Ceratium furca bloom in Palma Sola
To: Environmental Protection Association Division Manager Alissa Powers
Good idea. The person or persons who saw this should be the point of contact, because they’ll want specific information about locations and/or date/time.
The good news is that it looks like there’s not much if any Karenia around. Wasn’t award of Pseudo-nitzschia being around. That said, it looks very different than Ceratiium, (diatom vs. dinoflagellate, respectively) and what I saw from the photos that Peyton included looked pretty much like Ceratium. Then again, I’m not at all a phytoplankton taxonomist.
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Ceratium furca bloom in Palma Sola
To: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Director Dave Tomasko
Has anyone contacted the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, HAB Program to confirm the ID of this microorganism? I have copied Mary Harper to this email chain for assistance. I also included the FWRI most recent HAB reports which noted a widespread Pseudo-nitzschia spp. bloom in the area.
Alissa Powers, PWS
Natural Resources Department
Environmental Protection Division Manager
Ceratium furca bloom in Palma Sola
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
This is NOT good news. This organism is rightfully classified as a harmful algal bloom. While Greek researchers (among others) have suggested this species is a eutrophication indicator. In that study in Japan, for instance, it is stated that “We offer two reasons why the two Ceratium population densities were maintained at high levels in low nutrient conditions…”
Which means, you can get these blooms in waters where there’s not an obvious nutrient oversupply. Which might on the surface sound good, but which also means you may not have many levers to pull to get it under control.
In a big fish kill associated with this species in Kuwait, the prevailing conditions were warm water (which we certainly have) and calm conditions., exacerbated by nutrients from a nearby aquaculture facility, and then later from nutrients leaching out of the dead fish.
This species has the capacity for mixotrophy, which means it can gain “nutrition” by acting like a typical plant – using sunlight to turn nutrients and CO2 into biomass. But it can also grow in response to assimilating nutrients from the water column directly, which is a way that many HABs work. That is, kill off fish and feed on the nutrients from the decomposing fish.
Not a good idea to fish in that bay for now, since dead and dying fish may have been exposed to toxins, and the decomposing fish will add to bacteria levels, and decomposing fish will be decomposed by organisms that use up oxygen, which can further add to the stresses in that system. Don’t eat shellfish from those waters, as prior blooms from this species have brought about detectable levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Short term, there may be some value in removing dead fish from the shoreline when encountered. This will reduce the nutrient loads, bacteria, and low oxygen associated with decomposing fish. Roughly speaking, removing 100 pounds of fish could likely remove just under a pound of nitrogen from the water, and a pound of nitrogen could fuel about 300 pounds of algal growth. Longer term, it illustrates how our warming waters will make it harder in the future (and even now) to keep HABs at bay, as warm water helps create the conditions that promote HAB growth.
Apparently, we as a society are not going to do very much to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere, which means we’re going to have to do as much as we can to reduce our nitrogen and other pollutant loads into our hydrosphere. Hopefully this bloom diminishes over time as we get cooler waters and/or more rainfall – less stagnant conditions. But there is no guarantee that this won’t get worse before it gets better.
Thanks so much to Peyton for the ID, and to Abbey for raising the profile of this problem.
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Ceratium furca bloom in Palma Sola
To: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Director Dave Tomasko
We wanted to let you know that we got a report of dead fish in Palma Sola Bay north of the causeway. Peyton, Suncoast Waterkeeper’s Water Quality and Pollution Specialist, was able to collect a water sample and some other water quality parameters. Through this effort, she was able to identify the alga as Ceratium furca. I am attaching some images. Please research the species to learn more about it. It creates brown/red water which is apparent right now at Palma Sola. I have spoken to all the horse and jet ski operators out here to let them know and asked for them to report any bloom increase. I have also spoken to one fishing guide who informed us that all his baitfish died in Palma Sola yesterday. I don’t think there is any government agency that tracks blooms in brackish water, but let me know if that has changed. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Pia Ronquillo
Waterkeeper & Executive Director
Suncoast Waterkeeper
Ceratium furca bloom in Palma Sola
To: Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Pia Ronquillo
The Manatee River on the south side of Snead Island has LOTS of decomposing Dapis along the shoreline. More Dapis there than most places for some time now.
A bit worried about the continued presence in that system, since macroalgae levels across most of Sarasota Bay have dropped quite a bit since March.
