LONGBOAT
Observer
BEAT
Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
the virus
support your local businesses! 34
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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 42, NO. 33
FREE
YOUR TOWN
•
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
STAYING HOME
File photo
Michael Garey
Customer donates $2,000 Few businesses around the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic more than restaurants. Like many people, restaurant employees are facing financially uncertain times. One Lazy Lobster patron recognized this — and did something about it. On March 17, before dine-in services in Florida were ordered to close, an anonymous man donated a $2,000 check for Lazy Lobster proprietor Michael Garey to distribute among his tipped employees. “[He] recognized that their income was going down,” Garey said. Although dine-in areas are closed, you can still support local restaurants by ordering a meal for takeout or delivery. For a list of offerings, visit YourObserver.com/ Restaurant-Updates.
Small town charm Longboat Key resident Bart Russell’s company, Barton Russell Group, will lead a new initiative called the Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award. It’s a nationwide volunteer recognition and grant program to help small communities and recognize their civic volunteers. Fellow Longboat Key resident and BRG consultant Ken Sternad is also working on the project, which will recognize 100 hometown heroes, such as volunteer firefighters, emergency medical personnel and local government boards and commissions, from communities nationwide. Three communities of under 5,000 people will receive grants of $10,000, $7,500 or $5,000 and a custom-built municipal website.
Nat Kaemmerer
The beach access at 2828 Gulf of Mexico Drive, along with all the rest in town, is closed to dissuade crowds from gathering.
Town looks at possible remote meetings for commission. PAGE 2A
Three residents have now tested positive for COVID-19. PAGE 4A
The battle against loneliness is an important one to win. PAGE 4A
Restaurants adapt to takeout service, but staff cuts are common. PAGE 9A
A+E
Schneier selected as mayor Schneier picked by peers to top spot, Haycock is new vice mayor. SEE PAGE 3A
Sports buffs have to rethink their exercise routines. PAGE 14A
Take five. INSIDE
Mark Bergin
Ken Schneier was reelected to his commission post without opposition and was then selected for mayor.
Beach access points shut to cut down on spillover crowds. PAGE 15A