About Us
Our History
Originally incorporated in 1995 as the Longboat Key Club, Federated – a women’s republican political organization, which was started as a chapter of the Florida Federation of Republican Women, and which has since changed its name to the Republican Club of Longboat Key, LLC and includes male members. Club membership has grown to over 200 members.
Our Mission
The Republican Club of Longboat Key supports the values, objectives, and platform of the Republican Party and all duly nominated Republican candidates in the local, state, and federal elections. We seek to inform members about issues important to Republicans through dynamic speakers and by providing a social venue to discuss and share ideas without fear of judgement or ridicule.
Leadership
The Officers of the Board are elected for a one-year term during our Annual Membership Meeting held every January.
Nick Gladding, President
Nick Gladding is currently a resident of Longboat Key, Florida, but began his life in Washington, DC, and was raised in Maryland and Hawaii. His father was a Naval intelligence officer; his mother, an English teacher. Following his father’s postings, he attended various schools before graduating from Yale and Vanderbilt Law School.
A Navy veteran, Nick served four years on active duty as a JAG officer. After discharge, he practiced law at a large Connecticut firm, where he discovered his passion for environmental law—the intellectual challenge of balancing private property rights, government interests, and environmental protection.
He later practiced in Missouri and Florida before shifting to public service, lending his environmental and energy expertise to various business and nonprofit organizations. In March 2026, he will join the Town of Longboat Key Commission.
Nick is happily married, devoted to his family, and especially fond of his Skye terrier.
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A Message From The Board Of Directors
If you are looking for an organization that provides a venue for Republicans to meet socially and to speak freely on political topics with no fear of judgement, plus hear dynamic speakers on the current issues of today, membership in the Republican Club of Longboat Key is for you!
Originally founded in 1996 as The Federated Women’s Republican Club of Longboat Key, it is now chartered by the Republican Party of Florida and membership is open to both Republican men and women.
Our mission is to educate members with practical means on how to participate in the Republican Party and support the principles, objectives, and platforms of the Party. In addition, we support all duly nominated republican candidates in the local, state, primary, and general elections. At the same time, the Club provides a venue for members to socialize and make life-long friends.
We meet for a cocktail hour and dinner at the Sarasota Yacht Club, followed by a dynamic guest speaker. The dinner meetings are held on the second Tuesday of October through April. During the summer months, we gather for fun social events such as Bourbon Tasting and Bar-b-Que, and wine parings with dinner.
Membership in the Republican Club of Longboat Key provides:
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an opportunity to exchange ideas with other Republicans,
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learn practical ways you can participate in our local, state and general elections,
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become informed by amazing guest speakers on subjects critically important to our country, and
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have open discussions with fellow members who believe in the Constitution, Bill of Rights, respect and honor our miliary and men in blue, capitalism and free enterprise – and most of all – we believe in the American Dream of opportunity for all.
Join us today in our commitment to support our Republican held House, Senate, and White House.