LONGBOAT
Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 40, NO. 48
FREE
Rebuilding the code
A little less buzz.
PAGE 6A •
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2018
YOUR TOWN
Leaders intent on resetting town’s rules on redevelopment. PAGE 3A Courtesy photo
AMERICA’S BEST
Gussins get thrilling award Bob and Pat Gussin have booked themselves an award. The owners of Oceanview Publishing and parttime Longboat Key residents will be awarded the Thriller Legends Award on July 14 at Thrillerfest in New York City from the International Thriller Writers. Since starting their publishing company in 2006, they have published more than 200 thrillers by 75 authors. Pat Gussin is the author of seven novels, and Bob Gussin the author of “Trash Talk.”
Tom and Dee Harmer
Katie Johns
Steve Gianopolus and Sandy and Irina LaRose celebrated July 4 at Longboat’s 16th annual Freedom Fest.
Community turns out to watch and march in Longboat’s Freedom Fest. SEE PAGE 1B
A+E
Lionfish hunters clean up Shane Donglasan
An artist’s calling. INSIDE
Gabby Magalski holds up one of the many lionfish harvested during Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s Fifth Annual Sarasota Lionfish Derby
Happy birthday, Manager Tom! Town Manager Tom Harmer rang in his 60th birthday a day early July 9. First, Harmer celebrated at a commission meeting. That evening, his wife, Dee, planned a surprise party at Caragiulo’s restaurant in Sarasota. But Harmer arrived through the back, walking right into his own party. Harmer’s sons, Randy and Deryck surprised him, along with friends. “It’s awesome because it’s such a mix of people,” Harmer said.
Turtle Tracks
Derby ends with recipes, fewer fish.
JULY 1-7: Nests False Crawls
SEE PAGE 14A
YEAR TO DATE: 2018 2017 Nests 756 1,016 False Crawls 614 963
2018 2017 123 127 79 158
Source: Mote Marine Laboratory Data for Longboat Key