Tiny in stature, big at heart

“Tiny” in stature, big at heart. That is the sentiment repeated by patrons, neighbors, fellow community business members, co-workers and family when speaking of recently deceased Susan “Suzie” Vaught, owner of Tiny’s of Longboat Key.

On Monday, Jan. 25, she passed away.

“She was a force of nature, though she barely stood above the bar that she stood behind, you knew she had it under control,” said Linda Loscalzo, longtime Longboat business owner and friend.

Husband Dave Vaught said that Suzie worked in the restaurant and bar business more years than he could remember. Recounting her work history from her childhood in Baltimore Maryland to when she first moved to Florida sounded like resume’ of the perfect watering hole owner.

Vaught loved people, loved Tiny’s Bar, loved Longboaters, her family and staff, said Andrew Hlywa, owner of Whitney Beach Plaza. Hlywa decided to move his liquor store to the deli. Vaught was working at Tiny’s at the time.

In the midst of a declining economy Vaught took a leap of faith that her experience working in the industry, her familiarity with the clientele and her business sense would allow her success.

“Her faith paid off in more ways than one. Not only was her business successful but she left her mark on the people of this community,” said husband Dave.

Vaught is survived by her husband Dave, son Todd Cook, mother, Joyce Newport, brothers Bob and Tom McGough, sister Debbie Rinehart and her four grandchildren.

In honor of Vaught’s life, on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 4:30 p.m. a Memorial Service will be held at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Following the service there will be a celebration of her life at Tiny’s of Longboat Key.