LONGBOAT
Turtle watch.
Observer
PAGE 5
Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024
VOLUME 46, NO. 38
YOUR TOWN
Peek inside the Longboat St. Regis Set to open this summer, the new resort will offer four distinct restaurants. SEE PAGE 3
Courtesy image
Richard Maul with a rare century plant
Rare plant blooms
One day, Laurel Maul noticed something different outside her house in Bayou Circle. “In two days, this 24-foot stalk appeared in the middle of our cactus for the first time ever,” said Maul. After doing some research, Maul discovered that this rare stalk is called a century plant. She said it is believed to bloom once every 100 years. According to information from North Carolina State University, it is typically found in desert areas such as the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. It usually lasts for 10 to 30 years. Some century plants can grow to be 30 feet tall. The plant is known as the century plant because of its long lifespan. It will bloom flowers right before it dies. “It was quite a shock,” said Maul. “It has not stopped growing. I can’t wait to see what happens with it.”
Petra Rivera
Barbara Jendrysik has participated in every Longboat Key town hall art reception.
Town hall showcases local artists The recurring exhibit has featured 114 local artists and 1,721 pieces; this year’s show drew one of its biggest crowds ever. SEE PAGE 14
File image
A+E
Lithium learning
The Longboat Key Fire Department is hosting a free online seminar 10 a.m. May 9 to discuss the “Do’s and Don’ts of Lithium Ion Batteries.” Fire Chief Paul Dezzi and Fire Marshal Jane Herrin will lead the presentation about lithiumion batteries, which are a type of rechargeable battery with higher energy. These batteries are found in things like cellphones, laptops, e-bikes and scooters. The presentation will talk about some of the potential fire hazards related to lithium-ion batteries, which can catch on fire, explode and release a toxic gas if not handled properly. Tips for how to prepare devices for hurricanes and storms will also be discussed. For more information and access to the event, contact the LBK Fire Rescue Department at 941-316-1944 or email TAdams@LongboatKey.org.
Paris transport. INSIDE
Petra Rivera
Club Leaf & Bean co-owners Mark Zini and Matt Kaltenberger
Smokes on the water Members-only cigar club rounds out its founding roster. PAGE 10