LONGBOAT
Observer
Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Seasonal travel. PAGE 7 FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
VOLUME 45, NO. 38
Parking garage earns first approval
YOUR TOWN
St. Regis parking revisions move to Longboat Key Town Commission. PAGE 4
Courtesy photo
Public Works Office Manager Julie Anderson donates blood during a blood drive April 19.
Town hosts blood drive The town of Longboat Key recently hosted a blood drive in partnership with Suncoast Blood Centers. The drive was held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 19 at Town Hall. All donors received a $10 gift card to Publix and a trackable tree that the individual can watch grow. Platelet donors received a $40 Amazon gift card for their contributions. One person donating blood can save up to three lives, according to the center’s website. Donating once a year is said to reduce one’s risk of a heart attack by 88%.
EARTH DAY ON DISPLAY
Chapel event teaches visitors about local conservation work. PAGE 18 Courtesy photo
Milo, a mini golden doodle Sidra Wali
Ross Johnston, manager of visitor engagement at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, leads a walking tour by the bay educating visitors about various plants and trees at the third annual Nature Talks and Walks for Earth Day event April 22 at Longboat Island Chapel.
A+E
His final bow. INSIDE
Safer streets The three options for a St. Armands infrastructure project range from spending $45 million to doing nothing at all. PAGE 6
Andrew Warfield
Speed tables are currently used at crosswalks at St. Armands Circle. A complete street project would include enhanced pedestrian safety features.
Fetch looks for pets and pups Anyone looking for a happy dog-grooming experience, look no further. Fannie’s House Call Pet Grooming service comes to you. “I had my business in Miami for five years, and I moved to Longboat Key in 2021,” said Fannie Bushin, owner. “I realized, the smaller and senior dogs are more comfortable at home. There’s a whole attitude shift with dogs that don’t like to go to a pet-grooming facility.” Bushin visits homes and brings professional equipment and products with her. All the clients have to provide is an area to bathe the dogs and towels. Clients don’t have to be home to have their dogs groomed, but Bushin says curiosity gets the best of them. Bushin says she is grateful for how Longboat Key has embraced her business. “The hardest part is building great relationships with the clients, and when their dogs pass away, there’s no reason for me to be in contact with them anymore,” said Bushin.