LONGBOAT
Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
More money for tree removal. PAGE 6
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 42, NO. 37
FREE
Early-arriving guests
Guess who’s already here, more than a week before nest season?
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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020
YOUR TOWN
PAGE 3 File photo
Suzy Brenner
SALUTE!
A time to give
From noon April 28 to noon April 29, the Giving Challenge goes live. It’s an opportunity to give to nonprofits in the area, and Longboat Key’s The Paradise Center is one of the organizations that stands to gain from the charitable challenge. “It couldn’t come at a better time,” Executive Director Suzy Brenner said. Every Paradise Center donation from $25 to $100 will be matched by the Patterson Foundation. Other nonprofits with Longboat Key links are Save Our Seabirds and Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. See all the groups participating at www.GivingPartnerChallenge.org.
Longboat first responders take part in a ceremony of respect for medical teams. PAGE 12
Brynn Mechem
Members of the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department pay tribute to medical professionals Friday at Sarasota Memorial Hospital as part of a countywide effort at nine Sarasota and Manatee county hospitals.
COVID-19 response praised
Focusing on a time and place Portraits of life in a pandemic capture Sarasota, Longboat people. SEE PAGE 13
Courtesy photo
Jerry Rivera, Joey Panek and Lulu were photographed by Cliff Roles as part of his project.
Town’s residents are taking restrictions in stride, Harmer says. SEE PAGE 5
Courtesy photo
Meals on wheels
Every Thursday since April 9, the Bird Key Yacht Club has been delivering 30 meals to employees at Sarasota Memorial Hospital as a gesture of thanks. Club General Manager Scott Brynski and Treasurer Charlie Wilson load up and deliver the meals each Thursday and will continue to do so until the pandemic is fading, Brynski said. The first meal they delivered was beef tips in egg noodles and chicken Alfredo — classic comfort food. “We all know how emotionally comforting a great meal can be,” Brynski said. “It gives us great pleasure to do this small thing to hopefully keep spirits up and tummies happy.”