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Aug. 12 Suncoast Waterkeeper Weekly Review
To: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Director Dave Tomasko
On August 12, the Northern Region enterococci survey was carried out during an incoming tide from 0.6 to 2.2 feet. There was black water with a high amount of suspended solids by the stormwater pipe at Indian Beach. Wrack remains on the shore of The Bay Park and Longboat Key Bayfront Park. Horses were present at Palma Sola Bay, 300 feet away from the sampling area, at the time of collection. Decomposing Dapis pleousa was observed at Emerson Point Preserve and Terra Ceia Bay, pictured below at the shoreline of Terra Ceia Bay:
The results for sites sampled in Manatee County are as follows:
· Longboat Key Bayfront Park (bay side): Undetected
· Town of Longboat Key Boat Ramp: 20/100 mL
· Herb Dolan Park: 75/100 mL
· Palma Sola Causeway North: 41/100 mL
· Braden River: 20/100 mL
· Palmetto Bridge: 63/100 mL
· Emerson Point: 20/100 mL
· Terra Ceia Bay: 30/100 mL
Any count exceeding 71 is considered unsafe for swimming, indicating a potential health concern. The standard for enterococci in Class II and Class III Marine waters is “MPN or MF counts shall not exceed a monthly geometric mean of 35 nor exceed the Ten Percent Threshold Value (TPTV) of 130 in 10% or more of the samples during any 30-day period. Monthly geometric means shall be based on a minimum of 10 samples taken over a 30-day period,” (62-302.500 F.A.C.). The two Longboat Key sites are located in Class II waters.
We are committed to bringing these critical issues to your attention and believe your active involvement is crucial. The official reports for this week’s sampling activities, courtesy of Benchmark Enviroanalytical, are attached to this email. We want to encourage you to direct all questions, suggestions for additional analysis, and feedback to Dr. Abbey Tyrna at and Pia Ronquillo. Your input is invaluable in our collective efforts to address these water quality issues.
Pia Ronquillo
Waterkeeper & Executive Director
Suncoast Waterkeeper
Veteran’s Day and Town 70th Anniversary
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Wonderful. Thank you.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Veteran’s Day and Town 70th Anniversary
To: Longboat Key Commission
The Town would like to extend an early invitation and kindly ask that you save the date for a special event on Saturday, November 8, as we come together to commemorate Veteran’s Day and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Town.
Our Communications Team is diligently working on the event planning, and we are honored to have the opportunity to both recognize our Veterans and mark this important milestone in the Town’s history.
With more information to come, I sincerely hope you will be able to join us for this wonderful celebration. As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Cancellation of September 8th 10 a.m. Budget Workshop
To: Longboat Key Commission
Earlier today, a cancellation notice was issued for the Town Commission Special Budget Workshop originally scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Because you previously elected not to receive calendar invitations for meetings, this message serves as your official notice that the workshop has been cancelled.
We hope your summer recess was filled with more sunshine than spreadsheets and fewer “homework assignments” than our budget books. We look forward to seeing you at the Regular Meeting at 1 p.m. on September 8.
Stephanie Garcia
Deputy Town Clerk
Town of Longboat Key
ROW Hydro seeding
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
According to FDOT, the hydro seeding is complete. If residents see areas that are not growing or were missed, we’re asking them to please reach out to Julie Anderson in Public Works who is acting as the hub of communication with FDOT. This way we can track and provide follow-up.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
ROW Hydro seeding
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
When convenient, could you provide a quick update, please? Thank you.
Steve Branham
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Veteran’s Day and Town 70th Anniversary
To: Longboat Key Commission
The Town would like to extend an early invitation and kindly ask that you save the date for a special event on Saturday, November 8, as we come together to commemorate Veteran’s Day and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Town.
Our Communications Team is diligently working on the event planning, and we are honored to have the opportunity to both recognize our Veterans and mark this important milestone in the Town’s history.
With more information to come, I sincerely hope you will be able to join us for this wonderful celebration. As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
In Memory of Woody Wolverton
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
We were just advised of the passing of Woody Wolverton, a former member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Town Commission during the 1990s. Woody was an active member of the Longboat Key community for many years.
A service to honor his life will be held next Wednesday, August 27, at 4:00 PM at St. Mary, Star of the Sea. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made directly to Kiwanis Longboat Key in his memory.
Savannah Cobb
Executive Assistant
Town of Longboat Key
Fire assessment fees
To: Town Manager Howard Tipton
Great points – one of the thousands of reasons we are blessed to have you here.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Fire assessment fees
To: Longboat Key Commission
Good morning. The City of Sarasota contracts with the County for fire/medical services. Since we have our own Fire Department, we are in control of our costs (and we do a good job in keeping them reasonable). Coincidentally, the City of Tallahassee provides fire protection services for Leon County and is proposing a 20%+ increase for the coming fiscal year (and that’s in the 2nd year of a five-year agreement).
As to the Sarasota Sheriff’s increase request, it has been the source of much discussion between the County Commission and the Sheriff. And as you know, half our island will end up paying whatever the increase is that the County Commission finally agrees to. As to the Town’s position on it, I would recommend we not take one. But what we can share, and what the County already knows, is that this type of increase along with the other Sarasota Sheriff’s Office increases in the past couple of years are not sustainable for the County at the current millage rate.
My 2 cents….
