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.
Sharing Good news
To: Longboat Key Finance Director Susan Smith
Sue, Good morning. I hope you are doing well. I am happy to share that the Florida SAFE local government investment pool is hiring Chandler are the Investment Advisory to their $1. 7 billion LGIP. The attached announcement was sent to current pool participants:
“Good morning. I hope you are doing well.
I am happy to share that the Florida SAFE local government investment pool is hiring Chandler are the Investment Advisory to their $1.7 billion LGIP.
The attached announcement was sent to current pool participants last week. As noted in the announcement, our contract with Fl SAFE will be approved by the board next week. Once the contract is in place, we can discuss further.
One of the components of the FL SAFE program is a Bond Proceed / Arbitrage Rebate program. As an issuer of debt, we’d like your input as to possible enhancements to that program.
We can talk more when our contract is in place. I’ll be in touch soon.”
Mel Hamilton
Senior Vice President
Relationship Manager
Chandler Asset Management
Sharing Good news
To: Longboat Key Vice Mayor Mike Haycock
Some big news for our Investment Advisory consultants. Thought I’d share.
Susan Smith
Finance Director
Town of Longboat Key
Sharing Good news
To: Longboat Key Finance Director Susan Smith
Thanks for sharing. Any specific benefit for us?
Mike Haycock
Vice Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Sharing Good news
To: Longboat Key Vice Mayor Mike Haycock
No, no impact to us.
Susan Smith
Finance Director
Town of Longboat Key
A question about Drones Photography on Longboat Key
To: Longboat Key Commission
My wife and I have reservations for a two week stay on Longboat Key in January 2025.
As an FAA licensed drone pilot, I would like to take some aerial photos and videos of your amazing area. So, I’m contacting you to ask about the drone photography regulations/restrictions on and around Longboat Key.
I would also offer to take aerial photos and videos of Longboat Key for your media use if wanted. My website has examples of the kind of high-resolution images I can capture. Thanks for your response. We look forward to our January 2025 visit. Stay safe and well.
Bill Byrd
Owner and Pilot
Eagle Eye Drone Shots
A question about Drones Photography on Longboat Key
To: Longboat Key Town Clerk Trish Shinkle
Can staff answer this? I cant’t.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
A question about Drones Photography on Longboat Key
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I have sent to those who would be able to respond so an answer may be forthcoming.
Trish Shinkle
Town Clerk
Town of Longboat Key
St Regis code enforcement
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
Thank you for following up. I confirmed with code enforcement this morning that this issue was being addressed by their office. Thank you and if I can be of any assistance, feel free to contact me.
Paul B. Dezzi
Fire Chief
Town of Longboat Key
St Regis code enforcement
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Thanks BJ. Code Enforcement has been following up on lighting issues at this property regularly. Staff has been in contact with the property’s management & with contractors. In addition, the property continues to receive citations for lighting violations. We will continue to work to get the property into compliance and pursue appropriate Code Enforcement actions. I also followed up with Cyndi.
Allen Parsons
Planning and Zoning Director
Town of Longboat Key
St Regis code enforcement
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
What are we doing?
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
St Regis code enforcement
To: Jenny Quinn
This came in our public mail – I do not think this is the image St. Regis wants. Please direct this to appropriate staff ASAP. Our wildlife are important to LBK.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
St Regis code enforcement
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
I have been hearing reports from fellow Mote volunteers and staff that several nests in this area have disoriented over the last couple of months. I was curious to see how the lighting had hopefully improved since the last time I was out looking in the evening.
I was shocked to see the numerous white lights coming from ground floor opening.
These photos were taken at 10:30 pm starting from north end of property at waters edge aka wet sand. I walked to the groin and stopped.
I will send a second email with photos showing one super bright light coming from the center of the property. It appeared to be pretty far east. It was as bright as the photo shows!
