LONGBOAT
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Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 42, NO. 19
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Courtesy photo
Happy Birthday, Carl Longtime Longboat resident Carl Meyers celebrated 90 years with friends and family Dec. 8. Meyers, who has been a Longboater since 1995, has been an avid cyclist and sailor for years, even riding a bike 80 kilometers on his 80th birthday a decade ago. Meyers and loved ones came together at Spanish Main’s clubhouse to celebrate the man and his life. Photos from the years, including a few precious baby photos, were scattered throughout the party.
INSIDE
New facilities and services come to SMH.
PAGE 5
BALANCING YOUR DIET
Tips to stay on track during foodie season.
PAGE 8
PICTURE OF HEALTH
Aging doesn’t equal stopping daily exercise.
PAGE 12
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019
Eric Garwood
Many trees on the property at 6920 Gulf of Mexico Drive are nuisance species and will be removed.
Your friends and neighbors have been busy decorating. SEE PAGE 18
Chiles OK to build Nearly 100-space parking lot gains town approval. PAGE 2 Courtesy photo
Longboat Key resident Cyndi Seamon shared with us one of her favorite scenes of life alongside the Gulf of Mexico — a little holiday spirit blended with an island lifestyle.
Not too late to donate Got a gift with no recipient? The town of Longboat Key wants to pass them along to less fortunate children in the community. It’s not too late to brighten a child’s Christmas this year. The town of Longboat Key is continuing its Toys for Tots drive through Dec. 19. Bring an unwrapped gift to drop off at either Town Hall at 501 Bay Isles Road or the Police Department at 5460 GMD. The Toys for Tots website suggests thinking of a gift you would get your own relative for your donation.
Handling seasonal r grief is a step easie with support. PAGE 2
ISLAND SPIRIT The greatest gift isn’t always something that arrives in a box. SEE PAGES 4-9
Carl and Mary Ruth Meyers
HOLIDAY BLUES
CANCER CARE
FREE
YOUR TOWN
Health Matters DECEMBER 2019
Paradise moves up the street Eric Garwood
Suzy Brenner and The Paradise Center began moving into the former Northern Trust bulding last week.
Organization sets up shop in new home. SEE PAGE 3
A+E Artist retreat bids leader goodbye. INSIDE