Nods to Florida flora and fauna central to St. Regis tour

As one of the Key's most prominent arms of the local hospitality industry, the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort plays an important role in shaping visitors' view of this unique slice of Florida life. 

The hotel has found intriguing ways of incorporating the area's flora and fauna into its decor and amenities, as Director of Sales and Marketing Lorna Kirwan detailed during the Longboat Key Garden Club's recent visit.

Club members were delighted with a glimpse into the resort the evening of Jan. 14.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Joining Kirwan were Director of Engineering Christopher Jenkins and Dan Conklin, curator of the resort's Florida wildlife-filled lagoon.

Kirwan offered a slideshow presentation detailing the resort's amenities, particularly highlighting the mural that Florida artist William Savarese created specially for the resort.

The mural towers over the bar inside the hotel, featuring light wisps of native wildflowers and other flora.

"We decided that instead of handing a mural within the lounge or bar, we would incorporate it into the roof of our bar," she said.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Of particular interest to club members was the renowned lagoon, which Conklin went on to describe.

The three-part tank is home to more than 3,000 fish and rays native to Florida. Conklin shared the harrowing story of how the staff sought to protect the animals in its care amid Hurricane Helene, succeeding in protecting their lives -- though a few rays did attempt an escape.

Following a brief question-and-answer segment with club members, who were interested in learning more ways of integrating the resort and the community, attendees shared in the tradition of an evening champagne sabrage, where one opens a bottle using a sabre.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Melody Arndt of Bay Isles made her first appearance at the garden club meeting that night, boldly stepped up to give it a try. After one trial attempt, she succeeded in popping the bottle, leading to a social hour.

She became fast friends with fellow member Nancy Gruber, and both agreed the best aspect of joining club such as this was getting to meet new people in the community.

For a full list of upcoming events, visit LBKGardenClub.org/Events.