Longboat Observer

The Longboat Observer was founded in 1978 by Claire and Ralph Hunter. The first issue was published July 28, 1978 in seven copies and had only four pages. The 1980s saw the paper grow in step with a real estate boom in the area and the Hunters added staff.{{cite web|url=https://www.yourobserver.com/article/claire-hunter-mother-longboat-observer}|title=Claire Hunter: 'Mother' of the Longboat Observer|first=Robin|last=Hartill|publisher=Longboat Observer|date=December 18, 2013|accessdate=December 21, 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20030210/4-people-who-truly-make-a-difference|title=4 people who truly make a difference|first=Jim|last=Brown|newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|date=February 10, 2003|accessdate=December 21, 2017}}

In 1995, Matt and Lisa Walsh, with the assistance of a small group of investors including Lisa's parents, bought Longboat Observer to form the private company which became Observer Media Group (OMG).{{cite web|url=https://www.yourobserver.com/about-us|title=About Us|publisher=Observer Media Group|accessdate=December 21, 2017}}

OMG is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, and Longboat Observer is now part of a family of seven community and business publications in Florida, some of which were founded by the Walshes and OMG, others were established papers which were acquired by OMG. Most of them utilize the corporate brand of "Observer" in the title which came from Longboat Observer.{{cite web|url=http://www.communitypapersofflorida.com/news/pelican-press-pelican-marketplace-change-hands|title=Pelican Press & Pelican Marketplace Change Hands|author=|publisher=Community Papers of Florida|date=July 28, 2011|accessdate=December 19, 2017}}

Since its establishment in 1978, the Longboat Observer has stood as a stalwart provider of local news and community updates for Longboat Key. Covering a spectrum of topics from town events to development projects and local businesses, our publication keeps residents informed and engaged. With a commitment to accuracy and insightful analysis, we aim to be the premier resource for all things Longboat Key, fostering a vibrant sense of community and connection.

In 2016, Emily Walsh was named publisher for the Longboat Observer and sister-papers East County Observer, Siesta Key Observer, and Sarasota Observer.{{cite web|url=https://www.cision.com/us/2016/07/new-publisher-at-observer-media-group/|title=New Publisher at Observer Media Group|publisher=Cision|date=July 8, 2016|accessdate=December 18, 2017}} Ms. Walsh was named president in 2021.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-27 |title=Emily Walsh named president of Observer Media Group |url=https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2021/jul/27/emily-walsh-named-president-observer-media-group/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Your Observer |language=en}}

As of 2024, the Longboat Observer has a circulation of 10,573 and is distributed weekly on Thursdays. The Longboat Key Historical Museum maintains a collection of printed and bound copies of Longboat Observer going back to 1978.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanheritage.com/content/longboat-key-historical-museum|title=Longboat Key Historical Museum|magazine=American Heritage|accessdate=December 21, 2017}}

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• {{official website|url=https://www.yourobserver.com/longboat}}

{{Observer Media Group}}

Category:Newspapers published in Florida

Category:Newspapers established in 1978

Category:Sarasota County, Florida

Category:1978 establishments in Florida

Category:Weekly newspapers published in the United States

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