LONGBOAT
Observer
Serve’s up.
Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
PAGE 4B
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023
VOLUME 46, NO. 14
YOUR TOWN
Red tide forum looks for answers
Area experts give ideas for mitigation and conservation. SEE PAGE 4A
Petra Rivera
Joseph Flowers, Debbie Shaffer
Fresh faces
The newly renovated private dining room at Cafe L’ Europe was filled with excitement on Nov. 8 from many members of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. The monthly Networking at Noon event was more packed than it has been over the summer months as the snowbirds started to arrive. Joseph Flowers, a real estate agent at Key Solutions Real Estate Group, was a new face among the crowd at the lunch. He said that his brokerage has been a part of the chamber for a while now and he is excited to meet everyone. “I am a little nervous to be here just because it is new people, but everyone has been really nice and welcoming,” said Flowers. Flowers was also there to promote his daughter’s new venture, Azara Ballet. Azara Ballet is a nonprofit professional contemporary ballet company in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Opening night is Nov. 17 at the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center. Flowers was excited to share Azara’s mission and offered to buy everyone at the lunch free tickets to its debut show. Networking at Noon at Cafe L’Europe was again a success with delicious food, returning friends and, of course, the opportunity to make great connections.
A RIBBON RUNS THROUGH IT The Karon Family Pavilion opens with a tribute to local veterans. SEE PAGE 3A Carter Weinhofer
Town officials and project team members join Paul and Sarah Karon as Mayor Ken Schneier cuts the ribbon for the new pavilion at Town Center Green.
Carter Weinhofer
Toys for Tots
It’s hard to believe, but it’s already that time of year when holiday shopping comes to mind. And if you’re interested in making the holidays a little more special for a child in need, you can donate new, unwrapped toys on the Key. Longboat Key is hosting a Toys for Tots drive and the town is encouraging residents to help fill the collection boxes with donated toys, books and other gifts for children. Boxes will be located at Town Hall, the North Fire Rescue Station and at the police station. Pickups are scheduled between Dec. 1 to 8 to ensure plenty of time to put the toys in the hands of children in time the holidays.
Storage Wars
A+E
Carter Weinhofer
A small, old watercraft sits partially deflated and collecting sand on Bay Side Drive.
Residents say old boats are cluttering the public dock. SEE PAGE 6A
HAT trick. INSIDE