LONGBOAT
Observer
INSIDE
Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
Spirit of America OUR PRECIOUS
Observer
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 41, NO. 46
FREE
GAME ON!
JULY 2019
•
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019
YOUR TOWN
Mahjong draws its faithful, even during the slower summer months. PAGE 15
It would be no surprise if accountants, surgeons or any other sticklers for literal accuracy kept missing a turn off Gulf of Mexico Drive while looking for Bay Isles Parkway. For years, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians have been passing a green and white sign heralding “Bay Isle Pkwy” at the next signal. Of course, we know someone in the FDOT sign shop must have dropped the ball in leaving out that last S. We get that the message is pretty much delivered with or without that critical consonant, but c’mon, guys. And don’t get us started on Poinsetta Avenue in Longbeach Village, which seems to trigger spellcheck every … single … time. We know, we know.
Meeting of the minds When Sarasota and Longboat leaders meet, traffic is the center of attention. PAGE 3
Print isn’t dead. INSIDE
Eric Garwood
S-s-something’s missing here
Sten Spinella
A+E
FREEDOMS
Another Longboat grad
Whitney Elfstrom
Genie Aberson draws a tile from the wall during her turn recently at The Paradise Center.
Let’s get ready to revel
Kevin Boehm of Longboat Key graduated from Manatee High School on May 18. He was a member of Key Club, a senior class senator and a member of Technology Student Association while working at Bradenton Country Club. His parents are Robert and Eileen Boehm. He plans to major in business administration at Florida Southern in Lakeland.
Turtle Tracks LONGBOAT June 16-22 2019 2018 Nests 184 119 False Crawls 132 184
Town’s Freedom Fest gears up for 17th year of red, white and blue fun. PAGE 6
Total as of May 18 2019 2018 Nests 751 540 False Crawls 823 534 File photo
Freedom Fest is a summer highlight for young and old.
Source: Mote Marine Laboratory