Longboat Key News and Sarasota City News encourages Letters to the Editor on timely issues. Please email to: letters@lbknews.com or mail to PO Box 8001, Longboat Key, FL 34228. We also print letters sent to Town Hall that address Longboat Key issues. We reserve the right to edit.
Longboat Police recruitment & take-home vehicle program
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Wanted to provide an update on the Take Home Vehicle Program and Police Officer Recruitment.
As of July 18, 2023 we have secured the nine ( 9 ) 2023 Ford Police Interceptors required to fulfill the needs of the Take Home / Assigned Vehicle Program.
Five (5) of these vehicles are the Hybrids purchased from Desoto Auto Mall, approved by the Commission in June, and three (3) from a dealership in the State of Mississippi.
We have two (2) 2023 Ford Interceptors being built by Bartow Ford, (one (1) was purchased in February pre-program,) the second we secured after program approval.
At present we have (10) patrol vehicles, all marked, waiting emergency equipment and radios before they are in service.
Hopefully the program will be fully implemented by before October 2023.
Our recruitment efforts have gained momentum as a direct result of the Town Commission’s actions increasing salary and benefits of the Officers. This action by the Commission has made the Town of Longboat Key very competitive in our market. We are seeing the results.
As of July 20th, 18 of the 19 FY24 budgeted full time Police Officer positions have been filled. One Officer recruited from New York starts August 1, and an Officer from Indiana starts August 7th.
We are also receiving applications from many qualified candidates who are presently scheduled for Oral Board Interviews and further processing. We hope to be fully staffed to the FY24 authorized full time staff of nineteen (19) on or before September 01.
Additionally, we have been successful in hiring two Part Time Marine Patrol Police Officers (starting date pending background investigation and required drug/medical testing) both of whom have extensive United States Coast Guard and law enforcement experience on the water. Both are Certified Police Officers in the State of Florida, and will be an additional road patrol asset when manpower needs require.
George B. Turner
Chief of Police, Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Police
To: Longboat Key Police Chief George Turner
Great news George. The results are sure confirmation that the steps taken were the right ones!
Howard Tipton
Town Manager, Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key Police Take-Home Vehicle Program
To: Longboat Key Police Chief George Turner
All great news. Thanks, George. I also heard you were impressive at the Kiwanis breakfast this morning.
Ken Schneier
Mayor, Longboat Key
Longboat Key Police Take-Home Vehicle Program
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Fabulous job Chief, good call on your part to pursue this, and Tip to bring it forward.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
Bishop Bayou ferry
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
Thanks for your time to chat about ferry/Bishops Bayou. I do not see a way to attach the Bishop Bayou historical photo .ppt via this town msg access. Could you email or text me an address that I can send to directly from my comcast address?
Thanks for your time and interest
Winnie Nelon
Longboat Key
Ferry access
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
Many thanks for your briefing at the LBK North meeting today. I would appreciate a few moments of your time to talk about considerations on Manatee County ferry access to the Whitney Beach shopping center.
Winnie Nelon
Longboat Key
Request from Longboat Key Community
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
Thank you for attending our LBK North meeting today and providing updates on a number of LBK projects big and small. The amount of time you put in to serve our community is impressive and so very much appreciated.
Below is the email the Board of LBK North sent to the Manatee County BOCC. LBK North does not represent every homeowner on the north end and we can not possibly represent every individual or HOA group, but we try to reflect the general consensus among our Representatives. Therefore we felt it best, given the tight timeline, to draft the letter from the four LBK North Board members. Thank you and all of the Town Commission for working on behalf of the Key!
Maureen Merrigan
Longboat Key
Request from Longboat Key Community
To: Maureen Merrigan
It was my pleasure—now you must perform your end of the bargain and return to the Commission. Your North End organization is a model for good citizenship in both its goals and its conduct. I was just thinking about NATO and unanimity as someone on the call mentioned it. I guess there’s a Turkey in every group. I’ll keep you posted on Whitney Plaza developments.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Request from Longboat Key Community
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
Well said, Ken, and thanks again for joining our meeting today.
Paul Hylbert
Longboat Key
Request from Longboat Key Community
To: Manatee County Commission
Our organization, LBK North, is a large community group consisting of 26 HOA / Condo associations on the North end of Longboat Key, all which completely reside within the Manatee (vs Sarasota) borders of Longboat Key. We have hosted BOCC District 3 and at-Large Commissioners at our monthly meetings.
