Editorial Opinion
To: Editor
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Well said – especially in the seemingly Republican enclave in which we live. The subject of your Editorial Opinion is an absolute disgrace to her position, profession and gender. Thank you for speaking out. I know you’ll probably be receiving emails to the contrary opinion but rest assured, you are not alone in your opinion of this shill. She
joins our legislative representation in her total disregard for the Constitution, empathy toward the victims, and the truth. The day will come when the orange man will be out of office and hopefully, there will be an accounting for her shameful and contemptible leadership of the DOJ.
Irene Schaller
Longboat Key
Touche’
To: Editor
Your editorial on Pam Bondi and this admin is spot on unfortunately, for all Americans.
Gail Gilvey
Sarasota
The Implosion of Florida’s Star
To: Editor
I so appreciate you putting it out there so directly and unvarnished. I am sure you will receive a raft of hate mail, or worse. But if people like you who are in a position to speak out publicly against Trump, his sycophant cabinet and mindless MAGA followers don’t speak up now, loudly and often, then I fear that our nation is headed into the dustbin of history. The damage is already so severe that it may not be reversible; but at least you, me and millions of other ethical citizens are trying.
Chase Curtis
Sarasota
Editorial
To: Editor
Wow your hatred for our president is truly shameful. I read your article couple of times and just don’t get it. Cost to constitution, humanity?? Trumps policies deregulation, energy independence, American strength overseas, end to the trillions wasted on “green energy initiatives” strengthening our military, and many others that make America stronger and economically better off. Your personal hatred clouds everything you see. He has more female leadership in top positions than previous administrations but you hate them when they are republicans. Chief of staff, Bondi, Noam, etc. Biden’s press secretary got up there and blatantly lied day after day and the liberal press never called her out. ‘Border secure’ come on? You may not like him but he certainly loves his country and is doing everything he can to promote America dominance Militarily, economically, and leadership. Understood he may not be easy to like but I prefer a winning general leading me in battle. Also wondering how you are able to sell ads when a majority of us support our president.
Thomas Brown
Longboat Key
Pam Bondi Editorial
To: Editor
Thank you for your editorial this week regarding Pam Bondi’s implosion. You touched on many of my own sentiments after watching her performance last week in front of congress. She did herself and her reputation as a prosecutor a great disservice. She demonstrated zero respect to the members of Congress but more importantly to the women victims.
Democrats, Republicans, Independents and all other parties should be appalled by how the Justice Department has put the protection of the wealthy associates of Jeffrey Epstein ahead of the interests of the women who are looking for accountability and justice. It is time for our elected representatives in Florida to speak out in support of the women. Silence is not acceptable.
Douglas Rohn
Longboat Key
Pam Bondi
To: Editor
At a time when the rule of law has been sacrificed for blind loyalty and obedience to a crude, immoral dictator- loving madman, Pam Bondi has abrogated her duties as a lawyer and as a purported “public servant.” Your editorial opinion piece in the Feb. 13 issue couldn’t have been more appropriate at this crucial time in the chaotic situation in which we find ourselves.
Thank you for your views.
Stuart Sinai
Longboat Key
Fish Wrap
To: Editor
Reading your article on Pam Biondi was despicable and you should be ashamed of yourself. It is amazing that your far left, liberal democrat slanted piece of garbage newspaper is still printing. Pam’s contributions under Trump trying to monitor media scum polluting our society any further is exceptional. Standing up for MAGA makes you people who have TDS. Trump Deranged Syndrome) crazy. Please get some help.
Using your paper as fish wrap is an insult to the fish.
Robert Weingartner
Longboat Key
Longboat Key Tunnel
To: Editor
Put a tunnel from Longboat Key to the southern end of Sarasota, and Longboat Key could collect tolls. Elon Musk has a tunnel machine.
Michael Abene
Longboat Key
Country Club Shores Water System Information
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
On behalf of a constituent, you had asked about the history, project next steps, and point of contact regarding the watermain systems of Country Club Shores southern phases. Below and attached are brief historical notes, project next steps, and contact information for the Town Public Works Utility Manager, Jessie Camburn, who put this together. Please feel free to forward this along, and Public Works can answer any follow up question she may have.
Country Club Shores past to present…
Country Club Shores starts back in the early 1960s when the community was just beginning to take shape. A private developer saw the potential of this new neighborhood and recognized the importance of having a dedicated water supply. This led to the creation of a private utility that would serve the community for decades.
