When it comes to ensuring Longboat Key has a seat at the table, Commissioner BJ Bishop isn’t just showing up—she’s leading the conversation.
At the January 8 meeting of the Manasota League of Cities, representatives from nine municipalities across Manatee and Sarasota counties voted to re-elect Bishop as President. The move signals continued confidence in her ability to unify the region’s diverse local governments into a cohesive political force.
Bishop’s influence will now extend even further. In addition to her presidency, she was selected to represent the region on the Florida League of Cities Nominations Committee, giving Longboat Key a direct line to state-level leadership decisions.
Joining her on the executive team are Lisa Gonzalez Moore as Vice President and Terry Schaefer as Treasurer. Schaefer steps in for Brian Williams, who is retiring from public service this November.
Under Bishop’s leadership, the League is already gearing up for a busy 2026. The group voted to host candidate forums in both counties ahead of the primary elections. Perhaps most critically, they plan to hold dedicated forums addressing a potential bombshell from Tallahassee: the legislative proposal to eliminate property taxes, a move that could radically alter how local towns like Longboat Key fund their essential services.
For Bishop, the re-election is more than a title; it is a mandate to ensure that when the state legislature speaks, the barrier islands and local cities speak back—loudly and clearly.