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Fire assessment fees
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
SRQ proposing 22.9% budget increase for fire assessment fees. Do our citizens pay this? Topped with the sheriff’s proposal of 12% increase for services our residents do not get from County should we be weighing in?BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Bacteria Source Identification Efforts
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
Almost two years ago, the SBEP was communicating with local stakeholders to try and explain the different bacteria classes and standards that exist for our waters. The state of Florida uses three main “fecal indicator bacteria” to determine compliance with standards meant to protect human health. Those include “fecal coliform bacteria”, enterococci bacteria, and E. coli bacteria. Fecal coliform bacteria are used to sample for compliance with standards used to protect against contamination in areas where shellfish are harvested. Enterococci bacteria are used to sample for compliance with standards meant to protect public health at both bathing beaches and the open waters of the bay. The enterococci values for bathing beaches are understandably more stringent (lower) than values for what is referred to as “fishable/swimmable” waters, which is the sort of shortcut term for Class III marine waters. E. coli bacteria are used to sample for compliance with standards meant to protect public health for Class III freshwater systems, such as rivers and streams.
Unfortunately, none of the three fecal indicator bacteria are specific to humans, or mammals, or even animals as a source. Elevated levels of enterococci bacteria, for instance, could indicate leaky septic systems or a failed wastewater lift station. But higher levels of enterococci could also mean more bird poop, higher levels of decomposing seaweed, etc. Or, the presence of horses.
As you might know, the folks from Suncoast Water Keepers (SCWK) have been sampling for enterococci bacteria at locations that are not regularly sampled by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Designated bathing beaches are sampled for enterococci bacteria by FDOH about every week. As we pointed out more than two years ago, the site on the north side of the Palma Sola Causeway, on the mainland side, is a location where vendors regularly provide people with an in-water experience riding horses. On the south side of the Causeway, also on the mainland side, is a designated bathing beach sampled by FDOH. The bacteria levels on the north side are more frequently in excess of both the bathing beach and Class III Marine waters threshold values than the area on the south side of the causeway. This begged the question, “Is the higher frequency of exceedances on the north side due to the horses?”
After discussions with local stakeholders, SBEP worked with SCWK staff to conduct more sophisticated sampling, looking for DNA sequences that are associated with specific sources. The sources we tested for were Humans, Birds, and Horses, and we focused on that portion of Palma Sola Bay by the causeway. Previously, SCWK used the same lab to test for horses and humans and found hits for both at the north side of the causeway, on the mainland side, where the horses enter the water. If you’ve been out there, having a “hit” for horses is not unexpected, because you can find horse poop on the shore and also in the water. But we wanted to know if the horses were contributing 50, 5, or 0.5% of the bacteria. And so we went ahead with a quantitative study, but we also decided to test not just one site, but four, as shown on the map.
Site NE is located where the horses enter the water. There was, and often is, evidence of horse poop in the water on the day of sampling, as well as on days when we’ve done macroalgae sampling in the bay. By the way, in case you didn’t know this, horse poop tends to float, not sink, and so can get blown around by wind and tides. More on this later. Site NW is also on the north side of the causeway, but over on the west side by the dock. Site SW is on the south side of the causeway, east of the boat ramp. Site SE is on the south side of the causeway, on the mainland end, by the designated bathing beach that is sampled by FDOH.
Our first sampling event found the following:
NE – no evidence of birds or humans, but a bit for horses as a source of bacteria. However, the levels for horse-associated bacteria were determined to be “detected not quantified” or DNQ, which means that the “… host-associated fecal biomarker was detected in both replicates, but in quantities below the limit of quantification.” The limit of quantification is defined as “…the smallest amount….which can be measured and quantified with defined precision and accuracy…”
NW – no evidence of birds or humans as a source of bacteria, but a DNQ level hit for horses.
SW – no evidence of birds, humans, or horses as a source of bacteria.
SE – no evidence of humans as a source of bacteria, but evidence of both birds and horses, both at DNQ levels.
At the same time, and same locations, SCWK results showed levels of enterococci were lower than both bathing beach and Class III Marine waters criteria at sites, NW, SW, and SE, but values at the NE site were above both bathing beach and Class III Marine waters criteria.
So…the highest levels of enterococci were at the site where the horses enter the water, where we also detected horses as a source. But an influence from horses was found at three of the four sites sampled, including the designated bathing beach where FDOH samples. Even when the overall level of bacteria at the FDOH site met bathing beach standards. Humans were not detected as a source at any site, while birds were detected as a source at the SE site, where FDOH samples.
What does all this mean? The lab techniques are really impressive, for one thing, as both birds and horses were detected as sources of bacteria at the SE site, even when the enterococci levels were low enough to result in compliance with bathing beach standards. Also, the bacteria associated with horses appear to be able to be detected at locations other than the location where the horses enter the water. Detections of horses as a source of bacteria at an FDOH-designated bathing beach are troubling, obviously, and likely will result in some sort of management action, moving forward. SBEP is not a regulatory agency, but members of our Management and Policy Boards are; thus, this note to our Management and Policy Boards.