Back then, the water infrastructure was built using the best materials available. The network was mainly made up of asbestos-cement pipes, along with some Ductile Iron and PVC pipes, all ranging from 3 to 10 inches in diameter. While these materials did the job initially, they weren’t designed to last forever, and over the years, the pipes began to show their age—becoming brittle, cracking, and sometimes breaking. These issues increased maintenance needs and raised concerns about service reliability and safety.
In 1963, the water system officially transferred into the hands of the Longboat Utility Company, Inc. (LUC). Though privately owned, the utility operated under the close oversight of the Town of Longboat Key. Over time, the community grew, and the utility expanded its services to include wastewater collection, initially serving a handful of developments.
But as the community expanded further into the late 1960s and early 1970s, it became clear that relying on a private utility wasn’t sustainable in the long run. The aging asbestos-cement pipes, which had been installed decades earlier, were showing signs of deterioration. The capacity of existing facilities was becoming insufficient, and the community needed a plan for the future.
In 1970, the Town took a major step. It commissioned a detailed appraisal of LUC’s assets and financial health to understand what they were working with and to determine a fair purchase price. This appraisal revealed some troubling facts: much of the infrastructure was aging and at risk, with the asbestos-cement pipes being a particular concern due to safety and liability issues. The water plant and wastewater plant were valued at just over $200,000 each, but it was clear that substantial upgrades were needed to keep up with community growth.
Over the next decades, the Town worked steadily to improve and expand the system, aiming to move toward a more sustainable, publicly managed utility. Fast forwarding to recent years, in 2023, the Town applied for state funding to help replace more of the aging pipes. Unfortunately, the funding request wasn’t approved, which meant the Town needed to get creative and plan carefully.
By 2024-2025, the community had made impressive progress. The first two phases of the pipe replacement project covering Country Club Shores neighborhood phases 4 & 5 were completed, focusing on the most critical parts of the aging infrastructure. These initial efforts addressed the most fragile asbestos-cement pipes, which had become prone to leaks and breaks. Now, construction coordination and procurement is underway on Project Phases 3 and 4 covering Country Club Shores neighborhood phases 1, 2, & 3 — a process expected to be finished by the end of 2026—that will ultimately replace the entire old system across the remaining phases of the subdivision.
Another key part of this effort involves using modern techniques like pipe bursting, a trenchless method that causes less disruption and takes less time than traditional digging. Murphy Pipeline Contractors, a specialist in this technology, has submitted a detailed estimate to replace around 8,100 feet of 6-inch water mains across ten streets. The plan also proposes using HDPE pipes—which are extremely durable, resist corrosion, and can bend to conform to the land—making the system more reliable and storm-resilient.
Additionally, the project is considering upsizing the water mains. This means installing larger pipes to increase water pressure and flow, which will improve firefighting capabilities, support future growth, and make the system more energy-efficient by reducing friction.
Thanks to these ongoing upgrades, the community of Country Club Shores is on a path toward a safer, more dependable water system.
Jessie Camburn
Utilities Manager Public Works
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores Water System Information
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager
Isaac, thank you for that progressive detailed report, movement in the right direction is obviously mission one and one of which we are accomplishing. I think with a lot of these projects people think what about me and what happened in the last five years, and what will happen in the next 5 years, when really it’s about what happened in the past 50 years and what will happen in the next 50 years. Thank you all for thinking ahead and moving us in the right direction.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Transparency and good governance considerations regarding the canal project
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Thanks for your prompt reply. I respect commissioners privacy and am not requesting their actual address. I am merely stating that the commissioners can affirmatively declare whether they have a property interest in a canal property.
Tim McDonald
Longboat Key
Transparency and good governance considerations regarding the canal project
To: Tim McDonald
We are unable to disclose the Commissioners addresses per Florida Statute, but I have forwarded your concern to the Town Clerks office for documentation purposes.
Jamie Thomas
Financial Analyst, Town of Longboat Key
Transparency and good governance considerations regarding canal project
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
I believe the elected LBK officials, in the interest of transparency and accountability, must disclose publicly whether they reside or have a property interest in a direct canal access property or not. This does not imply wrongdoing because
I believe the elected LBK officials, in the interest of transparency and accountability, must disclose publicly whether they reside or have a property interest in a direct canal access property or not. This does not imply wrongdoing because every resident of LBK has an interest in the allocation method of distributing the cost of the canal dredging project. No one should care or be concerned if officials reside on a canal provided the distribution of the costs of the project are truly equitable. Such disclosure in the interest of transparency is just good governance.
