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Bones found at Quick Point preserve investigated by Longboat Key police

Concerned citizens called to report bones found in the park, which led to an investigation. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.


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Saturday, Sept. 16

Way too early

3:39 a.m., 100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive  

Suspicious Vehicle: While on patrol, a Longboat Key police officer noticed a car parked at the entrance of Overlook Park. The officer approached the driver, who said he was waiting for the park to open so he could go fishing for ladyfish. But since the park didn’t open until 5 a.m., the officer advised the driver to relocate until the park opened. 


Another day, another dog 

3:45 p.m., Beer Can Island

Dog on the beach: A Longboat Key marine patrol officer noticed a small dog on the beach area of Beer Can Island. The officer made contact with the owner over the PA system and said dogs were not allowed on the beach due to the town ordinance. The owner waved and returned the dog to the boat. 


Jerky jet skier 

4:45 p.m., South Lido Key 

Boating Citation: A marine patrol officer observed a personal watercraft with two passengers, one of whom was not wearing proper safety gear. The driver was cruising at a high speed, taking sharp turns and doing donuts, which then caused the rear passenger to be ejected from the watercraft. When the marine patrol officer approached, the driver lied and said he was just picking up his friend who was swimming. He was unaware the marine patrol officer had been watching. The driver was issued a citation and educated on the violation. 


Sunday, Sept. 17

Bathroom break

12:03 a.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Suspicious Vehicle: While on routine patrol, an officer noticed an out-of-state vehicle at Bayfront Park after hours. The officer approached the owner, who said he was on his way home and needed to stop to use the restroom. The driver was advised that the park had been closed, and he went on his way. 


Friendship farewell

5:57 p.m., 600 block of Spanish Drive South 

Welfare Check: Longboat Key Police Department was asked by a caller to conduct a welfare check on the caller’s friend, who she had not heard from. When the police arrived at the friend's house, she told the officer that her friendship with the caller was over and she wished to never speak to her again. The responding officer then had to break the news to the caller. 


Monday, Sept. 18

Accidents happen 

2:24 p.m., 3800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Citizen Dispute: Two Longboat Key officers were dispatched to respond to a citizen dispute between a property manager and construction crew. On scene, the officers met the property manager who said the construction crew was installing internet cables and struck the water line to the apartment complex. The property manager said she had to turn off the complex’s water in order to stop the leak. The construction supervisor said prior to any work he had called 811 to mark off any buried cables, and pointed out where he believed the leak to be. Longboat Key Public Works arrived on scene to assist. The leak was identified by turning back on the water, and the construction supervisor said he would bring his equipment to help with the situation. 


Tuesday, Sept. 19

Disappearing dentures 

5000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Found Property: An individual visited the Longboat Key Police Department to turn in found property — an upper set of dentures 


Wednesday, Sept. 20

Picture identification

11:42 a.m., 200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Citizen Assist: An officer was dispatched to respond to two individuals who said they came across a set of bones that looked like a spine. The responding officer walked with the concerned callers to where they saw the bones in Quick Point Nature Preserve. After finding the bones, the officer called the Sarasota Medical Examiner, who advised the officer to send a picture of the bones. The examiner over the phone determined the bones were not human remains. 


Suspicious solicitors

7:51 p.m., 600 block of Russell Street 

Suspicious Incident: A resident asked for police response to two men who were at her door, trying to sell internet services. She claimed the two did not leave the property for 20 minutes. The responding officer searched the surrounding area, but was unable to locate the solicitors.

 

author

Carter Weinhofer

Carter Weinhofer is the Longboat Key news reporter for the Observer. Originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, he moved to St. Petersburg to attend Eckerd College until graduating in 2023. During his entire undergraduate career, he worked at the student newspaper, The Current, holding positions from science reporter to editor-in-chief.

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