July 8, 2014
The town of Longboat Key, Florida, is located on a barrier island along the state’s west coast. Incorporated in 1955 it is vibrantly shown at the center of the local police department patch. Atop the island stands a depiction of Hernando de Soto, the Spanish conquistador who discovered the island in 1539. The palm tree and small growth beside it signify the lush island found by the explorers. The seven white figures directly above represent sailors manning a longboat—the town’s namesake—from their sailing ship. The patch’s yellow outer circle embodies the bright Florida sun, while the blue inner circle signifies the Gulf of Mexico.