LONGBOAT
Observer
Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Hanukkah together. PAGE 24
FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023
VOLUME 46, NO. 18
YOUR TOWN
Can we do better for our planet? EcoSummit speakers urge sustainable planning. The region’s future depends on it. PAGE 3
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Tom and Marilyn Farello at the Bird Key Yacht Club’s Blessing of the Fleet
Holiday kickoff
More than 180 members and guests of Bird Key Yacht Club participated in the annual Blessing and Lighting of the Fleet and Holiday Party on Dec. 2 at the club. The age-old maritime tradition kicks off the holiday season each year for BKYC. Commodore Steve Horton led the ceremony, with Pastor Don Roser delivering the blessing. Members enjoyed a flotilla of beautifully decorated vessels, colorfully lit, which filled the yacht club’s marina. Just a few days later, the club hosted Seraphic Fire, a Grammy-nominated Florida ensemble, which performed a holiday concert on Dec. 5 as part of the Bird Key Yacht Club Seafarers Speakers Series. Grammy Award-winning Conductor James K. Bass led the performers through seasonal classics as the audience enjoyed Seraphic Fire’s performance with just the power of their voices in harmony.
DECK THE DOCKS Longboat Harbour lights up its docks and raises money for Toys for Tots. SEE PAGE 18
Petra Rivera
Tony and Lisa Pupo during the annual Lighting of the Docks event on Dec. 2.
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The supersized Santa inflatable stands 14 feet tall.
Supersized Santa
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Longboat Key. From lights to wreaths, businesses and residents are preparing for the holidays. But around Whitney Beach Plaza, one decoration stands above them all: a 14-foot inflatable Santa. The Santa has a commanding presence in front of Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. Owner Debra Murphy has been preparing for the holidays in more ways than the Santa, though. Decorations adorn the inside of the restaurant, where she said there will be a seven fishes special dinner for Christmas Eve.
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Accreditation assessors question Officer Joshua Connors about the marine patrol vessel.
Police pass the test Longboat Key Police have just one more hurdle to clear on the path to state accreditation. SEE PAGE 5
Natural setting. INSIDE