It is with great enthusiasm that we write in support of Manatee County School District and the BOCC working together to establish an education-focused community facility for the residents on Longboat Key.
We understand you are reviewing a proposal for the County and School District to lease space in the Whitney Plaza Shopping center on Longboat Key in order to build out a facility which can support our community with programming and space for adult education, art classes, seminars, recreation and community meetings.
We strongly support this BOCC and School District initiative for several reasons:
There are a number of active community groups on the Key (Rotary, Kiwanis, HOAs, senior groups, environmental teams, beach volunteers, neighborhood associations), particularly on the north end, that do not have formal or adequate meeting space. This investment would immediately address this issue.
There are many education, arts and recreation programs currently offered “off island” (in Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch) that would love to have a presence on the Key and currently do not benefit from LBK resident attendance and support due to traffic.
The site provides a physical, visible Manatee County investment on the Key (something Sarasota has done with Bayfront Park and will do again, in a significant way, with the Town Center Library).
We have a strong, active group of community volunteers here that could help with programming, staffing, etc. Our group is more than willing to collaborate with your staff and the School District to contribute to the success of this project.
The location you are selecting anchors several businesses on the Manatee County end of LBK that would provide synergies (fitness, food, health, etc.) to this community space. There is also adequate parking on site – something that is a rarity on our Key.
As property owners, we / LBK provide a significant amount of tax revenue to the County and School District with a relatively low need for services (e.g., in 2022 we contributed $14 million to the BOCC and $17 million to Schools and have only 30-40 students).
While we are supportive of being, in your words a “donor community”, we do look to you to invest back in our community.
Manatee’s approach to lease space, and not build from the ground up, is an extremely cost-effective way to use taxpayer money to provide a high-quality facility and service with a relatively quick impact. As you are aware, Sarasota has set aside $1 million of its fiscal 2023 budget to advance the planning and design for a state-of-the-art library facility at our Town Center, which they will ultimately build to completion.
The BOCC has done much in recent years to re-establish the relationships between our County and Town of Longboat Key. We ask that you approve and work with the School District to ensure funding for this project and to direct staff to work together with the Town of LBK and residents’ groups to ensure the programming and use of the building fully align to our community’s needs. Thank you for what we believe will be a worthwhile, much needed and visible asset for our County on Longboat Key.
Maureen Merrigan
Longboat Key
Budgets
To: Terry Gans
The irony here is that the headline budget increase is misleadingly high, largely due to the fact that over $2 million of ARPA grants from the feds could be most efficiently used if passed through the General Fund before being allocated to capital projects (sea level rise and subaqueous line projects). Additional capital projects were pre-funded from reserves through the General Fund to facilitate equipment orders that will take longer than usual to deliver due to supply chain issues. These are timing issues rather than increased expense. This brings us to the heart of the matter, which is about a 15 percent budget increase, most of which goes to bring our pay scales for all employee classes in line with the “competition” (over $1 million), and the balance of which reflects other increased costs due to inflation and the addition of 7 new employees. These will bring our headcount back to 2008 levels and reflect needs in police, fire, planning and IT, as well as an employee to be funded through the utilities fund and a grants administrator who should pay for herself by a multiple within the year.
You may recall that we adopted a material millage rate reduction last year, down to 1.99, and remain the lowest municipal millage in the region. We will continue to look for opportunities for further reduction while maintaining the level of service LBK expects and deserves.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Meetings in the past week
To: Longboat Key Commission
I will not remember these meetings by the time we return to Commission meetings in September, so here is a quick review:
Manasota League: The Manasota League is hosting a breakfast for all attending the Florida League Conference on August 12th. Please RSVP to Savannah if you plan on attending.
The FLC is doing a fast fly in October 17-18. The League will be assisting municipalities for travel expenses for fast fly in members.
In reports from others: the representative from Holmes Beach (Terry Schaefer) reported that the parking garage approved by House and Senate in Tallahassee is estimated to cost Manatee County $45 million. There is no funding in the Manatee County budget or their capital plan for such a project. The parking garage legislation passed in Tallahassee is for a 1500 car facility. Holmes Beach is requesting a beach capacity report and to ask Manatee County to address the traffic volume that Manatee Avenue can handle.
