Lore: The term 'Young Longboaters' is not an oxymoron for some

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, a group called “Young Longboaters” formed. Yes, you read that right. And here’s what’s even more shocking: The group of island residents, who were primarily between the ages of 20 and 45, held a commission candidate night Feb. 27, 1985, and drew nearly 100 people.

The island still has residents in that age range. There were 262 Longboaters ages 20 to 44 as of April 1, 2010, according to the U.S. Census.

+ Owl took an unexpected dip
Imagine stepping into a Port-O-Potty and finding a pair of eyes staring at you.
That’s what happened to a construction worker at a Country Club Shores home, according to the Feb. 24, 2000, issue of the Longboat Observer. The beady eyes belonged to an adult screech owl that happened to fall through the vent pipe into the Port-O-Let.

+ Commissioners, town manager, children at heart
Speaking of young Longboaters, the Feb. 25, 1999, issue of the Longboat Observer showed Jim Durante, Mayor Hal Lenobel and Town Manager Bruce St. Denis each embracing his inner child.

After the official opening of the wetlands restoration at the Joan M. Durante Park, the three men decided to check out the children’s playground.

They showed they were true children at heart, with St. Denis pushing Durante and Lenobel on the swings.