Given the number of disorientations which likely resulted in dead hatchlings, what action is planned to resolve these lighting issues in common areas which management has control over? Once there are hotel guests and residents onsite there will be potential for more issues. Our town Marine Protection ordinance goes to Oct 31st. We might have nest without yellow stakes but still viable and they do need our help! Appreciate your assistance once again to get action to correct lighting issues.
Cyndi Seamon
Longboat Key
Future for women
To: U.S. Rep. Congressman Vern Buchanan
I want to bring an issue to your attention that impacts every woman in this country. It is menopause. Halle Berry recently brought this issue to Capitol Hill and is supporting research for the issues related to menopause. It is a subject that many will be uncomfortable talking about and it is an issue that many doctors don’t understand. This is critical healthcare for women in mid-life.
There is currently bi-partisan legislation on the Hill for this important issue. I am the Grandmother of four granddaughters and this must be addressed for me and future generations.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
St Regis Code enfocement
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop, Town Attorney Maggie Mooney
Thanks BJ. As you know, Code Enforcement is about achieving compliance. If corrective action isn’t achieved, we will escalate Code Enforcement actions appropriately.
Allen Parsons
Planning and Zoning Director
Town of Longboat Key
St Regis Code enforcement
To: Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi
Code Enforcement must be very frustrated. I know I am. Daily fines do not seem to be making much of an impression. What did we do when we had the same issues with Zota? I thought we took a bit more aggressive action.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
St Regis Code enforcement
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
Thank you for following up. I confirmed with code enforcement this morning that this issue was being addressed by their office. Thank you and if I can be of any assistance, feel free to contact me.
Paul B. Dezzi
Fire Chief
Town of Longboat Key
St Regis Code enforcement
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Thanks BJ. Code Enforcement has been following up on lighting issues at this property regularly. Staff has been in contact with the property’s management & with contractors. In addition, the property continues to receive citations for lighting violations. We will continue to work to get the property into compliance and pursue appropriate Code Enforcement actions. I also followed up with Cyndi.
Allen Parsons
Planning and Zoning Director
Town of Longboat Key
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
To: Longboat Key Commission
SBEP is excited to announce its plans for another restoration ribbon-cutting event! This one, set for Thursday, September 19 at 9:30 a.m. at GT Bray Park, celebrates the creation of wetlands at a large stormwater convergence site in the City of Bradenton. Reservations are not required for this event. I will be contacting our Manatee County, City of Bradenton, and EPA Policy Board members to request that they speak.
Since the event is scheduled for the day after Jay’s Birthday and just before his final week with SBEP, we are planning to celebrate him too. His party will be hosted right after the ribbon cutting under the same pavilion. We will have food and drinks of some sort – and the opportunity for attendees to say kind words about him. If you’d like to join the festivities, please carve out an additional half hour to an hour after the formal event concludes.
Please see the attached flyers for more information. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about either event.
Megan Barry
Public Outreach Manager
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Thank you
To: Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi
Thank you for your hospitality yesterday and for briefing us on Longboat Key. We certainly look forward to continuing our discussions in the future and be of resource to the township!
Sami Araboghli
Military Legislative Assistant
Office of Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)
Thank you
To: Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi
We greatly appreciate the invitation. It was a pleasure to sit down with all of you and learn more about your needs and priorities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.
Erica Gregory
District Director
Congressman W. Gregory Steube (FL-17)
Thank you
To: District Director Erica Gregory
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with the department heads of Longboat Key. The discussion was informative for all of us and we look forward in working with you more closely in our overall town operations.