Water taxi – The boats have arrived. Anna Maria has not signed a contract yet on the water taxi. Both Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach are asking for funding to deal with the need for ADA Piers. All municipalities have asked for costs to be economical enough to make them feasible for staff coming from the mainland to the islands.
The City of Bradenton has signed the agreement with the Water Taxi and the County has agreed to pay for Bradenton’s dock to be ADA compliant.
“Live Local Act” – the City of Sarasota is continuing assessing the impact this new legislation could have. Specifically, its impact on St. Armand’s Circle because the highest density within one mile radius can be used to determine density with this new legislation. That could mean as much as 200 units per acre. The Sarasota City Attorney interpretation of the legislation is different than that of the FLC attorneys. All of us must continue to monitor this legislation as it could paralyze St. Armand’s with density.
FYI – There are currently 138 “Party Houses” on Lido Key/St. Armand’s. Seventy percent of the properties on Anna Maria are rental units.
Sarasota Council of Government:
Our two items to share were the work that had been done on the budget – focusing on our investment in staff and capital improvements and the near completion of the stage at the Town Center.
North Port – dealing with mosquito issues and their budget is holding the millage rate steady.
City of Sarasota – Phase II of the Bay Project – a “Purple Ribbon Committee” is being created to start the work on replacing the Van Wezel. Currently the City has budgeted $40 million for this project.
The City is assessing the “Live Local Act” (as discussed at the Manasota League).
Venice – Is considering an interactive Kiosk downtown and asked for feedback. They are also beginning a sister cities program.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Groundbreaking held for the New Research, Education Institute. They anticipate the millage rate holding steady and they are preparing to open 93-100 beds at the Venice Hospital.
County School Board – Terrence Connor to be sworn in (that happened July 17). His hiring was approved on a 4-1 vote with Chair Ziegler voting against. Pre-K programs are being expanded to full day. Hiring is an ongoing challenge.
Sarasota County – Millage rate remains same. Challenges in budget due to increase in prices and salaries. Smoking ban on beaches and public parks being put into action.
Thanks Ken for asking me to go to COG. They even feed you when you go there.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Seawater temperatures
To: Longboat key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
It’s not your imagination – it is really hot out there. Let’s put aside (for now) the causes of what we’ll be discussing here, and just focus on the outcomes – which is that our air and water temperatures are increasing.
For us to discuss temperature trends, it’s important to keep in mind the data sets upon which we can make conclusions. Any location with an airport (like Sarasota) will have a great data set on air temperature, because it is an important consideration related to the density of air, and thus on flight characteristics. I earned my pilot’s license back in 1998 (single-engine land) and never liked flying in the summer – the little planes (with their little engines) we rented struggled to get aloft on hot days, since hot air is less dense, and generates less lift at the same airspeed.
So what does our air temperature data conclude? That it is getting warmer over time. The plot below compares each month’s average air temperature to the average for that month for the period of 1901 to 2000. If any given month is spot-on average, the month shows up white. Cooler would be blue, and warmer would be yellow. Warmest still would be brown. As you can see, the prior century had a fairly even mixture of blues and yellows, with a few browns. Over the last 20 to 40 years, it’s mostly yellow and browns. We used to average about 2 to 3 freezing temperatures per year in Sarasota, but from 2011 to 2020, we had only 3 the entire decade – the lowest amount of days with freezing temperatures over the 11 decades with such data. We used to start August days with temperatures in the 60s, every once in a while. But we haven’t had a single hour of a single day in any August month over the past 20 years lower than 70 degrees.
Warmer air ought to be related to warmer water as well, since the two are coupled (with time lags). Well, as shown below (from a 2022 report) the Gulf of Mexico is trending warmer over the past 20 to 40 years, matching the general pattern seen in our local air temperature data set. Keep in mind that the scale here is in degrees Celsius – roughly double the number and you have the Fahrenheit trend.
Getting closer to home, we recently had one of our consultants verify our preliminary conclusions about water temperature trends in Sarasota Bay. Their report found a mixture of results depending on location and month. In general, water temperatures in all five parts of Sarasota Bay were more likely to be increasing than stable, and no bay segment showed a decline in water temperatures, as summarized below.