We have funding still for several more sampling efforts, and we will report those findings as they come in. Right now, our approach is to repeat the same effort at the same locations, in coordination with SCWK, so that we can help interpret the source(s) of fecal indicator bacteria in Palma Sola Bay. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Concerned Residents of The Village re Manatee Mosquito Control
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I think I like SRQs better
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Concerned Residents of The Village re Manatee Mosquito Control
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I believe in Sarasota they are part of the county government. These two organizational structures are the most common in Florida.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Concerned Residents of The Village re Manatee Mosquito Control
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I did not know that. Same for SRQ?
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Concerned Residents of The Village re Manatee Mosquito Control
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
The Manatee Mosquito Control is not a county department but their own taxing district. I met with the Director when I first came on board and I will reach out to see how we can get to a better place than the current status.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Concerned Residents of The Village re Manatee Mosquito Control
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Can you call the County Administrator? I can verify mosquitoes are as bad as I have ever seen them?
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Concerned Residents of The Village re Manatee Mosquito Control
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
My name is Kathleen Yow and my husband Richard and I reside at Cedar St. within The Historic Village. While we understand that the Town of Longboat Key does not offer mosquito control services or otherwise direct the Manatee County Mosquito Control Office, a recent conversation with frustrated neighbors led us to you. The community at large has been struggling for months with mosquitoes and our calls to Mosquito Control, specifically Chris Lesser, have been summarily dismissed as he and his office is of the opinion that Longboat has organized a “call-in campaign” to target his office and that we (the residents of Longboat) have a feeling of “entitlement”. I can assure you that neither of these claims have any merit and that Mr. Lesser’s office is doing everything possible to retaliate against us by refusing to spray when necessary. Attached to this email you will find correspondence had between Mr. Lesser, my husband and myself which clearly illustrates his disgust with Longboat Key and unwillingness to assist with a vital health concern.
A little background information may be useful when reading the attached emails…..
1. We contacted their office back in June and an agent came out and said he did not see any activity in our yard yet once he opened the gate to the back, he was covered in what he called salt marsh mosquitoes. The agent advised he could not spray for that insect and could not spray because it was behind our house and along the alleyway.
2. We reach out to the office again seeking assistance in July. The agent met me at the house early in the morning and stated he couldn’t spray because he was not getting bitten. My husband then reach out the following day for a follow-up visit at which time he met with Wesley and explained how terrible the mosquito activity was primarily in the afternoon. Again, we were denied services. Ironically enough, our neighbor called them the same day and their yard was sprayed.
3. Our neighbor behind us on Linley requested a service call and Mr. Lesser told her in so many words that Longboat Key residents have a feeling of entitlement, sent an agent out and of course he did not spray despite the fact there was standing water on her property.
4. Disappointed by the correspondence with Mr. Lesser, my husband left a Google review on their website detailing our encounter with him and his failure to act. As a form of revenge, Mr. Lesser, we believe, had a third party leave a fraudulent review on our company website (see attached) which included much of the same terminology used in my husband’s original review. Once Mr. Lesser was called out for this fake review, it was immediately removed.
We are frustrated! Yesterday my neighbor Jill Nemeth requested mosquito services and she too was denied despite having swarms around her house. While I am not sure what if any steps can be taken by the Town, I felt it was imperative to let you know how the Mosquito Control Office views our beautiful island and its residents. We pay for mosquito control services and according to Mr. Lesser, they will “no longer service our home” which is totally unacceptable.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Kathleen Yow
Longboat Key
Property taxes
To: Florida League of Cities Casey Cook
Casey- I have already asked for a LBK data packet and Jon confirmed it’s in the works. Thanks for other info. I took lots of notes but I don’t want to get too deep in the weeds with the media.
Lots to absorb last week. Still reeling from the DOGE guy.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Property taxes
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Here is the link to the property tax resource page. Attached are two documents from the toolkit that can serve as a guide when discussing property taxes with the public and / or media. You may also want to look at one of the data packets (the dots on the map) and that can give you some other ideas when specifically talking about the impacts of eliminating homestead property taxes. We have not done one yet for Longboat Key, but I can get the analysts started on one if you are interested. I think it would be especially helpful when meeting with your legislators. Give me a call if these miss the mark or you’re looking for something else.
