cost us nothing. The band was $15, while the opener was free. We did get a donation of $2,500 and that helped get some chairs and tables because I originally told people to bring lawn chairs. Taxpayers spent a total of $200 on this event. I wanted to make sure that this was just a way to bring everyone together and not worry about the money aspect."

When Phillips began planning the first "LBK Strong" community concert, she aimed to spend as little money as possible to bring the community together after all the trials of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

The free concert at the Karon Family Pavillion achieved its goal by calling out Longboaters from across the island. Longboat resident and muscian Tim Michael McCaig began the evening, followed by local band SoulRCoaster's dynamic performance of cover songs from every genre.

The grass packed in residents from different condominiums, congregations and neighborhoods. Organizations, nonprofits and businesses such as Christ Church of Longboat Key, the Longboat Key Garden Club and the Holistic Healing and Wellness Center of Longboat Key used it as an opportunity to speak about their missions and support the town. 

"After three hurricanes, it is amazing to see the community together like this," said Commissioner BJ Bishop. "We probably need to do something like this every holiday season just to kick it off and start off in high spirits."