Paul B. Dezzi
Fire Chief
Town of Longboat Key
Hurricane Debby
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
Back to talking about Debby, as in three of the last four Director’s Notes –
Director’s Note: Rain amounts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Four (sarasotabay.org)
Director’s Note: Post Debby Impacts (sarasotabay.org)
Director’s Note: Results from first post-Debby sampling efforts (sarasotabay.org)
Let’s start with the first one, where we spelled out the likely impacts of Debby, prior to it actually affecting our weather. The rainfall totals expected before landfall were in the range of 8 inches or so. Instead, we had areas with almost double that amount. Hopefully, folks paid attention to the last part of that first Note, where we discussed how climate change is making storms less predictable. Basically, the longest-term data sets we have show that our air and water temperatures are increasing, especially over the past 20 or so years. The ability to predict the intensity of storms is weakened by the fact that our air and water are warmer now than what we experienced in the 20th Century, on average.
In the second Note, we supplied photos that showed the impacts from the storm, from flooded neighborhoods to wrecked boats. Also included were some photos that showed evidence of a huge influx of stormwater runoff – the dark water along the mainland shoreline in contrast to the turbid waters coming into the bay from the Gulf of Mexico.
In the third Note, we showed some of the results of the initial sampling effort, which supported the prediction that we’d likely have the combination of salinity stratification and bottom water hypoxia. That is, so much freshwater came into the bay that it formed a layer of fresh to brackish water on top of the saltier water underneath, and the saltier water underneath was starting to experience low levels of dissolved oxygen. When that happens, not only will the clams and worms and starfish and bottom-related organisms (such as crabs and rays) likely die, but their decomposing bodies would further increase the nutrients in the bay, add to the bacteria levels in the bay, and help to further decrease the amount of oxygen in the bottom of the bay. Earlier today, I was contacted by someone who saw blue crabs swimming to the surface in Little Sarasota Bay, which likely indicates that the bottom of the bay’s levels of dissolved oxygen are crashing.
So, what’s to add here? Well, we just got our bacteria levels back, and suffice it to say that our earlier recommendations to stay out of the water have been verified. Nine locations were sampled out in the middle of the bay, from Ringling Causeway south to Venice Inlet (the same stations sampled after Hurricane Ian came through). We compared our results against the Class 3 Marine waters’ standard for the fecal indicator bacteria “Enterococci” standard of 130/100 ml, and each site exceeded those values. Roberts Bay had the highest values, by far, as shown below:
These values are from the middle of the bay, not the shoreline. Which means they are likely lower than values closer to the shore, as well as values in our numerous creeks. So, the guidance we provided earlier (before we had data) was correct – “Don’t go into the water” at least until we have evidence of improving water quality. After Ian, it took between two and four weeks for water quality to recover, which is probably in line with what we’re going to go through after Debby -Hurricane Ian’s Impact on Sarasota Bay
We’ll end this Note on two positive points. First off, we are without a doubt healthier, across the bay, than we were during the years 2013 to 2019. FDEP has put every portion of the open waters of Sarasota Bay on their draft “de-list” list, because of their documentation of our water quality improvements. We are also expecting to see a substantial increase in seagrass acreage, although the exact numbers won’t be available until early next year. That’s not by chance alone, that’s due to the $300 million investments that have been completed or which are underway in our watershed. It appears, as we’ve discussed previously, that we may have already reached the pollutant load reduction goal we set back in 2021 – not because of projects the SBEP has done, but because of massive investments in wastewater upgrades and stormwater retrofits that we’ve made by our local governments. So, our ability to recover from the impacts of Debby, as large as they are, has been enhanced by our healthier bay. Simply put, Sarasota Bay will be able to recover from this impact more easily than would have been the case if we still had the widespread degraded conditions that existed a few years ago.
Into this situation, we’ve just recruited our latest employee, Dr. Ryan Gandy. As you well know, Dr. Jay Leverone was planning on retiring this fall. Jay has been the SBEP’s scientist for well over a decade, and the habitat restoration projects that we’ve accomplished over that time – those are due to him. There are oyster reefs and wetland restoration projects all over the bay that owe their existence to Jay’s skills, persistence, and enthusiasm. He coordinated all aspects of the design, permitting, construction, and construction management for our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law projects at FISH Preserve, kickstarting the artificial reef program, the massive wetland creation projects at GT Bray Park, and getting contractors selected for the seawall enhancement project at Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park, to name just a few. We needed to find someone for Jay to pass the baton to, so that we could continue our “biased towards action” approach to bay restoration and we are happy to announce that Ryan will be filling that role.
