Up next
Guest speaker to be announced
Would you like to speak to the club, or suggest a speaker? Call Danielle Gladding, President, at (941) 539-8535.
Kiwanis Clubof Longboat Key
Second and fourth Thursdays
Meetings & guest speakers
The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key meets for breakfast on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at The Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Breakfast is at 8:30 and the meeting starts at 9:00. Guests are always welcome, and breakfast is $20 for guests. Dates occasionally change for holidays, so please check Upcoming events or RSVP before you come.
What to expect
A Thursday morning with the club
8:30 · Breakfast
Coffee, breakfast and conversation with neighbors at The Lazy Lobster.
9:00 · Call to order
The Pledge of Allegiance, a song, an invocation, and a welcome to members and guests.
Guest speaker
A leader from our island or our region talks about the work being done for our community and its children.
Club business
Updates on our service projects and fundraisers, from the Pancake Breakfast to the Lawn Party by the Bay, and the Ace in the Hole drawing.
Please RSVP to Michael Garey at michael@lazylobsterlbk.com so the kitchen can plan. Bring a friend!
Guest speakers
Who we've heard from
Disclosure: Club President Danielle Gladding's husband, Nick Gladding, serves as Longboat Key's District 3 Town Commissioner. They speak for themselves and not for each other, and nothing here represents the Town of Longboat Key or its Commission.
2026–27 club year
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Andre Sampson
Board Chair, Children's Guardian Fund
Andre spoke about the Children's Guardian Fund, which supports children and young adults in foster care in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties and is the beneficiary of this year's Lawn Party by the Bay.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
George Landry
Town Manager, Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key's twelfth Town Manager shared his vision for the island. George previously served as St. Lucie County Administrator and served twenty years in the U.S. Army.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Chris Cushman
Executive Director, The Miracle League of Manasota
Chris told us about the league's athletes and the volunteer buddies who play alongside them every Saturday. The Miracle League is the beneficiary of our Pancake Breakfast.
2025–26 club year
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Chief Paul Dezzi
Fire Chief, Longboat Key Fire Rescue
Chief Dezzi has given more than 40 years to the fire service, starting as a volunteer in 1982, and has led our island through hurricanes.
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Chief Russ Mager
Police Chief, Longboat Key Police Department
Chief Mager updated members on his leadership of the department since taking the role.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Lisa Knepp
BMO Wealth Management
Lisa joined us for a morning of good discussion and connection.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Kim Verreault
President and CEO, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce
Kim spoke about the Chamber's work supporting our local business community.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Tara Maffei
Executive Director, Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee
Tara shared how Family Promise helps families experiencing homelessness find stability and housing. Family Promise received the proceeds of our Pancake Breakfast and our Sip & Shop at J.McLaughlin.
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Katie Becker
Parenting Matters
Katie shared how Parenting Matters strengthens families through parent education, early childhood support and community resources.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Brian Walton
Save Our Seabirds
Brian told us how Save Our Seabirds rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured wild birds and teaches the public how human activity affects wildlife.
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Ken Schneier
Mayor, Town of Longboat Key
Mayor Schneier was our guest speaker at The Lazy Lobster.
Join us for breakfast
The best way to get to know the club is to come to a Thursday breakfast. When you're ready, you can become a member online.