Every bay segment showed increasing water temperatures (between 1970 and 2022) in the months of September and October, but no bay segment showed an increase in February. The southern part of Upper Sarasota Bay, Roberts Bay and Little Sarasota Bay had increasing trends in 9 of 12 months. Conversely, Blackburn Bay was the reverse, with no trends in 9 of 12 months. Even so, Blackburn Bay did not have any months with decreasing trends. A factor that comes into play here is that summer rains and stormwater runoff are typically cooler than our ambient water in the summertime, and this complicates the monthly temperature trends quite a bit.
Overall, however, our air is getting warmer, the Gulf of Mexico is getting warmer, and most of Sarasota Bay is also getting warmer. This matches up with our water level data (below) which shows that while our period of record rate of sea level rise is about 1 inch per decade, we’ve averaged 3 inches per decade over the past 20 years. We anticipate an additional 9 inches of sea level over the next 30 years. Why would warmer water be “higher”? The same reason why a hot air balloon lifts off the ground. Temperature is a measure of kinetic energy, and the more heat you add to a balloon (through the burners) the more energy the air molecules (mostly di-nitrogen gas) have. Which means they bump into each other more violently, and thus take up more “space” which means fewer air molecules per unit volume, which means lower density, which means the balloon goes up into the air. Similarly, warming water means more kinetic energy, meaning more collisions, meaning lower density, which increases the height of the water. Take a cup full of marbles and shake it (adding energy) and you’ll have fewer marbles remaining in the same volume of the cup (i.e., lower density) – same concept.
Since our average tidal range is about 18 inches, this means that by 2050, the average sea level will be about the same as what our average high tide is right now, and our average high tide in 2050 will be 9 inches stacked on top of that. This shouldn’t trigger panic, but it is consistent with our local partners – and the State of Florida – joining with the Federal Government to continue to plan on a Sarasota Bay that will be warmer, with higher tides, over the next 30 years. If we don’t plan on being able to accommodate that, then we will not be as resilient as we need to be, and our children and grandchildren will be handed a bay not nearly as healthy and beautiful as the bay that we can experience right now.
If you haven’t lately – get out on the water! It’s not that we don’t have problems still in some places, but the water quality in the bay is as good as it’s been at any time over the past few years right now. Don’t take my word for it, look for yourself!
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Seawater temperatures
To: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Director Dave Tomasko
Some interesting facts on our local temperature and sea level raise history. Yes, it is hotter than it has been. I remember covering our flowers in Florida in the winter and protecting our orange crop from freezes. Not so much anymore.
Mike Haycock
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Seawater temperatures
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Mike Haycock
Dave has a great skill of making something that can be very complicated something we can understand. He’s going to be a tough one to replace when he retires from SBEP.
Cyndi Seamon
Longboat Key
Manatee Outreach
To: Longboat Key Commission
Since the north island community meeting yesterday, I have sent out two letters which are attached to the School Board and the Manatee County Commission. I have also heard back from Manatee County Administration regarding any additional details beyond the draft community center agenda item. What was shared was:
The County had negotiated a price for several options depending on size however staff was never given direction on square desired footage.
The County will be responsible for the lease and build out and the School Board would operate and fund the operations.
I will forward separately the PowerPoint from yesterday’s meeting which covered the known talking points that have been developed by the LBK north association group. The community meeting yesterday really didn’t generate anything new.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Neptune crosswalk
To: Lawrence Brown
Thank you for reaching out. As I understand it, the RRFB decision was neither local nor regional, but rather was a determination from the Federal Highway Administration (“FHWA”), and the FDOT cannot install more of these on roadways posted above 35-mph. The FDOT can improve existing ones on state roads and work to enhance safety, such as with more nighttime lighting, which is an undertaking FDOT is in progress now with most of the current mid-block crossings. FDOT is copied in case there is additional information they would like to share.
Isaac Brownman
Director Public Works
Town of Longboat Key
Neptune crosswalk
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Isaac Brownman
Is there room on your calendar August 7-11 to meet briefly with me?
Lawrence Brown
Crosswalk Coordinator
The Neptune Condos
Neptune crosswalk
To: Lawrence Brown
Certainly, I have copied Julie Anderson with our Town Public Works office to help schedule that.
