Florida Recovery By The Numbers
To: Longboat Key Town Clerk Trish Shinkle
Please see the Florida recovery By-the-Numbers for Debby, Helene, and Milton in English below. Attached are English and Spanish. Feel free to share with your stakeholders.
Marisa Allen
Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist/Private Sector
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Qualities to consider
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
As you know, I have recused myself from the selection process for the new Director, and do not think it is appropriate for me to comment on any particular applicant, just like my predecessor didn’t chime in on my application.
However, I do think that there are a few characteristics that are worth paying attention to. First off, you need someone with passion, because this job is more than a 40-hour-a-week one. You need someone who not only cares about the bay and its future, but also, in my opinion, someone who knows what we’ve gone through over the last few years. You don’t necessarily have to have worked for the SBEP to know about our recent and hard-fought improvements in water quality – and a 19% increase in seagrass coverage. After all, I didn’t work for the SBEP when I was hired. But I knew about the bay’s problems and what needed to be addressed. In my opinion, you would be well served by hiring someone who knows about our water quality improvements. How they happened, who did what to make it come about. How did we document the problems, identify the solutions, and – very importantly – document the recovery? Someone who knows about Numeric Nutrient Criteria and TMDLs and such, because those things will affect your local governments, if the bay’s health starts to slip away from us.
We may need to revise and refine our approach over the next few years, but I don’t think we have to reinvent the wheel. We are one of the only ecosystem-scale recoveries in the state of Florida, and if an applicant didn’t know how that happened, then I think you could waste time and potentially lose some of these gains over the past few years. For example, why did we focus on wastewater when the majority of our “Total Nitrogen” loads were from stormwater runoff? If someone has no clue about that important topic, then maybe you’re hiring someone who needs to learn on the job, or maybe you’d hire someone who has no clue about how our approach was structured, or why it worked out so well.
Next, I think you need someone willing to tell you, elected and appointed officials, things that you might not want to hear. Recently, we’ve had a lot of good news on the bay’s recovery. But that’s because this community faced the problems that we had a few years ago, rather than ducking them. Back in 2020 and 2021, I told you that I thought we could fix the bay’s problems in a few years, but I also told you that I thought you only had a few years to do so. You responded in a way that allowed us to have the quick recovery that I thought was possible. But if you hired someone who was scared of telling you the truth about the status of the bay, or the problems that would arise with permitting a new Midnight Pass, or the fact that the State’s oversight of mangrove trimming along El Conquistador Boulevard was lacking, etc. then I think you’d be ill-served. Someone who doesn’t think that their job is to make you happy, but to make you informed, would be my recommendation.
Lastly, I think that you need to have someone that the staff wants to work for. You folks interact with our staff a handful of days per year. And I can guarantee you that while we mostly get along very well – and we certainly get our work done promptly – there have been times when each person was unhappy with a decision I made. That’s okay – because while that’s not fun, it’s not an everyday event. I don’t know how you’d do this, but you might want to consider a way to ask staff what they think of applicants – because the last time around, two staff members told me that they would have quit if the Board had picked one of the applicants who were interviewed.
I’m available for any questions or comments, in general, about the qualities that I think you should look for, but I really do like the model that George W. Bush had after Obama was elected, it was one of respect for the position, and no public criticism, even when W had serious reservations about policies.
Thanks for your consideration of these thoughts, and your support for this program, and I look forward to our last meeting – September 12!
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Extension Request and Questions regarding Request for Information
To: Florida League of Cities Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook
I think you are right unfortunately- guess we can ask the DOGE people if they consider overtime for these reports something they can reimburse towns and cities for? See you in Orlando.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Extension Request and Questions regarding Request for Information
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I agree with you 100% and have told the DOGE office as much. This is a political stunt and, if anything, makes cities less efficient by forcing us to dedicate already over-worked staff to meaningless information requests…all while cities are putting their budgets together! I’m frustrated just like you, but I don’t think we’re going to see this end until after the next legislative session and maybe all the way until Nov. 2026. Give me a call if you want to discuss any of this.