Casey Cook
Chief of Legislative Affairs
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Property taxes
To: Florida League of Cities Casey Cook
Not sure which of you to reach out on this issue, but FLC’s talking points on property taxes would be very helpful. I am arranging meetings with all of our Sarasosta/Bradenton elected officials and have been invited to do a segment on the ABC news here in Sarasota.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Longboat Key
Water
To: Ray Rajewski
Absolutely, sir. It was a pleasure meeting with you in person, and I appreciate you guiding me around your beautiful home to help identify the issue. I checked the meter usage this morning, and it looks like we’ve resolved the problem—there’s no more random flow in your water usage. If you need any further assistance in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Jessie Camburn
Public Works, Town of Longboat Key
Water
To: Longboat Key Public Works Jessie Camburn
Jessie, thanks for stopping by and finding the problem. I appreciate what you all do for Longboat residents.
Ray Rajewski
Longboat Key
Model Municipal Tree Ordinance
To: Sarasota City Manager Dave Bullock
Please see the attached documentation per the Model Municipal Tree Ordinance agenda item presentation request for potentially October 2025, but we are still in discussion and it needs coordination and confirmation with the presenter Mr. Snow.
For now, my only request is for you to have a quick look at the information and provide feedback. I will be talking to Mr. Snow soon to go over the presentation before we schedule the Commission presentation. We can go over your thoughts during our next meeting.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner, City of Sarasota
Model Municipal Tree Ordinance
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
As requested, I’ve attached the PDF from our presentation so you can share it with your colleagues at the League of Cities.
The key point here is that terms have definitions and we all need to be clear on what they mean and how they are applied. I came across another great example today of the mixed signals and inappropriate terms:
Standards. At least one (1) of the following standards Shall apply in order for a tree to be designated a specimen tree:
1. Size. Trees with a thirty (30) inch caliper or greater, singly or with a combined trunk, measured at fifty-four (54) inches from the surface of the ground shall be specimen trees unless otherwise classified in this chapter.
2. Age. Trees that are determined to be at least one hundred (100) years old or to be at approximately half-life maturity and are in good health.
3. Form. Trees that are determined to have a unique form or shape, due to geography, climate, environmental or natural growth habitat conditions, and are in good health.
4. Ecological Value. Trees that are determined to have an ecological value to the County in terms of soil or water conservation and management, wildlife habitat, or endemic native flora habitat, and are in good health.
5. Rarity. Trees that are determined to be non-indigenous, rare, or unique to the County, and are in good health. As you can see, the term caliper is misapplied and actually refers to Diameter at Breast Height (DBH).
More importantly, just about anyone could argue that any term provides Ecological Value so why is that even in there when they are trying to define “specimen” tree (a poor term as well).
Sorry for the rant, I just needed to share with you.
John Harris and I would definitely like to be presenters for the League of Cities as subject matter experts. Attending the annual conference and speaking would be beneficial, but in the short term, a webinar or podcast series would be a great alternative. We need to start getting the word out and receiving feedback from the League of Cities members. It’s critical to the effort.
Also, as discussed, let me know about the 7 minutes in Sarasota. Happy to help!
John Snow
Senior Urban and Community Forester
Tree Check Up
Model Municipal Tree Ordinance
To: John Snow
I’m confident that Rachel grossly underestimated the City’s contribution to the tree event, considering SPD and public works personnel costs. So I don’t think it would be prudent to make the commitment she’s asking for. Can we help in some other way this year? Reach out to philanthropists? Any ideas?
Debbie Trice
Vice Mayor
City of Sarasota
Holiday Decorations on St. Armands Circle
To: Sarasota City Commission
In March, I met with you regarding the 2025 Holiday Season on St. Armands Circle. At that time, only 75 of the potential 150 merchants had reopened. As I explained, merchants are responsible for renovation and restoration costs, had to repurchase merchandise and equipment, and had experienced a very slow season due to lack of tourists and residents being unable to occupy their homes. I shared the concern of the Board of Directors about charging for membership which funds the installation of the St. Armands Christmas Tree. Unfortunately, the summer continued this slow trend, becoming one of the worst financially on record for the district.
Our merchants are expressing a desire to rejoin our Association, but can not afford the dues. In an attempt to make membership accessible for all, our dues are tiered based on size, $600, $900, $1,200, and $1,800 annually. We are even accepting monthly payments of $150 from merchants, but this is still proving to be a struggle for many. As you are aware, the landowners pass all costs associated with the units to the tenants through triple net leases, including maintenance, repairs and taxes. Rent is some of the highest in the area, averaging between $100-$150 sqft vs downtown at about $50 sqft. We are just over 60% occupied, with only 90 businesses open, and others still unopened or leaving the district due to permitting issues.
With only 30 businesses open last December, our Board and merchants felt it was important to show the resiliency of the district. The St. Armands Circle Association, because of a donation from a private business owner, was able to fully fund the $40,000 installation of the Christmas Tree and host Holiday Night for the community, as we have done every first Friday of December for over 45 years. This was a difficult decision and a stretch financially for our association, but one that we felt was important to show that St. Armands Circle will endure! We lost many of our decorations and all of our string lights due to the flood water, salt corrosion, and mold. With regular upkeep of decorations, wrapping the palm trees and light poles, we can incur an additional $20,000 a year in expenses.
