LONGBOAT
Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
Plan B was the beach.
PAGE 15
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 42, NO. 40
FREE
•
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020
YOUR TOWN
ON THE ROAD TO
EXERCISE
Nat Kaemmerer
Firefighter paramedic Ron Franklin Mark Bergin
A sign warns members of the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center not to use the drinking fountains while restrictions are in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s the scoop
Sundae came Wednesday for members of the Longboat Key fire and police departments when Sunny Days Ice Cream truck made a stop. As it has in years past, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key treated first responders to some sweet snacks. Each member of the departments got to choose three treats, and they took bags of treats to dole out to the later shifts as well, so everyone could enjoy. After everyone chose their ice cream, the treats were hurried back inside the stations to protect them from the midday sun.
Tennis Center is back For now, it’s singles play only, and socializing isn’t part of the plan. PAGE 2
Calling all grads!
Influx of cyclists and pedestrians points out need for courtesy, care. PAGE 3 Nat Kaemmerer
A lone cyclist rides in the bike lane along Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Watching the north and south Town plays it safe, monitors other areas in planning what to reopen. SEE PAGE 6
Wheel sweet ride Nat Kaemmerer
Tom and Norma McCarthy with their Mercedes golf cart
Couple’s head-turning replica cart was too close to the real thing for Mercedes Benz. PAGE 24
The Longboat Observer wants to raise a hat, or rather a graduation cap, to the island’s 2020 graduates, whether they are moving on from high school, college, kindergarten or anything in between. Do you know or are you a soon-to-be graduate who lives on Bird, Lido, St. Armands or Longboat keys? If so, send an email to Managing Editor Eric Garwood at EGarwood@ YourObserver.com to be included in our special graduation package. Submissions must be made by June 8.
Turtle Tracks LONGBOAT May 3-9 2020 2019 Nests 28 22 False Crawls 23 20 Total as of April 19 2020 2019 Nests 37 28 False Crawls 36 21 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory