LONGBOAT
Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
Love, for a friend
PAGE 20A
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 42, NO. 31
FREE
YOUR TOWN
•
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
Officer fired Investigation after fatal crash finds a pattern of violations. PAGE 2A
ROYAL DEALS
Courtesy photo
Patriotic visitor
Rummage sale at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, attracts thousands. PAGE 1B
Eric Garwood
At MarVista Dockside, valet parking attendants find space for as many cars as possible in the lot.
We’re going to leave the quips about separation of church and state to the cable TV pundits, but what a sight the other day atop a steeple on Bay Isles Road: a bald eagle that stopped for a rest. The image was shared with us by David Novak, the town’s unofficial caretaker of the Longboat Key Club’s swans.
No day at the park Nat Kaemmerer
Courtesy photo by Rev. Dave Marshall
Maureen Testa and Jolana Pocak were happy to help shoppers find what they were looking for.
Town works on resetting new restaurant rules. PAGE 3A
Champions!
A YMCA basketball team sponsored by a Longboat Key church won its second consecutive championship after an undefeated season. The team supported by All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church is made up of 8- and 9-year-olds from the Bradenton Branch YMCA, including Rev. Dave Marshall’s son, Elijah. In this case, victories and inclusion went hand and hand. According to Marshall, the team was known for passing the ball to players who hadn’t scored yet, which gave everyone opportunities to participate.
A+E Design of the times. INSIDE
Beach spending on ballot Town voters head to the polls next week to vote on renourishment plan. PAGE 5A
File photo
Five areas along the island’s gulf beaches are targeted.