Dr. Gandy comes to us via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, having overseen diagnostic studies and ecosystem-scale restoration projects ranging from South Florida’s stone crab fishery to trying to restore the collapsed oyster fishery of Apalachicola Bay. Ryan received his BS from the College of Charleston, and his MS and PhD from Texas A&M University. His first official day at work will be September 16th, which will give him a two-week overlap with Jay – to get him up to speed on our ongoing work and processes.
Time is of the essence, because as bad as Debby’s impacts were, and will continue to be for likely a few weeks still, keep in mind that Debby was a Tropical Storm over a hundred miles to the west of us. We may not feel like it, but we dodged another bullet. Maybe our luck will last a few years or decades. But it’s only wise to expect that storms as bad if not worse than Debby will become more common in the next few decades than they were the past few decades.
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Meeting
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Hope all is well! Just wanted to let you know that I am in town for the next few weeks, and would certainly be interested in meeting to catch up and discuss any updates with Longboat Key or any issues the town may be experiencing. What does your and your team’s availability look like over the next couple weeks?
Sami Araboghli
Military Legislative Assistant
Office of Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)
Sea turtles
To: Venice City Mayor Nick Pachota
Mayor thank you for joining the challenge. This has been a hard fought battle for the turtles, as well as trying to generate some participation from our commissioner’s across the state. Response has been much lower than I anticipated. Our natural resources and marine lifestyles are one of the main reasons visitors come to our state. Your donation will certainly help, particularly in light of tropical storm Debby’s impact on us. The nests really took a beating across entire coastline, and the teams of Volunteers that document, maintain and care for them are stretched even further. Again thank you for your concern and cash. I’ll be seeing you at our next plan gathering.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Correspondence from Gary Coffin
To: Longboat Key Town Clerk Trish Shinkle
To whom it may concern: I have received the correspondence from Commissioner Coffin and accept his challenge. My personal donation of $200 for a sea turtle nest will be made to Mote Marine Laboratory Sea Turtle Program. Please share this information
To whom it may concern:
I have received the correspondence from Commissioner Coffin and accept his challenge. My personal donation of $200 for a sea turtle nest will be made to Mote Marine Laboratory Sea Turtle Program. Please share this information with Commissioner Coffin and thank him for taking up the cause.
Nick Pachota
Mayor
City of Venice
Sarasota Ordinance
To: Sarasota City Attorney Robert Fournier
I think you’re the right person to notify regarding an incomplete draft of an ordinance to be discussed at the upcoming Monday’s Commission meeting.
Upon reviewing the draft of the ordinance for the Cross St. vacation, I noticed 2 proffers that the planning board directed to be added to the ordinance, but both items are missing (see attached annotated pdf).
During the planning board meeting, the vacation was discussed at length. City staff had advised against approving the vacation. To address the concerns raised by the Planning Board members, the applicant agreed to additional proffers. Only after these proffers given, was there enough consent to get a majority of the members to approve.
Somehow during the drafting of the ordinance, both key topics have been omitted. I’ll leave it to your sage guidance as to whether a revised draft should be circulated prior to the discussion, or whether the item should be pulled and rescheduled in the future with a corrected draft.
The draft, in its current form, nullifies all of the discussion had by the Planning Board and does not accurately reflect the approval.
Ron Kashden
Sarasota
Sarasota Ordinance
To: Ron Kashden
Following up on this from yesterday, it does seem after review that the ordinance that is in the agenda package for the public hearing on Monday is complete, although of course it is subject to modification before “second reading” based on items that might be raised during discussion. The “open sky” proffer in its revised form has been consolidated into Condition G which formerly only addressed the access easement. Also, the tree protection proffer was consolidated into Section H.