Fundraising to continue this tradition has been nearly impossible. Our Board of Directors and I are turning to you. As I was told by many of you, paying for the installation of the holiday decorations in 2025 may not be possible due to your own budget constraints after the hurricanes. While we appreciate the City co-sponsoring with City services each year for Holiday Night, the average cost to the City is only $2,500. In comparison to other districts, we are the least expensive of all the co-sponsored events in the City, and receive no additional partnership funding for events in the district.
After how hard St. Armands Circle was impacted by the hurricanes in 2025, we need your assistance. We need equitable attention in how the City is decorated for the holiday season. If we can not afford to install a Christmas Tree or install lighting, this is a Sarasota problem. Holiday Night is a generational community event that is free and safe for families. St. Armands Circle will no longer be a shopping and holiday destination for families and guests. Without these visitors, many more businesses could close, and the City and County will lose the tourism tax revenue.
The Board of Directors and I are asking for the City to expand their co-sponsorship with our district to include the installation and storage of the St. Armands Christmas Tree and decorations going forward.
Please let me know if you are available for meetings to speak on this, or if you would prefer we speak during public comment at an upcoming commission meeting.
Thank you in advance for your support in the continuation and vitality in the St. Armands community.
Rachel Burns
Executive Director
St. Armands Circle Association
Stormwater system Bay Shore Rd between Patterson / Bay Shore Circle
To: Sarasota City Mayor Liz Alpert
I have called your office requesting a meeting and never received a response. When I sent my father in person—because I am unable to walk right now—he was turned away.
This flooding did not exist when I purchased my home seven years ago. It is the direct result of past actions by the city and is now being made worse by continued inaction. Today’s storm is a small rain event, yet I’m again watching water flood my front porch and the entire road in front of my home. I am done living in fear that my home will flood every time it rains.
Both my neighbor and I have sent multiple emails over the last month regarding this issue—confirmed as received by your assistant—yet no action has been taken. You have previously acknowledged this problem and committed to corrective action, including dredging and drainage improvements, yet those commitments remain unfulfilled. The City of Sarasota’s failure and negligence in addressing this matter will result in it being held responsible for both past and future damages.
Matthew Montgomery
Sarasota
Stormwater system Bay Shore Rd between Patterson / Bay Shore Circle
To: Sarasota City Mayor Liz Alpert
As our commissioner, could you please help coordinate a meeting regarding the ongoing stormwater drainage issues and issues with the pond? We are at our wits’ end and are struggling to understand why the City has gone silent on this matter.
I am currently recovering from surgery while watching water once again flood my driveway and garage due to the lack of drainage. We urgently need a response and resolution.
You personally acknowledged the City’s role in this when action was taken over the weekend to mitigate drainage from the lift station property, and when a commitment was made to dredge—which still hasn’t occurred.
We need clarity, communication, and action. Please let us know how to move this forward. I feel a meeting is now needed due to non-responses from the city.
Matthew Montgomery
Re: Ebony Lake near Indian Beach
To: Sarasota City Commission
Thank you for your efforts to date to improve the stormwater drainage in and about the small private lake on our properties. Matthew Montgomery, another stakeholder with lake property, has shared his communications with the City. He, along with Julia Bredin, the owner of 2850 Bay Shore Rd joins us in this communication.
To understand what is happening relative to the private lake shared by 4 neighbors, over the last several years, we have been gathering information and observing wet weather occurrences in our neighborhood. To follow is a summary of our understanding of events that have impacted the storm water system and some suggestions as to how to improve it. Of course, we rely on your expertise to remedy the insufficient storm drain system and resulting damage.
Prior owners of our home at 2810 Bay Shore Rd managed the lake elevation for many years, both inflow and outflow through a singular 24” culvert located on their property. This culvert is still in place and operational. There is a weir at the end of the culvert at the lake, which properly sets the elevation at a fixed level, draining water into the bay when the water level in the lake is higher than the weir. These prior owners enjoyed coy fish in the lake, lily pond vegetation and a clear, generally freshwater pond.
We have learned that intended modifications to the City’s Lift Station #9, at Tennessee Ave and Bay Shore Circle, prompted a community meeting during which input was solicited. At that meeting, neighborhood residents expressed concerns over “the stormwater system not draining” and not accommodating flow during wet weather events. From the notes of the meeting, we know Mr Greeley responded “We are proposing to build a swale to help with the drainage”. The summary report read:
Paragraph 7 ‘Drainage has been a problem in the area’
‘Site improvements will include maintenance of the existing swale installed by the adjacent neighbor along the north property boundary. Other improvements include construction of a swale to cause storm water that currently ponds near the roadway on the property to the south to drain west along the south property line of the life station side to the surface near the rear. The swale with a vegetative swale. Currently there is high spot behind the lift station that reportedly channels water around the existing lift station building back toward the roadway. Positive drainage will be provided from the proposed paved driveway to a point west of the high point so that the drainage will flow to the pond.’