Casey Cook
Chief of Legislative Affairs
Florida League of Cities
Extension Request and Questions regarding Request for Information
To: Florida League of Cities Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook
We are a small community and the FL DOGE requests with short time frames for answers put tremendous pressure on our Finance Department. Are we going to continue to face this instead of taking care of our citizens?
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Extension Request and Questions regarding Request for Information
To: Department of Government Efficiency Jason Puwalski
Thank you for the additional week to respond to this request. The File is attached along with backup support for each question, just in case our interpretation of the questions is different. Let me know if you need anything further.
Susan Smith
Finance Director
Town of Longboat Key
Extension
To: Susan L. Smith
I apologize, I missed your request for an extension. All other jurisdictions are facing other deadlines, so it would not be fair to offer an extension on that basis. Given my delayed reply and your staffing vacancies, we are granting the Town of Longboat Key an extension to July 28, 2025.
Jason Puwalski
Department of Government Efficiency
Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis
Lights at 5231 and 5211 GMD
Hi Bryan,
This is about the 8th time I have sent this photo with the lights showing from probably the parking lot. These white lights show through between 5231 GMD and 5211 GMD. I would really appreciate some feedback if you have spoken to these properties about the lights showing onto the beach at the waterline. Thanks for your help.
Terri Driver
Longboat Key
Road change
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Since Finance is dealing with providing massive amounts of info to FL DOGE, and we are down a couple of staff in that department I can’t imagine they have time or staff to analyze costs of changing the name of GMD – nor do I think businesses have this as a priority since most businesses on GMD are still doing landscape and repair work from the hurricanes. In our key responsibilities – health, welfare and safety of our community this would be down the list.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Road change
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
I know you’re away but wanted to keep you current.
George Reenstra
Longboat Key
Road change
To: Florida Senator Victoria Brill, Florida House Rep. Andrew Parker
I wanted to keep you both updated on my position for changing Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gulf of America Drive on Longboat Key. I have a meeting with the town manager Howard Tipton on July 31. After that meeting I’ll better understand any road blocks.
I have spoken to the Longboat Post Master, he simply needs direction from Sarasota and Manatee county did not feel once that direction was given that he would have any issue.
I feel now I need help from your offices, not sure how to contact the right players regarding the Post Office nor how I move this forward with the legislature for approval.
This project looks to be totally Florida controlled. I am I Florida till Sept then in Europe for all of September, gladly meet at your convenience. I am told, but not confirmed the town council is addressing this subject in September. Any thoughts , direction or support from your office would be greatly appreciated. I’m willing to put my complete effort on this project but do not know the path.
George Reenstra
Longboat Key
Public meeting notice
To: Martin Hyde
Thank you for your email. Our notice to the public states the following verbiage that the special meeting would start immediately following the conclusion of the workshop. I have attached the notice for your reference. We have been doing it this way for some years now. If I can be of further assistance please let me know.
Shayla Griggs
City Auditor and Clerk
City of Sarasota
Public meeting notice
To: Sarasota City Mayor Liz Alpert
I came to city hall to join the public meeting to discuss the millage which was advertised locally for 5pm.
I was told you’d already had the meeting which can only be for your convenience and arguably to avoid public input.
I’d like to know what legal basis you have for bringing forward a public meeting by several hours without notice?
It’s simply not good enough to say it was discussed in your earlier workshop as nobody should have to follow along to be sure to not miss important meetings.
Martin Hyde
Sarasota
Follow Up
To: Sarasota City Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson
Good morning Pat, thanks for your reply. Looks like things are moving slower than I expected.
Re benches for the trolley stops see my email from last night regarding funding them with advertisements. Also, I was not aware they are temporary stops.
On Bayfront there are signs missing at two street crossings, Main Street and Ringling, both important streets for visitors. Should not take long for replacements.
Regarding the expensive solar panels on Ben Franklin, maybe they are not a good idea given our frequent hurricanes.
