Advertising

Mission

Since its founding in 1978, The Longboat Observer's mission has never changed: to be the best, most reliable and relevant weekly newspaper for Longboat Key and its residents. The focus of the newspaper is to be the leading source of community information on Longboat, St. Armands, Lido, Bird Key and Anna Maria.


Editorial Content

The Longboat Observer is often referred to as the Bible of Longboat Key. Now in its 22nd year, The Longboat Observer provides the most comprehensive news coverage of Longboat Key. No other paper writes exclusively about Longboat Key's government, real estate, entertainment, social scenes, businesses and people.


Popular Features

Arts & Entertainment: Complete coverage of the region's arts and cultural scene Black Tie: Chronicles the region's active social scenes & charity events Cop's Corner: An incomparable compendium of local police reports Deal Us In: Our bridge expert discusses the game From the Pulpit: Sermons from local ministers Golf Gambits: Columnist Hal Lenobel on the rules of the game Longboat Home: Profiles of homes for their key features, their history Key Real Estate: Who's buying what and for how much Longboat Lore: A history of Longboat Key's colorful people and colorful history Marketplace: News briefs on local businesses Key Limelight: Profiles of the people in our community Our Town: A folksy column about Longboat's friends and neighbors Our View: Insightful editorials that are known to make readers cheer, jeer and think Store Around the Corner: Profiles of local businesses and entrepreneurs


Advertising & Editorial Calendar

The Longboat Observer publishes numerous special sections and inserts throughout the year. The following is a summary of our editorial and advertising calendar:

* New Car Guide to be written by freelancer, sold for all three publications.

Early deadline for Special Sections: 2 weeks prior to publication date


Circulation

The Longboat Observer serves the most affluent audience on the West Coast of Florida. 

Points of distribution

How Our Circulation Compares 
on Longboat Key (zip code 34228)

(Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune Market Guide)


Average distribution by quarter

Demographics

The quality of our audience is one of The Longboat Observer's best assets. Longboat Key is the most exclusive and affluent market on Florida's West Coast. Just read our real estate advertisements, and you'll quickly conclude that Longboat Key's residents and visitors are among the wealthiest, most well-educated consumers in Florida. They are accustomed to the good life, and they enjoy it.

It's a well-known fact: Longboat Key residents and visitors dine out often, attend the theatre, drive luxury automobiles, buy elegant clothing, jewelry and gifts and travel frequently.

Reader Profile

The 2001 Longboat Key Population
Full-time residents 8,000
Seasonal residents 12,000
Peak Season 22,000

Median age: 66
Average age: 68

Age % of Population
0-34 3.2
35-54 7.8
55-69 20.1
60-69 30.2
70+ 38.7

Average Household Income:
$160,000 (2001)

Average Sale Price Homes/Condominiums: $915,517 (Jan - July 2002) 
(Source Fishkind Report)

The Longboat Observer Advertising Rates 

2002 Display Advertising Rates
(Effective December 1, 2002 - November 30, 2003)

Minimum ad size is 6 column inches. All rates are non-commissionable and apply to local, national and agency-placed advertising.

* Non-profit rate

Mechanical Specifications...

Download a copy of the 2003 LBO Media Kit.