Isaac Brownman
Director Public Works
Town of Longboat Key
Thank you for reconsidering ‘no-kill’ ordinance
To: Sarasota City Commission
Thank you for considering the harmful and dangerous unintended consequences of “no-kill” policies at animal shelters and for voting on July 17 to reconsider Proposed Ordinance No. 23-5490, “No-Kill Shelters.”
Our files are bursting at the seams with reports about humans and other animals who have suffered and died because of animal sheltering policies that sounded helpful on paper but were destructive in practice. Please let me know if PETA can provide additional information or be of any assistance. Thank you again for your hard work for Sarasota’s residents.
Teresa Chagrin
Animal Care and Control Issues Manager
Cruelty Investigations Department
Public Records Request
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
This is a Request for Public Records. The Request is for the following records:
Van Wezel’s future use study group, the ad hoc seven-member Purple Ribbon Committee: During its May 1 meeting, the City Commission discussed and approved the composition of the Purple Ribbon Committee, which will include two at-large citizen members; one member with expertise in architecture in the design of performing arts centers and re-use of large public structures and buildings; one with expertise in historic preservation; one with expertise in civil structural engineering; one with financial expertise in the field of the performing arts; and one with expertise in climate adaptation with experience in FEMA floodplain.
The Commission released a list of the Sarasota Residents on the Committee, and the non-residents on the Committee. Approximately 29 people were put on the Committee.
Please provide me with records showing the telephone numbers and email addresses of every member of the Committee. These are telephone numbers and email addresses that are related to and associated with their work on the committee.
The Public Records Act requires agencies to state the basis for any claim that requested records are exempt and to provide a statutory citation to the claimed exemption.
A requester has the right to a written statement explaining with particularity the reasons for a conclusion by the agency that the records are exempt.
If you refuse to provide this information, Chapter 119 requires you advise me in writing and indicate the applicable exemption to the Public Records Act. Also, please state with particularity the reasons for your decision, as required by Section 119.07(2)(a). If the exemption you are claiming only applies to a portion of the records, please delete that portion and provide photocopies of the remainder of the records, according to Section 119.07(2)(a).
This Request is made Pursuant to the Public Records Act, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, and Article 1, section 24 of the Florida Constitution.
I request that this Request is fulfilled in electronic form; as attachment(s) to an email, or on CD.
Please provide the approximate cost, if any, to fulfill this Public Records Request in advance. I must approve of any estimated costs asserted in advance of any costs imposed.
Damian Panno
Sarasota
Home at 375 Bobby Jones Road
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Debbie Trice
I am a Healthcare Professional (Registered Nurse) here in Sarasota, and I am reaching out for your help.
My condo incurred significant damage in Hurricane Ian. Water intrusion from an illegal lanai above me, and a completely compromised common wall caused a severe leak and mold into my unit below. It is 11 months later, and there is no end in sight to get me any closer to being able to make repairs to my home. Here is the detail:
The following documents are attached to this email:
· Timeline from September 28 th, 2022 (Hurricane Ian)-December 8 th, 2022: It is a lot of detail, but very important for you to review. After December 8 th, I was left with no other option than to retain a lawyer because the HOA continuously refused to look at the external wall, the common element, which is legally their responsibility. I was and am living in hazardous conditions, with no ceiling, walls or flooring in 60 percent of my unit.
· Water Test Obtained on May 24th only after going to mediation in March. Otherwise, this wouldn’t have happened.
· Pictures of the interior of my home and damage
At this point, I have had an attorney since December 2022, and have gone through my entire savings, in addition to withdrawing from my retirement and there is no plan to repair the common element wall, which needs to be done before repairs can be done to the interior of my home. Pending items before I can repair the interior of my home and where I need help from the county to get this done. Please note that these are all supported by the water test:
1. The illegal enclosed lanai above my unit needs to be completed. The owner of that unit is working on that.
2. The window above me separate from the lanai needs to be replaced along with his window sill, which showed that it was also leaking into my home.
3. The cracks in the exterior common element wall need to be fixed and the wall needs to be waterproofed.
4. There is a foundation hole that needs to be repaired in the common element wall.
5. My window was determined to be leaking in the right corner. I have done my part and ordered the new window June 25th, which takes 8-10 weeks, so I’m waiting on that.
Once all of the above are done, I can then put my house back together with drywall, ceiling and floors replaced.
It’s almost a year, and I need help, especially since hurricane season is upon us again.
