LONGBOAT
Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 39, NO. 50
FREE
COLONY FILES PLAN B
LBK fire chief addresses calls for falls. PAGE 2B •
THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017
YOUR TOWN
On Monday, Unicorp submitted its new — smaller — plan to redevelop the resort. This one includes a five-star brand. PAGE 3A
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Happy retirement, Donna!
WINGIN’ IT Families search for sea creatures in the bay. SEE PAGE 1B
On July 21, Donna Spencer officially retired from the town of Longboat Key. Spencer worked for the town for more than 26 years, including 12 years with the Public Works Department. On July 20, those at Town Hall threw a small party for her. Aside from sleeping, Spencer is most looking forward to traveling, working on projects and spending time with her two grandchildren during retirement.
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Name a nest
Katie Johns
Millie Ramey, 4, explores Sarasota Bay on July 20 during Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s Mommy and Me Camp.
A+E
Supporting cast keeps Van Wezel running smoothly. INSIDE
What’s in a name? You can decide that. For $25, you and your family can name a Longboat Key turtle nest. Donors will be given a picture and location of a nest, and when turtles hatch, they will be notified. The nests will be located on the Manatee County side of Longboat Key between 4141 Gulf of Mexico Drive and Greer Island. Donors can pay online at lbkturtlewatch. com, or print a form and mail payment to Longboat Key Turtle Watch, 5380 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 105, Longboat Key, FL 34228.
Updates on traffic study stall
TURTLE TRACKS
Leaders want more information on FDOT’s focus. SEE PAGE 2A
TOTAL, AS OF JULY 15: 2017 2016 Nests 1,187 1,037 False Crawls 1,109 1,494
WEEK OF JUNE 16-22: Nests False Crawls
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2017 2016 78 91 56 64
Source: Mote Marine Laboratory Data for Longboat Key