Robert M. Fournier
City Attorney
City of Sarasota
Stormwater drainage along Myrtle Street
To: Sarasota City Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch
Was just on a meeting call with the combined community health action teams (CHATs). These are the Community Health Action Teams for the county. As you probably know, these are community lead groups working in coordination with the Community Health partnerships to improve the Health of Sarasota county residents.
A question came up about storm water runoff along Myrtle Street. North of Myrtle is county and south is city.
If there is an issue with storm drainage, who should that be addressed to the city or the county?
Is there still a combined city county commission meeting still being held to address such issues?
Washington Hill
Sarasota
Stormwater drainage along Myrtle Street
To: Dr. Washington Hill
Thanks for the email. The City’s stormwater is managed entirely by the county with assistance from the City. Having said that, anyone can reach out to the City and we can help coordinate service. If the City can easily solve an issue, we will. And at the very least be a conduit of communication. It is important we know where “hot spots” and problems are located. I have copied Mr. Brown and Mr. Robinson in this email as well.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
Vice Mayor
City of Sarasota
Subscription
To: Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown
I was curious if the City could get an online subscription to the New York Times, or at the very least if I could get one using my subscriptions allowance? I often get sent articles in reference to the NYT and I can’t read them.
I believe the City used to have a subscription but I am it sure what happened ”(or even if the City still might have one). Thanks for looking into this when you can.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
Vice Mayor
City of SarasotaA possible solution for urban flooding
To: Peggy Cockerill
Thank Peggy, I’ll do a search for the article and I am pretty sure I have an understand the direction of the article but supplemental info and research are always helpful!
Jen Ahearn-Koch
Vice Mayor
City of Sarasota
A possible solution for urban flooding
To: Sarasota City Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch
Darn. You can Google “sponge cities” and read non subscriptions articles. Debby Trice read it and said when the city re-built Bobby Jones some of the techniques stated in the article were put to use. It worked when Debby flooded as lake Bobby Jones filtered the flood water as it slowly released back into the bay. Another important aspect of a sponge city is it absorbs rain water and does not allow it to run.
By not allowing zero lot buildings to be erected would be a good place to start. I have met you and know we are on the same page. Cement does not absorb water. I live on Floyd street and can tell you the water raises closer and closer to my door step as these houses get built. Thank you for getting back to me.
Peggy Cockerill
Sarasota
Noise Pollution
To: Sarasota City Commission
After a couple of months of blissful peace and relative quiet, the drumming has recommenced over the back fence. He’s at it 3 to 4 times per week, and both weekend days. We had a meeting with him last year, moderated by Sgt. Luciano of the Sarasota PD, and Chris (the renter and drummer) said that he would endeavor to keep his practicing to no more than an hour per week, and not at weekends. Yet, on the 3rd of August, for example, he was at it from just after noon on and off until past 6 pm.
It is now gone 6pm and he’s at it again, disturbing the peace of a Sunday evening, banging his drums just as loud as can be. There is no escape for us. I thought there was an ordinance that was supposed to take care of this offensive, and intrusive noise pollution. If there is, why can’t it be enforced, and if you didn’t get around to it yet, why not?
Do we, as seniors minding our own business, not get ANY support from the City? Do we not matter?
Enough is enough. If any of you expect us to vote for you, you are sorely mistaken unless and until you begin to treat us with the same deference and consideration you seem to be giving this one callous, inconsiderate so-called musician.
Tina Steele
Rosemary District
Noise Pollution
To: Tina Steele
Good evening Mrs Steele, I am extremely sorry that you and your neighbors are experiencing this! It is totally not fair and I am having it addressed!!! Please provide me the address so that this matter can be handled. Once again my profound apologies that you’re having to endure this. Thank You with humble regards.
Kyle Scott Battie
Commissioner
City of Sarasota
