LBKNews Special Report
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In the chaotic aftermath of the 2024 hurricane season, sometimes a simple cup of coffee represents more than just caffeine—it represents a return to normalcy.
For residents near the former Turtle Coffee Bar at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive, a mobile coffee kiosk became a small beacon of recovery after Hurricane Helene’s storm surge damaged the property. The Town of Longboat Key, recognizing the unique need to support a local property owner and provide a gathering spot for neighbors, granted a temporary use permit (TUP) for the truck. It was a practical solution for a community rebuilding itself.
But could that temporary solution open the door to food trucks popping up all over the island?
That is the question facing the Town Commission next week. On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Commissioners will sit down to review and discuss the zoning standards for food trucks, balancing the need for flexibility with the desire to maintain Longboat Key’s distinct character.
A Unique Exception
The current conversation was sparked at a November meeting when Commissioner Bishop raised concerns about the potential for proliferation of mobile food vendors. While the coffee truck at the Turtle Coffee Bar site was widely seen as a positive, “atypical” step to help a storm-damaged business generate revenue, some town leaders want to ensure this doesn’t set a precedent for food trucks on every corner.
Currently, the Town’s zoning code is strict. It does not expressly allow food trucks as permanent uses in any district. They are typically only seen at special events like art festivals, fundraisers, or farmers’ markets. The permit for the coffee kiosk was a special exception—initially approved in September 2025 and extended in December—specifically tied to hurricane recovery efforts.
The Balancing Act
The challenge for the Commission is navigating state law while protecting local aesthetics. According to a memo from Planning, Zoning & Building Director Allen Parsons, Florida Statute prevents local governments from banning mobile food dispensing vehicles entirely. Towns also cannot charge separate license fees beyond what the state requires.
However, the Town can enforce zoning standards.
At next week’s meeting, Town Manager Howard Tipton and Director Parsons will present an overview of these standards. The goal is to find a “sweet spot”: allowing for helpful, temporary services—like the post-hurricane coffee truck—without unintentionally turning the island’s scenic drive into a food court.
For now, the coffee is still pouring at the south end of the island, a testament to Longboat Key’s resilience. Next week, leaders will decide how to keep that spirit alive without changing the look of the island they love.