As you’ll see on the water test, the exterior wall is completely compromised and unstable.
Can we schedule a time to talk or can you direct me to someone in your office who can get involved. I will make myself available at any time!!!
Thank you in advance for your attention to this precarious and high-risk situation.
Kelly Roberts
Sarasota
Home at 375 Bobby Jones Road
To: Kelly Roberts
Thank you, Ms. Roberts, for reaching out to me. I have forwarded your email to City Manager Marlon Brown to follow up. After he lets me know how the City can help you, I will get back to you.
Debbie Trice
Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Home at 375 Bobby Jones Road
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Debbie Trice
Thank you for getting back to me. I reached out to you in hopes you could help me figure out who in the state of Florida oversees HOA’s and Property management companies to see that they are doing what they are legally responsible to do. I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars just to have them look at the common wall (that they are legally responsible for) contributing to the water intrusion into my home. They ignored me for months and then even after I retained and was paying for a lawyer they ignored her.
Diane Kennedy has been aware of the situation here for months. My lawyer asked her for help months ago with no reply. I begged her on the phone recently with much push back she finally agreed to send someone out here. Her last email states she is “very busy”. Gary Belle also from the city told me she could help me. He has also been aware of the situation here. I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars just to get the HOA and property management company address this common wall. The retirement money I have taken out after my savings was depleted is quickly disappearing. I have been paying for a lawyer for 8 months. I can no longer afford a lawyer. My question to you is who can enforce the HOA and Property management company do what they are legally responsible to do? At this point this has become a dangerous situation with no end in sight. No plan for them to fix and waterproof this common wall. Again, who can help me?
Kelly Roberts
Sarasota
Home at 375 Bobby Jones Road
To: Sarasota City Clerk Lucia Panica
Thank you. We are in the process of issuing a notice of violations against the condo association. I will touch base with you on this tomorrow.
Lucia Panica
City Clerk
City of Sarasota
Home at 375 Bobby Jones Road
To: Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown
Whitney posted the Notice of Violation at the property at 1:31 p.m. today and Sally took the certified mail downstairs about 15 minutes ago.
Lucia Panica
City Clerk
City of Sarasota
Home at 375 Bobby Jones Road
To: Kelly Roberts
Diane Kennedy, Manager of Code Compliance, will be in touch to update you on the City’s efforts to resolve your problem.
Debbie Trice
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Home at 375 Bobby Jones Road
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Debbie Trice
Thank you for forwarding this matter to Mr. Brown. I appreciate it more than you know. Should I follow up with Mr. Brown and/or you? Forgive my persistence, but there is urgency to my request. Thank you so much for your help.
Kelly Roberts
Sarasota
Day Shelters
To: Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown
Good morning. The following is the information for the day shelters that are open in City and County for the individual’s experiencing homelessness:
The Resurrection House- located in the Rosemary District at 507 Kumquat Ct. It is open Tues, Wed, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The Remnant Café- located in the County at 2895 Ashton Rd. They provide transportation from the City at 9th and Central and the SCAT transit station at Lemon and 2nd St. They will come to those locations as many times as needed to transport all individuals interested in attending. They are open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
On Sundays, there are several churches in the area that offer services for them to attend if interested. There are also community AA/NA meetings available on Sundays that provide community support and beverages.
Selby Library is frequented by several of the individuals as they can go there to read and relax in the hours that they are open Mon-Sat.
Lastly, services are offered to these individuals through the Homeless Outreach Team and The Salvation Army. If they are willing to work towards a housing plan, they can be in The Salvation Army at any time while they are in the programs available there.
Please let me know if you need further information.
Deidre Jones
Coordinator of Homeless Response
City of Sarasota
Programs for businesses
To: Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown
I just had excellent meeting with Melanie Lavender and Dan Sidler of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and Scott Carpenter of the Small Business Development Corporation. They gave me an overview of the current programs aimed at assisting small businesses and start-ups in Newtown. They indicated, however, that no program exists for those who aren’t far enough along to take the first step – or to even know what the first step is. We did some brainstorming and came up with a possible first step for ourselves.
Convene a “committee” of interested parties to clearly define the objective and develop a plan. The people to invite as interested parties, besides ourselves, include Wayne Appleby (representing the City), Richard Harris or Carlos Yancy (representing the Newtown CRA Advisory Board) and Mary Butler (representing the Newtown Business Council). Ideally, the committee will propose a program that can be jointly sponsored by these organizations.
