Lore: Longboat Key got darker for nesting season in 1987

May 1 marks the start of turtle-nesting season, meaning the island will get darker as residents shield or turn off lights that are visible from the beach because they can disorient nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.

The Longboat Key Town Commission decided keeping turtles in the dark was a bright idea May 4, 1987, when it voted 4-2 on first reading to require beachfront lighting to be dimmed. The commission heard from supporters, who cited statistics suggesting turtles couldn’t find a place to nest, and opponents, who worried the town would be sacrificing safety and security for the turtles.

+ Who wants to be a millionaire?
Wanna be a millionaire, or just meet one, perhaps?

Then, head to Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub, according to the USA Today Travel Section in May 2002, which listed the restaurant as one of the top 10 places to meet a millionaire in the United States.
Heiress Marylou Whitney, who owns Key property and has a husband nearly four decades her junior, counted down the top spots.

The week the list came out, the Longboat Observer sent Senior Editor Dora Walters to investigate. Mar Vista’s manager told her the restaurant has some regulars who are millionaires but like to keep a low profile.
Then Walters, armed with the article, ventured out to find a millionaire among diners. A few responses:

“I’m single. If you find one, introduce me to him?”

“Are you available?”

“If you count real-estate holdings and everything, maybe.”

“I’d be in Paris if I were.”

+ Officer slithers above call of duty
Town Manager Dave Bullock recently said Longboat Key police pride themselves on handling “snake in the toilet” cries for help.

On May 1, 1997, the Longboat Observer reported a police officer went beyond that level of service during a “snake in the garage” cry for help.

Volunteers at the Lord’s Warehouse were surprised to see the officer pull up in a downpour with two huge bags of clothing and household items. He explained that he was handling a “rattlesnake in garage” call, and that the house’s occupants asked him to take the items to the thrift shop.

The officer, who wanted to remain nameless, assured volunteers there were no slithering surprises inside the bags.