This week’s crossword puzzle is…

The following homes were under contract on Longboat Key from June 16-22

Romantic French songs and old time favorites concert at the Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Michelet Innocent performs a tribute to Nat King Cole, Charles Aznavour, Andy Williams, Armando Manzanero, Jerry Vale and Jacques Brel at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.. Admission is $20 or $15 for seniors. Limited seating is available. [...]

Mayor Jim Brown is requesting assistance from state officials in keeping Longboat’s ability to increase its density. Brown sent e-mails this week to Rep. Ray Pilon, Rep. Jim Boyd, Sen. Mike Bennett and Sen. Nancy Detert to ask for their assistance in obtaining an amendment to HB7202, which was signed into law by the governor and will prohibit the town from holding any referendum on the town’s Comprehensive Plan amendment. This means town could not hold a referendum to increase the allowable density on the island

The Village at the north end of the key should see the most recent wastewater pipe break replaced within two to three weeks, according to Town Engineer Anne Ross. The entrance to the Village is currently under construction while the metal wastewater pipe that corroded is being replaced

Passenger counts are down on the Longboat Key trolley jointly operated by Manatee County Area Transit and Sarasota County Area Transit. The agencies scaled back service because of budget cuts and the loss of state subsidies. As of May, the Longboat trolley had 43,135 passenger trips compared with 49,189 for the same period in 2010. [...]

After this week’s Sarasota City Commission meeting, the commission is considering removing the parking meters in downtown Sarasota. Only a month after paid parking went into effect in downtown Sarasota, some commissioners may be ready to eliminate the meters, or at least scale them back. In as little as two weeks, parking in downtown Sarasota [...]

Sean Hawes and four friends spent an hour with a 25-foot whale shark Saturday while diving and spear fishing at Fin Barge, a wreck about 25 miles off Longboat Pass. During their last dive, a 25-foot whale shark swam by and stayed with them. The shark hovered near the group who had a video camera. [...]

The Bradenton City Council took action Wednesday to have its attorneys write a new ordinance banning horses from the Palma Sola Causeway. The 4-1 vote in favor of banning the horses, which won’t be final until a future public hearing is held, is creating debate. Some residents are concerned about the environmental and public health [...]

The July 4 weekend will begin with a capture and finish with fireworks. The plans for the weekend include a siege at Bradenton Beach City Hall, a parade and three fireworks displays. The Chiles Group will present three fireworks displays: after sundown July 2 on the North End of Longboat Key near the Mar Vista [...]