Initial thoughts on a program for the community included a community meeting at RL Taylor to get input on the types of businesses and services residents would like to see in Newtown and an opportunity for potential entrepreneurs to try out their ideas with the audience. A subsequent program would be to introduce potential entrepreneurs to the first steps in turning their ideas into a real business. (These thoughts are just a starting point to trigger ideas from the “committee.”)
A key objective of all of us is to “get things started.” Working together, we are more likely to succeed. I hope you will support this effort.
Debbie Trice
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Parking in Burns Court vicinity
To: Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown
Sorry for the delay. I have been trying to reach out to 243 S. Orange parking lot owners. Left numerous messages and no response.
However, to Commissioner Trice’s point below, I reached out to The Exchange, and they are interested in having a conversation. Honestly, it’s closer to the heart of Burns Court and a better option.
Please let me know how you would like me to proceed with pursuing The Exchange and the possibility of utilizing their lot after hours.
Broxton Harvey
Parking General Manager
City of Sarasota
Parking in Burns Court vicinity
To: Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown
Driving down Orange, I noticed an office parking lot at 243 S Orange (just north of Center for Architecture). Wondered whether Burns Court Cinema and other evening/weekend venues could make a deal with business owner for off hours usage. (Trying to identify “underutilized” parking locations where shared usage may be possible.)
Debbie Trice
Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Lido Beach Boat Races
To: Sarasota City Commission
Why in the world would the City of Sarasota give someone permission to sell food and alcohol in the Lido Beach parking lot on 4th if July weekend? The city gets a percentage of sales (15%?) from the beach concession, so not only is the City basically screwing over the concession operator, you’re also costing the city money.
I hope someone from the city isn’t going to give me the nonsensical answer that they think it’s a benefit for the public to have this. I worked at the concession for a number of years, when the races were far more popular, and the concession has no problem meeting the food and beverage needs of race fans. Since the first time the race was held off of Lido Beach, the city never allowed any vending at Lido on race day, and, I believe, a city ordinance prohibited any vendors, except for the official licensee, west of the coastal construction setback line.
Last year, this was done with no notice to the concession operator, who had put on extra staff and food supplies. It appears to me that section 23-3.6(b) requires City Commission approval for a special event vendor in a public park. When was this permit approved by the City Commission?
Also, will city ordinance Sec 16-61 – Prohibition on offering single-use drinking straws and 16-58 Prohibition on polystyrene products be enforced? (Including the event VIP area on the beach.)
Also, Sec 23-5 prohibits any merchandise sale or commercial activities on the public beach, with the existing concessionaire being the only exemption. I don’t see anything in that ordinance that allows exceptions for merchandise sales permits on the beach, (that happened last year) by special permit.
Dan Kriwitsky
Sarasota
Lido Beach Boat Races
To: Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown
Below is some information from Special Events to help answer if needed.
The Concessionaire was contacted via e-mail on March 17, 2022 to advise about the event this year. Additionally, there is no language in the usage agreement with the concessionaire about limiting or not having special events in the surrounding area. We just cannot have special events in their leasehold space.
Section 23.3-6(b) reads “Commercial vending on public property. Except for approved park vendors in designated public parks, no person shall engage in the activity of commercial vending on property owned by the City of Sarasota unless the city commission shall have granted permission therefor as part of a special event or pageant, open to the general public, which shall be for a limited duration of time.”
The Grand Prix Boat Races are a part of the Resolution regarding City Co-Sponsored events, and have been approved by the commission.
A reminder has been sent to sponsor regarding recycling agreement, and they have agreed to follow these requirements.
Our interpretation of Ordinance 23-5 specifically references the sand portion of the beach. The vending associated with the special event permit is all taking place in the parking lot. The sponsor has also obtained a permit from Sarasota County to have their VIP tent on the beach. The sponsor has also been granted a Special Permit to help protect habitat and wildlife in additional to their regular special event permits. Please let us know if you need anything else.
Jim Wormley
Special Events Manager
City of Sarasota
Lido Beach Boat Races
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
Last year, they were selling souvenirs on the beach. I gather, by your reply, that should not have been happening, under existing ordinances.
