LONGBOAT
Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
Fashions sparkle once more. PAGE 1B
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 40, NO. 31
FREE
St. Regis: One more vote
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THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018
YOUR TOWN
Redevelopment plan hinges on Friday’s special meeting. PAGE 3A
Courtesy photo
Happy birthday, Betsy!
LIFTOFF!
Part-time Longboat Key resident Betsy Stewart is celebrating a milestone birthday March 15. Stewart will ring in her 90th with family and friends in Lexington, Ky. Stewart’s family has been on Longboat Key since the early 1950s and stayed at the Far Horizon for many years until moving to the Veranda.
Bret Hauff
Voters, it’s your choice Early voting through Saturday; election day is Tuesday, March 20. SEE PAGE 4A
Bret Hauff
Sign of the times
Reporters get a sneak preview of Longboat man’s balloon festival. SEE PAGE 26A
Some cars parked on Bay Isles Road in front of Town Hall this week didn’t look like they were for city business. Three vehicles parked on the street Monday carried signs for District 5 candidates Ed Zunz and Randy Langley. Two Jeeps bore signs asking voters to choose Langley. A Nissan had signs and magnets promoting Zunz.
A+E Melba Moore honors Billie Holiday’s legacy. INSIDE Katie Johns
Hot air balloons can reach an altitude of 12,500 feet. At 14,000 feet, passengers would need oxygen.
Longboat deal cleans up Manatee County agrees to collect Greer Island trash three times a week. SEE PAGE 18A
Bret Hauff
Root beer votes Longboat Key Town Hall is offering treats for early voters through Saturday. Voters have an opportunity to cast ballots for three commissioners and decide on three referendums. Among the treats: root beer floats. If you want one, just ask one of the town staff to get one for you after 2 p.m. each day.