LONGBOAT
Who’s Santa? PAGE 18
Observer
Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023
VOLUME 46, NO. 19
YOUR TOWN
Bright lights lead turtles astray Another strong season for turtle nests on LBK, but disorientation rates cause concern. PAGE 3
Courtesy image
Sue Reese
Christmas Bazaar
The Longboat Island Chapel held its Christmas Bazaar after the 11 a.m. service on Dec. 10. Chef David Stone cooked a brunch of prime rib and ham for everyone to enjoy. The Christmas Bazaar was the place to buy gifts for the holidays coming up. Members made different knitted goods, ornaments, wooden carvings and jewelry. There was also a Christmas bake sale. Contributors to the Bazaar included Betty Rahm, Warren Guse and Pat Hagstrom. The Lord’s Warehouse also donated Christmas decorations. Sue Reese sold her jewelry at the Christmas Bazaar. She has been making jewelry for more than 20 years. “Once I learned how to make different necklaces and bracelets, I couldn’t stop,” said Reese. “It’s been one of my hobbies ever since. I took different professional jewelry classes. It is the perfect outlet for me to be creative.” Reese sells her jewelry in Design 2000 Salon as well as different museums in Reading, Pennsylvania. More than 100 people attended the Christmas brunch, at which everyone mingled with friends and shopped for Christmas gifts.
TRAINING DAYS Longboat Fire Rescue makes sure its crew can handle live fire. SEE PAGE 4
Carter Weinhofer
Longboat Key Fire Rescue recently completed its last live fire training of 2023.
File image
A+E
Where to worship
Here’s a roundup of Christmas worship services happening around Longboat Key this season: All Angels by the Sea’s Christmas Eve service begins at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. Longboat Island Chapel has its regular Sunday service at 10 a.m. on Dec. 24, followed by a Christmas Eve candlelight and communion service at 5 p.m. Special music will be played at both. St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church’s services begin with Saturday Vigil service 4 p.m. on Dec. 23. Then, services on Dec. 24 begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The Christmas Eve Vigil Mass will be at 4 p.m., followed by Christmas Eve Mass at 9 p.m. On Dec. 25, the church will have Christmas Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Christ Church of Longboat Key has a candlelight service Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m. with full choir service.
Father photos. INSIDE Petra Rivera
Christmas in the Garden at Longboat Island Chapel.
Tree-mendous displays Longboaters make Christmas in the Garden an inclusive holiday celebration. SEE PAGE 16