This work was done, directing stormwater from Bay Shore Circle into the private pond during wet weather events through a sculpted swale and directive concrete culvert.
After further investigation, we have learned that a 2nd culvert on 2850 Bay Shore Rd was constructed. It runs parallel to the initial culvert on 2810 Bay Shore Rd, just feet apart but lower and without a weir. It was built with commercial concrete head walls flanking the culvert entrance at the lake.
These 2 parallel culverts meet at a stormwater vault beneath the sidewalk and join with stormwater flowing south from Patterson Rd. From here, water can flow under Bay Shore Rd to the northern outfall at Indian Beach.
This beach outfall does not perform well. A large mangrove tree has grown just feet from the release area and collects sand, debris and prohibits water flow from the outfall. Further, without maintenance, an entire telephone pole, several dock posts, a large amount of wood and biomaterial was entangled inside the culvert under the road. County employees told us this culvert is not on their maintenance schedule and had never been cleaned. As a result, frequently, the storm drain holds at 50% full as the water will not drain. Of course, this also prohibits the pond water from draining.
Over the years, as our concerns grew around performance and maintenance failures, we have spoken to various City and County Officials who have stated that the second culvert on 2850 Bay Shore Rd is a private culvert and that it was not put in place by government but instead the owners of 2850 Bay Shore Rd. Research has shown this is not true.
First, no permit had been taken by the owners of 2850 Bay Shore Rd to construct a culvert. Certainly, work that interfaces with stormwater and passes to federal bay water would have required permission.
Further, ‘A Final Report Coastal Fringe Phase 3 Watershed Management Plan’ dated December 2015, specifically describes the system in place at the time and prescribes work to be done as Part of ‘Phase 3—Sarasota Bay, Little Sarasota Bay, and Dona-Roberts Bay Coastal’, area of interest C in particular. This document addresses the storm drain deficiencies and recommended improvements. It makes clear there was only one culvert in place on 2810 Bay Shore Rd. The second culvert was recommended to drain the lake as stormwater was directed into the lake from Bay Shore Rd Lift Station during wet weather events. The culvert on 2850 Bay Shore Rd was installed by, for and at the direction of Sarasota County!
Clearly, our private lake was and continues to be improperly used as part of the storm drain system. A public nuisance has been created by government actions and failures to act. Problems have resulted.
Because the outfall at the bay and contributing culverts are not maintained, stormwater is slow to drain from the lake. Debris, mounding sand and tangled vegetation pushed up with tide, held by large mangroves, have constrained the outfall, causing rotting vegetation and stagnant water to pond. Even on days without rainfall, this constriction frequently causes the elevation of the lake to be too high. On days with rainfall, this constriction causes flooding.
Daily tidal activity passing though the county’s 2nd and low culvert at 2850 Bay Shore Rd into and out of the lake has caused significant erosion of the land around the perimeter of the lake, threatening home foundations. Stakeholders have spent significant amounts of money building seawalls to mitigate loss of land.
As each high tide pushes water into the lake, in addition to beach trash, large amounts of biomaterial come with it. This material rots, smells and raises the floor of the shallow lake. Accumulating material raises the lake floor causing overflow after smaller amounts of rainfall.
It is unclear to us whether these problems, decisions and actions are the responsibility of the county or the city, or both. We have been told that because the city and county do not have a collegial relationship, there is blaming, and little cooperation.
To summarize, in our opinion, there are two related and compounding problems.
Problem One
There is insufficient infrastructure to manage storm water at Bay Shore Circle. The low elevation, in front of the Montgomery property on 2833 Bay Shore Circle and at the confluence of Tennessee and Indiana Avenues, causes flooding even during short rainstorms. Accumulated ponding water stands higher than 12” in the center of the road. This water has caused frequent flooding at the Montgomery home. Government officials knew of this problem. Our private lake is and has been used for this overflow water by government actions, directing overflow water into the lake. Though the city has removed the northerly swale on the lift station property, the vegetative swale and concrete culvert bordering the Montgomery property remains.
Problem Two
While the 2nd culvert on the 2850 Bay Shore Rd releases stormwater funneled into the lake from the City’s Lift Station, it also transports bay water with debris in the opposite direction and into the lake. Big storms and events that flood the streets during periods of high tides has caused flooding in our homes. It is frightening to see ferocious water cascading into the lake from the lift station property while at the same time high tide beach water rushes in from the bay. During high tide with the outfall constrained, neither lake culverts release water.
When these concerns are discussed with neighbors, naive property owners may think ‘Your lake, your problem’. While that is true, we watch as our lake and property is flooded, saving other properties. We would like to be a part of a solution but will not accept the responsibility of storm water management without your contributions, partnership, and participation.
