Lights in Bloom Illuminates CEO’s Decade of Leadership
Selby Gardens’ annual Lights in Bloom kicks off this weekend and will showcase more than two million twinkling lights and an immersive experience on its 15-acre downtown campus.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki being at the helm.
Rominiecki, who joined Selby Gardens in 2015 after a career at prestigious institutions like the New York Botanical Garden and the Guggenheim Museum, reflected on her tenure as one of transformation and growth ahead of the seasonal run of Lights in Bloom this week.
“When I arrived, Selby Gardens was already beautiful, but people didn’t have a reason to come back,” she said. “We implemented the living museum model, creating rotating exhibits and programs that bring together art, horticulture, and education.”
Romenicki’s innovative approach to art and nature has more than doubled visitation and membership over the past five years while broadening Selby’s appeal to a more diverse audience of patrons.
Lights in Bloom itself underscores the strategy, offering a blend of nature, art, and holiday cheer. Highlights and installs throughout the garden include the iconic bromeliad tree, butterfly wings, and the Wishing Tree, all set against the sparkling Sarasota Bay.
Rominiecki credits creative partnerships with local businesses for elevating the experience each year.
“Our team, along with Affairs in the Air, has transformed this into an immersive tradition that draws people from across the region,” she said.
For Rominiecki, this milestone year underscores the importance of her vision. “We’ve worked to make Selby a place where everyone feels welcome — whether they come for the plants, the art, or just to connect with family and friends,” she said.
Selby Gardens Shines Bright This Holiday Season, Resilient After Hurricanes
The back-to-back hurricanes earlier this season were a challenge, she says. Hurricanes Helene and Milton has teams worked trying tirelessly to repair damage, restore exhibits and ensure the event’s reopening in time for its seasonal debut. Despite visibly thinned trees, less foliage, and some ongoing repairs, Lights In Bloom manages to draw guests in from the second they arrive at the brand new, state-of-the-art Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF) parking garage.
Ranked sixth in USA Today‘s 10 Best Readers’ Choice contest for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights, the dazzling display offers a magical, seaside escape for visitors. Highlights of the beloved event include the iconic bromeliad tree, glowing butterfly wings, pink flamingo “reindeer,” and the whimsical Wishing Tree. The gardens’ transformation into a holiday wonderland is a testament to the resilience and dedication of its staff and the support of the Sarasota community.
This year’s festivities officially began during a media preview on December 5, where 7-year-old Aria Groove, a student at Alta Vista Elementary, lit the gardens to kick off the season. Groove flipped the switch and illuminated over 2 million lights at Selby Wednesday evening as part of the annual tradition.
Guests can enjoy festive food trucks, seasonal vendors, and beverages during their visit. Tickets start at $25 for members and $30 for non-members, with an all-inclusive option available on December 21 featuring a buffet, open bar, and exclusive access. Advance purchase is recommended, as popular nights often sell out.
Lights in Bloom runs through January 1, 2025, at the gardens’ 15-acre bayfront location in downtown Sarasota. Visit Selby Gardens’ website for tickets and more details.
Samantha Gholar covers social justice for USA Today Network-Florida. Connect with her via email at sgholar@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Holiday season in Sarasota is not complete without Lights in Bloom
