LONGBOAT
Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
Women sailors celebrate 45 years on the bay.
PAGE 12
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 40, NO. 7
FREE
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
An unveiling of the arts Ringling rolls out a peek at the layout of town’s Arts, Culture and Education Center. PAGE 2
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy photo
Courtesy rendering
Preliminary designs feature a black box theater and classrooms with a courtyard.
Bird Key Yacht Club Commodore Charlie Wilson and Chief Development Officer of All Faiths Food Bank Denise Cotler
Bird Key Yacht Club makes donation When Hurricane Irma left Bird Key Yacht Club relatively unscathed, except for a few scattered tree branches, members decided to help those whom the storm had really affected. Within a week of Commodore Charlie Wilson asking for donations for All Faiths Food Bank, more than $14,000 had been collected. The money was presented to the food bank on Sept. 22.
CROSSING PATHS
File photo
Lynn Larson, Riana Rawson and Christine Olsen at last year’s Lawn Party
To smooth the ride, drivers and cyclists need to be patient. SEE PAGE 3
Save the Date: Kiwanis Club Lawn Party
Katie Johns
Serious cyclists say the bicycle lane on Gulf of Mexico Drive is their preferred route. Town leaders concede it could be better, but they are powerless to upgrade the state-owned and maintained thoroughfare.
A+E
Critic picks 2017-2018 INSIDE
Utilities plan gets a boost Ryan Butler
Preliminary work on the islandwide project to bury utility cables is underway on Longboat Key.
Irma’s outages make strong case, mayor says.
SEE PAGE 6
Mark your calendars: The annual Kiwanis Club Gourmet Lawn Party will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 2, at the Islandside Driving Range of the Longboat Key Club. This year’s event is chaired by Bob Gault, Glenn Peterson and Asima Palmer. Tickets will go on sale beginning in October for $50. Reserved tables of 10 for $450.
Lend a helping hand All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church is helping those affected by Hurricane Irma. Donate at episcopalrelief.org, write a check to All Angels marked “Hurricane Relief,” purchase gift cards to stores or gas stations or donate non-perishable food. All Angels is located at 563 Bay Isles Road.