In conversations with various city and county engineers and employees, a few solutions have been discussed.
Specifically, a check value placed in the culvert at 2850 Bay Shore Rd would prohibit bay water and large debris from entering the lake. Further, more constant water level in the lake would reduce erosion of the lake shores. The floor of the lake would have less biomaterial accumulation. Additionally, a manatee cover at the bay outfall would keep large debris from entering the large culvert under the street.
The catch basin on Bay Shore Circle (Virginia Ave) at the corner of 2716 Bay Shore Rd before the beach is covered by a small grate. Despite community efforts to keep it open and free of debris, it is most often blocked. This catch basin should collect water traveling toward the bay from Bay Shore Rd. Instead, this water passes the catch basin and travels away from the bay, backwards toward Bay Shore Circle, compounding overflow. We believe there would be benefit in modification of this catch basin.
The entire lake must be dredged!
We believe the most efficient and effective solutions will come through thorough understanding of the problem and collaboration. While we are doing what we can to understand, save and care for our properties, we look to you to solve this neighborhood issue.
Towards that end, we look forward to your prompt reply, solutions and actions, as hurricane season is fast approaching. We are available to meet.
Walt Harrs and Barbara Stern, Matthew Montgomery, Julia Bredin
Ebony Lake Stakeholders
Batch 1 – 2833 Bay Shore
To: Sarasota City Engineer Nik Patel
I also agree that the pond is private. Thank you for acknowledging the stormwater runoff issue. This is one of my primary concerns. According to the attached document, the city created a “formal and linear” swale (page 22) that leads into our private pond. On the south side of the property, there is a cut in the curb for drainage that leads directly to the pond, and in the back, there is a ditch/swale that also channels stormwater into the pond.
I’d like to point out that the document incorrectly refers to the pond as a canal, which it is not.
While I am not a lawyer, I understand that deliberately draining water onto private (as noted by Nikesh and Verne) property not owned by you can potentially make you legally liable for any resulting damages. It’s worth noting that all three owners of the pond experienced flooding in their homes during the recent storm. Mick should have photos from his recent visit of the clearly “formal and linear” drainage to our pond.
My second concern is that the current stormwater system seems inadequate even for small rainstorms. My property is frequently flooded up to the front door during minor rain events, resulting in mud and debris accumulation in my front yard/driveway and water inside my garage.
Unfortunately, instead of addressing this with the city, the previous owners installed drainage in the front yard that leads to the pond. However, as the stormwater from city property had already raised above the drainage pipes, there was nowhere for that water to go. The video shows what appears to be water being pumped at a high velocity during the storm.
Regarding the lift stations, I would appreciate access to records supporting their reportedly blemish-free operation. We (numerous neighbors) have previously observed storm drains being lifted out of manholes due to water pressure on our street, which raises questions about the system’s capacity.
I have also cc’d our district commissioner and Mayor, who is likely hearing this for the first time but I hope can assist as well. I have spent hours being bounced around the city switchboard, unfortunately leading to no resolution. My neighbor has probably spent even more time and has met with city officials on site numerous times.
The pond rose an estimated seven feet during that storm. While I understand it was an exceptional storm, it does not negate the fact that our private pond, which I pay to maintain, is being used as stormwater runoff for numerous individuals, including the city, who have no right to do so.
Matthew Montgomery
Sarasota
Batch 1 – 2833 Bay Shore
To: City of Sarasota Code Compliance Director Mick Pierre
I concur with Vern in that the pond and connecting lines are privately owned.
Nik Patel
City Engineer
City of Sarasota
Batch 1 – 2833 Bay Shore
To: City of Sarasota Code Compliance Director Mick Pierre
We’ve visited the site numerous times. This is a lift station site with a contained wet well. There is not now nor has there been a discharge from this site into that pond other than stormwater runoff.
The privately owned pond at this location has two privately owned lines that connect to the City’s stormwater system. If the pond is not draining properly the residents should have those lines inspected and cleared. I don’t intend to speak for Nik but this is not a City issue as the pond and connecting lines are privately owned.
Verne Hall
Utilities Director
City of Sarasota
Batch 1 – 2833 Bay Shore
To: Sarasota City Engineer Nik Patel
We have received a complaint from a resident at 2833 Bayshore Circle Mr. Matthew Montgomery regarding drainage from the city-owned property at 2915 Bayshore Circle. The drainage is reportedly affecting a private pond owned by 2918 Bay Shore Road, 2850 Bay Shore Road, and 2833 Bayshore Circle, causing flooding in all three homes.
The complainant initially contacted the Engineering Department and was referred to us at Code Compliance. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with this issue. Could you please advise on the appropriate department or individual to address this matter?
Please see previous emails from Mr. Montgomery with videos from the night of the flooding.
Mickerly Pierre
Code Compliance Inspector
City of Sarasota