Steve Helpern
Sarasota
Follow Up
To: Sarasota City Mayor Liz Alpert
Dear Liz, thanks for reply. Suggest benches at all the trolley stops maybe with advertisements which would easily pay for their costs. Perhaps engaging a company to sell the advertising and install and maintain the benches with income to the City. Hopefully the other problems are corrected.
Steve Helpern
Sarasota
Follow up
To: Stephen Helpern
Sorry for missing your email of June 29. Some of the repairs from the hurricane are waiting for FEMA reimbursement. If we do the repair before it is authorized by FEMA, we lose our opportunity to be reimbursed for the costs.
As far as a bench for the trolley at Lido Beach Pavilion, there has not been a discussion about it, but there are no benches at any of the other trolley stops that I am aware of.
The other items, I will need to have the appropriate staff respond with where we are regarding them. I have copied the interim city manager and the deputy city manager. If you haven’t heard from anyone within a week or so, let me know.
Liz Alpert
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Follow up
To: Sarasota City Mayor Liz Alpert
Hello Mayor Alpert, it been 3 months since we talked and corresponded re my concerns below. Sadly to say most of the problems continue. Still no benches at the Beach Pavilion for Trolley riders. The City will not be placing benches at temporary trolly stops as the program is not part of the County transportation master plan and has no permanent funding source at this point. There are missing street signs on Bayfront, our signs team is replacing them as they are funded and produced. There are deplorable conditions of the St Armands speed humps, our Engineers are working with FDOT to replace these with permanent concrete speed humps, this was a temporary fix facilitated through FDOT when they were initially installed and damaged and missing solar panels on the expensive new light fixtures on Ben Franklin. These repairs will cost over $913,141 we are awaiting approval from the federal highway authority to make repairs as this requires their approval.
Given the importance of Bayfront and St Armands this is extremely difficult to comprehend since the last hurricane was 9 months ago. Many of the repairs related to the 3 hurricanes and one major flooding event last year will take over a year to two years (or longer) to fund, permit, and complete. Most of the larger projects on the Bayfront require permitting through FDOT or FDEP who have much longer procurement processes to work through.
Perhaps the City is waiting to fix things until after the current hurricane season so money can be saved by not making repairs twice if there are damages this year. That is not the case.
PS. I am copying Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch who I gave corresponded with and has been very helpful in the past.
Stephen Helpern
Sarasota
Follow Up
To: Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert
Mayor Alpert, Following up on our conversation after your very interesting LKRA presentation this morning below are the items I mentioned plus a couple more.
– a bench or two are needed at the Beach Pavilion BayRunner Trolley stop.
– the speed humps in St Armands Circle are in deplorable condition- see picture
– sand from the hurricane surge needs to be removed along the West side of Ben Franklin by the parkway. The worst accumulations are across from the new Cirque St Armands hotel – see picture
– many of the solar panels for the new lights along Ben Franklin need replacement or adjustments
– the traffic light at Sunset and Ringling needs retiming. Way too many red lights and delays and traffic backups leaving the Ringling Bridge with very few pedestrians crossing.
– many of the green lighted street signs which were damaged during the storms are still missing along Bayfront by Main Street and Ringling Blvd.
Enjoyed talking after the meeting and awaiting follow ups.
As I mentioned I have been here for almost 6 years and when I grew up in NYC most hurricanes came up the east coast and now they come up the Gulf coast after what I was to told no meaningful storms for 100+ years.
Steve Helpern
Sarasota
Water issue
To: Sarasota City Clerk Shayla Griggs
Thank you all so much for looking into this! In correspondence with the Yoga Studio owners, apparently the property owner’s plumber said they applied for a permit with the City. I guess that is not accurate, but thank you for looking into this and for the timely communications! Thanks again and have a nice weekend.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson
Just spoke with “Ray”. He’s been working with Aqua Plumbing since Monday to get the leak fixed. I informed him of Larry’s comments.
