LONGBOAT
Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
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VOLUME 42, NO. 34
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YOUR TOWN
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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020
PLAYING IT SAFE
Nat Kaemmerer
Flora’s flowers Fittingly, the “Flora” statue in St. Armands Circle has been bestowed with a crown of real flowers. By whom is unknown. But Flora, with carved flowers draped over her hands, is the only one sporting a new top. The statue is near the entrance of the Circle, if you’re coming from the mainland, and would be easy to miss when not walking around.
Nat Kaemmerer
Grand Bay residents Steven and Mary Pownall toast their neighbors from their balcony during a socially distanced outdoor gathering Friday.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Chipi, a loggerhead sea turtle, was in Mote’s care for 149 days.
Firefighters take new steps to stay safe from spread of COVID-19. PAGE 2
Stay or go? Parttime residents face seasonal decisions. PAGE 3
Town’s annual Goals and Objectives meeting is off. PAGE 4
Bon voyage, Chipi! Chipi the loggerhead sea turtle said goodbye to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and hello to the Gulf of Mexico last week. After stranding in October 2019 in Charlotte County, Chipi was taken to Mote for treatment of lethargy and neurologic issues most likely caused by exposure to red tide, a Mote news release said. Chipi was released after 149 days. Although Mote is temporarily closed to the public amid COVID-19, its Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital and many other programs are still functioning.
Linley Street ramp closes to help limit boat gatherings. PAGE 5
Town digs into beach work prep File photo
Voters in both the Bayside and Gulfside taxing districts approved financing for a wide-ranging beach plan.
Following success at the ballot box, work ahead is ‘full steam forward.’ SEE PAGE 7
Neighbors devise new ways to get together at a distance. PAGE 10
A+E Dodge the virus blues: Be a zombie. PAGE 16