Dan Kriwitsky
Sarasota
Lido Beach Volleyball
To: Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown
Unless the ordinance has changed, should there be commercial vendors selling merchandise on the public beach?
Dan Kriwitsky
Sarasota
Lido Beach Volleyball
To: Dan Kriwitsky
I’ll have to check with the County since they manage the beach. This tournament was organized through them as a special event.
Marlon Brown
City Manager
City of Sarasota
Payne Park
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
As a native of Sarasota I have seen countless changes. One that has definitely made a positive impact on the city is the beautiful Payne Park. It’s absolutely wonderful to walk the park in the evening and see the diversity of activities. There are walkers, groups playing soccer, frisbee golf players, bikers, skate boarders, kids at the playground and so much more. I can 100% guarantee that all of the green space is being used by members of our community.
I absolutely am opposed to using any of this amazing park for high school tennis courts. This jewel needs to remain a place for the entire community. Certainly, there is other property closer to the school that could serve this purpose.
Beth Kaufmann
Sarasota
New Roundabout
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
Now that the new Gulfstream Roundabout is completed a few thoughts:
• Still no signs at Fruitville saying Fruitville
• Directional signage is incomplete. No signage before or entering the Roundabout. Only when exiting which is way too late.
• Traffic light at Sunset remains totally miss timed.
Given Sarasota is the 2nd top city for inbound moves it would be nice to welcome new residents with correct signs. They are already totally confused by our roundabouts which are very rare elsewhere.
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4th.
Steve Helpern
Sarasota
New Roundabout
To: Steve Helpern
We were planning to install a Fruitville Roundabout Ahead sign on the west side of SB US 41, but the scaffoldings for the Quay project will not allow that at this time. This will have to be installed by FDOT after scaffolding is removed. NB US 41 has a very tight corridor with several signs that are required, to avoid sign clutter it is best to avoid any optional signage, hence no street name signs.
The traffic light at sunset has multiple timing plans throughout the day depending on the time of the day and traffic. If you are referring to the backups during the season, it is an issue with the heavy volumes. Even if we program unlimited green for traffic coming off the bridge, that traffic will be locking up Gulfstream Roundabout and create a gridlock, so it is better to meter the traffic at Sunset signal which also helps traffic on Sunset enter Gulfstream, which is significant as well during the season. This intersection is being constantly monitored and adjusted regularly by FDOT and the City, but unfortunately the traffic during the tourist season is significantly higher than the capacity of this corridor. As you may be aware, the same situation exists at the Anna Maria Bridge and Stickney Pt bridge during peak tourist season.
We appreciate your patience and support throughout the construction of this project. I know you had a front row seat for all the inconveniences and impacts caused by construction, so a special thanks to you for putting up with us for last 3 years. With all the impacts gone, traffic should be flowing a lot smoother than before. Thanks again and have a wonderful July 4th.
Pinky Pakalapati
Project Engineer
CDM Smith
New Roundabout
To: CDM Smith Engineer Pinky Pakalapati
Thanks for your reply to some of my concerns.
Re the Fruitville sign I was told more than a year ago by Ms. Ramos that it was forgotten by FDOT and would be installed. Your email gives just another excuse for a missing very important sign. Surely there must be room somewhere for it.
Re the Sunset light, it is missed timed both in season and now with very light traffic.
Very sorry your email reply makes no mention of missing important signage by and in the new Roundabout.
Also I should add the overhead Gulfstream sign at Main St and Gulfstream going west on Main is almost impossible to read. The plastic covering needs fixing or replacement. It has been this way for more than a year. This is a very important intersection.
Stephen Helpern
Sarasota
New Roundabout
To: CDM Smith Engineer Pinky Pakalapati
While going through the Fruitville Roundabout today it looks like there is a very easy and logical place for Fruitville signs, next to/ above or below the Route 75 signs. Just add Fruitville to the signs.
Re the Sunset light shorten the times and frequency for vehicles entering from Sunset when traffic is light. Also add monitoring strips on the pavement which can activate the light when needed.
Steve Helpern
Sarasota
New Roundabout
To: Steve Helpern
Happy to report that we were able to install two Fruitville Roundabout signs on the Southbound and Northbound direction of US 41 approaching Fruitville. See attached. Have a good weekend.
Pinky Pakalapati
Project Engineer
CDM Smith
