LONGBOAT
Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
Tales from a longtime Longboater.
PAGE 12
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 41, NO. 47
FREE
YOUR TOWN
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THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019
Shovel ready, nearly Underground utilities project prepares to dig later this month. PAGE 6
File photo
Bunny and Mort Skirboll
Bunny Skirboll given honorary doctorate Bunny Skirboll in June received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from her alma mater, The College at Brockport, State University of New York. Skirboll, frequently involved in philanthropic activities on Longboat Key and across the bridge in Sarasota, is the founder and former executive director of Compeer Inc., a nonprofit that helps people overcome the effects of mental illness through friendship. She and her husband, Mort, live in Bay Isles.
Schneier named Home Rule Hero Town Commissioner Ken Schneier, elected to his first term in 2018, was named a Home Rule Hero recently by the Florida League of Cities. The organization cited Schneier’s work in protecting the home rule powers of Florida’s cities and towns during the 2019 legislative session. “The dedication and effort of these local officials during the 2019 legislative session was extraordinary,” FLC Legislative Director Scott Dudley said. An awards ceremony is planned for July 11.
MAKING WAY FOR
HISTORY Society president prepares a new ask for town funding. SEE PAGE 3
Sten Spinella
The Longboat Key Historical Society’s private fundraising has fallen short of a goal to buy land for its still-to-be renovated cottages.
Station plans come together
Turtle Tracks LONGBOAT June 23-29 2019 2018 Nests 155 93 False Crawls 271 81
Firehouse floor plans will lead to buildings able to stand up to Category 5 hurricanes. SEE PAGE 2
Total as of June 29 2019 2018 Nests 905 633 False Crawls 1,095 615 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory
File photo
A new fire station will be built on the site of Station 92.
A+E On the rocks. INSIDE