Longboat Key lines up flags along Gulf of Mexico Drive for Sept. 11

Longboat Key Public Works employee Mark Kerr is used to the honks from passing cars as he lines Gulf of Mexico Drive with American flags every Sept. 10. 

After 10 years of keeping this tradition since he started working for Longboat, he said it still holds great importance to him to recognize the lives lost on Sept. 11.

"Since it has been years since that day, people have been asking us as they walk by, 'What is with the flags,'" said Kerr. "Most people don't realize that (Patriot Day) is this week. So, it is so important to keep this tradition so we don't forget the lives lost that tragic day." 

Photo by Petra Rivera

Started by former Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce president Gail Loefgren in 003, eight Public Works employees have started their Sept. 10 workday by lining Gulf of Mexico Drive with American flags. 

Loefgren, who was Chamber president at the time, began the tradition to show support for those who lost loved ones in the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks. In 2003, the Chamber covered the cost of 2,977 flags, which represents the number of people who died. The ACE Hardware store on the island supplied the flags.

When Loefgren retired last year, she talked about the importance of the tradition with Kim Verreault, the current Chamber president. The Chamber now covers the cost of any flags that need to be replaced. 

Mark Richardson, Parks & Recreation manager for Longboat Key, partnered with Loefgren in 2001 to provide workers to plant the flags along Gulf of Mexico Drive. 

This is the first year they have had enough employees where Richardson hasn't needed to join the effort. He said he prefers it this way so that his workers can experience the importance of the tradition.

"I always tell everyone even if they don't live on Longboat Key," said Richardson. "'Go drive along Gulf of Mexico Drive on Sept. 11.' It is such a special tradition that can mean something to everyone, even if you don't have a personal connection with it."