Verne Hall
Utilities Director
City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota City Utilities Director Verne Hall
Could you please have someone call “Ray” back and let him know about the comment from Larry please.
Pat Robinson
Deputy City Manager
City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson
Just saw this. They absolutely can have this repaired as an emergency and apply for the permit within 24 hours.
Larry Murphy
Building Official
City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson
I don’t see any pending permit applications for this site. I have included Mike, Macy and Larry here to see if they know anything about this.
Lucia Panica
Development Services Director
City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota City Development Services Director Lucia Panica
Could you advise if there are any permit applications pending at this location?
Patrick Robinson
Deputy City Manager, City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson
Our investigation reveals Utilities received a call from a person named Ray who said he had a leak at 1501 2nd Street. When staff investigated the site there was no sign of a leak. Further investigation revealed that Ray was aware that the leak is a private side issue on the service line feeding the building. It is not related to Utility infrastructure. Ray shut the water off to the building at the meter (which he is not authorized to do) without telling Utility staff what he did. Utility staff would not have shut the water off without speaking to the staff at the Bikrim location.
A Utility tech went to the site today as a follow up and spoke with Bikrim staff. They are aware of the situation and from their understanding Ray is waiting for a permit to do the work. If this is an emergency, which it certainly seems to qualify, he could have worked with DS to do the repair with an emergency permit or receive the permit post construction.
Verne Hall
Utilities Director
City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota City Utilities Director Verne Hall
Please contact the Commissioner with any updates. We just recognized this business in cc meeting this week.
Dave Bullock
Interim City Manager
City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota City Manager Dave Bullock
I just received a call from Bikrim Yoga Studio, located on the north east corner of 2nd and Lemon. They have let me know that they, and their customers. have had no water this entire week. I was told that it is due to a City issue in the right-of-way on 2nd Street.
Bikrim Yoga is the City’s most recently awarded Legacy Business (Monday, July 21, 2025). It is my understanding that they and their clients are not allowed to use the showers or bathrooms at all. As a small business and hot yoga studio, they can not survive without their customers being able to use the restroom and showers.
The yoga classes are in a yoga studio that is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes. The use of the bathroom and shower is essential to their customers and their business.
Could I please get an update on this urgent situation – and timeline as well – as soon as possible.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson
Just spoke with “Ray”. He’s been working with Aqua Plumbing since Monday to get the leak fixed. I informed him of Larry’s comments.
Verne Hall
Utilities Director
City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson Pat
Our investigation reveals Utilities received a call from a person named Ray who said he had a leak at 1501 2nd Street. When staff investigated the site there was no sign of a leak. Further investigation revealed that Ray was aware that the leak is a private side issue on the service line feeding the building. It is not related to Utility infrastructure. Ray shut the water off to the building at the meter (which he is not authorized to do) without telling Utility staff what he did. Utility staff would not have shut the water off without speaking to the staff at the Bikrim location.
A Utility tech went to the site today as a follow up and spoke with Bikrim staff. They are aware of the situation and from their understanding Ray is waiting for a permit to do the work. If this is an emergency, which it certainly seems to qualify, he could have worked with DS to do the repair with an emergency permit or receive the permit post construction.
Verne Hall
Utilities Director
City of Sarasota
Water Issue
To: Sarasota Interim City Manager Dave Bullock
I just received a call from Bikrim Yoga Studio, located on the north east corner of 2nd and Lemon. They have let me know that they, and their customers. have had no water this entire week. I was told that it is due to a City issue in the right-of-way on 2nd Street.
Bikrim Yoga is the City’s most recently awarded Legacy Business (Monday, July 21, 2025). It is my understanding that they and their clients are not allowed to use the showers or bathrooms at all. As a small business and hot yoga studio, they can not survive without their customers being able to use the restroom and showers.
The yoga classes are in a yoga studio that is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes. The use of the bathroom and shower is essential to their customers and their business.
Could I please get an update on this urgent situation – and timeline as well – as soon as possible.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
