My dear friends, It’s Friday, which means joy and excitement as we head into the weekend. Today, I want to share the story of one fantastic couple who knows how to bring a festive weekend or holiday mood to Sarasota. Lana and Alex have built their life around sharing joy, and their story perfectly captures the spirit of family fun and creativity.
Imagine moving from the cool temperate climate of Washington State to the sunny, often sweltering heat of Florida. That’s precisely what Lana and Alex did. In their quest to help their children stay active and happy outdoors, they created something extraordinary. Today, they own several businesses, each adding a bit of joy and adventure to the Sarasota community for both kids and adults.
It all began with a simple water slide. Their children, accustomed to outdoor play in any weather, were suddenly facing the Florida heat. A water slide became the perfect solution, keeping them cool and entertained. Seeing how much their kids enjoyed it, Lana and Alex thought, "Maybe other families face the same challenge." And just like that, their business idea was born.
Now, they run multiple businesses, including Tropical Thrills (tropicalthrills.com), which offers a range of inflatable water slides and other outdoor entertainment options perfect for keeping kids cool and active under the Florida sun. Their lineup ensures that families can enjoy exciting outdoor activities, no matter how hot it is outside.
They also own Fantastic Fire Department (fantasticfiredept.com), Be Glam Photo Booth (beglamphotobooth.com), and Foam Gator (foamgator.com), where they continue to add layers of fun and excitement to every event.
Their offerings range from water slides that help kids beat the heat to a foam experience that turns any event into a sensory adventure. The foam experience has even been recognized as a valuable resource for children with autism and disabilities.
Their next venture, the Fantastic Fire Department, is built around a retired fire truck fully equipped for children’s entertainment. Kids can climb inside, try firefighter gear, and play water games. The truck’s ladder also doubles as a foam machine, shooting bubbles for an extra layer of fun.
Finally, Lana and Alex introduced the Be Glam Photo Booth to capture joyful moments and memories. This company offers professional-quality photo booths with backdrops, props, and high-quality prints. It’s a way for families to take home a piece of the fun, whether a digital image or a printed photo for the fridge.
This family business has become a cherished part of the Sarasota community in just two years. They serve Sarasota and the greater Tampa area, traveling up to 60 miles to share their unique blend of fun and adventure with a broad audience.
Through it all, their passion for bringing happiness to others keeps them going, even through challenges like the pandemic. They maintain high standards for their services, ensuring that every event they host is memorable. They’re also regular sponsors of Foster the Family, donating their time and services to support foster families and other local causes.
Looking ahead, Lana and Alex are constantly innovating. They plan to add a snow service this year, just in time for the holidays. Imagine the wonder of seeing snow in Sarasota—it’s something they’re excited to bring to the community.
Alex and Lana are the best!!