Original Observers' hearts will always lie with Longboat Key

+ Original Observers’ hearts will always lie with Longboat Key
Original “Observers” Ralph and Claire Hunter are moving to The Shores, in Bradenton, later this month after more than four decades on Longboat Key. But don’t expect these longtime Longboaters to give up their keys to Longboat anytime soon.

“We’re moving, but our hearts will stay on Longboat Key,” said Claire. “We have so many friends here, we’re active in Christ Church Presbyterian and our interest in the Longboat Key Historical Society will continue.”

The Hunters founded The Longboat Observer in 1978 with a four-page first edition. They continued until 1995, when they sold the paper to its current owners, Matt and Lisa Walsh.

“I’ll be 90 next month. It’s time to go,” Ralph said.

“We’ll miss our friends, especially, and look forward to visits from them once we are settled,” Claire said.