Tim McDonald
Longboat Key
Sovereign Immunity
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Well done, BJ! Thank you.
Casey Cook
Chief of Legislative Affairs
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Sovereign Immunity
To: Florida Senator Victoria Brill
We are continuing to follow the Sovereign Immunity bills. The Bill that the House has passed is of great concern to us -HB145 (McFarland). It doubles both the per incident and per person rates that exist today.
We are very pleased with Senator Brodeur’s legislation which is SB1366 – it takes the per incident and per person rates to numbers that would mirror the rate of inflation since Sovereign Immunity was last raised.
I hope Senator Gruters will do all he can to ensure that the Senate Bill prevails and remains in tack. This would be a serious hit on our budget to have to raise insurance to meet the House rates.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Looking forward to connecting – Second Vice President Candidacy
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Thank you. I will call you on Friday. Yes. I am flying up on Friday March 13th. My board events start on Saturday and I am flying back on the 18th.
Greg Langowski
Vice Mayor
City of Westlake
Looking forward to connecting – Second Vice President Candidacy
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Absolutely! Is there a good day and time for you? I will work around your schedule.
Greg Langowski
Vice Mayor
City of Westlake
Looking forward to connecting – Second Vice President Candidacy
To: Greg Langowski
Can we find some time to chat in the next few weeks? This is the first week I have not had to travel in a month.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Looking forward to connecting – Second Vice President Candidacy
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out to share my candidacy for Second Vice President and to thank you for your service on the committee.
It would be an honor to continue serving the League alongside leaders I deeply respect.
Through service in multiple League roles, the importance of collaboration across regions and the strength of our municipal network has become clear. The relationships built through this work and the collaborative spirit that define our organization are truly valued.
My letter of candidacy is attached for your review. I plan to reach out personally next week and look forward to connecting with you during that time. Thank you again for your service and thoughtful consideration.
Greg Langowski
Vice Mayor
City of Westlake
Country Club Shores
To: Catherine Cuthell
Can you send this out to all of your email addresses for Country Club Shores One & Two?
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores raccoons
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
As you can see from the email chain below the raccoons are a big problem in our neighborhood. The town will not/ cannot help. I have spent over a thousand dollars on the problem but I am back in New York now. I would be happy to chip in for a community effort however. I urge you to bring this up at the meeting in hopes of stopping the population explosion.
Catherine Cuthell
Longboat Key
Country Club Shores raccoons
To: Longboat Key Commission
My husband and I have issues and have called town. There is another couple on Ketch who are having issues. We at this point have spent $700 in trapping the racoons. We will certainly bring up with Gary at the meeting. Feel free to send him a personal note.
Mary Keane
Longboat Key
Country Club Shores raccoons
To: Longboat Key Commission
Has anyone else reported problems with raccoons? I know others on my street have had them.
Please let me know.
Catherine Cuthell
Longboat Key
House Bill 1329
To: Florida Delegate William Robinson
HB 1329 by Rep. Benarroch relates to local government spending and will soon have its final hearing in the House State Affairs Committee. The Senate companion bill, SB 1566, was recently amended to include a provision that will prohibit municipal utilities from transferring any revenues to the municipal general fund.
This amendment would not be good for Longboat Key or any other municipalities in the Manasota League of Cities. I hope you will oppose a similar amendment being added to this legislation when it comes before your State Affairs Committee on Tuesday.
BJ Bishop
President, Manasota League of Cities
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Suncoast Waterkeeper Sampling Results for Feb. 9
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
On February 9, Monday, the enterococci survey was carried out during a rising to high tide, from 0.88 to 1.68 feet. There was no rainfall recorded in the 24 hours prior to sampling. The water was calm and clear in most sites. Sediments were in the water column at Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Horses were in the northeast corner (over half a mile away from our sampling location) at Palma Sola Bay. The results for sites sampled in the northern region (across Manatee & Sarasota Counties) are as follows:
Caples: 10/100 mL
Indian Beach: 30/100 mL
Sarasota Sailing Squadron: 10/100 mL
Herb Dolan Park: Undetected
Palma Sola Causeway North: 103/100 mL
DeSoto National Memorial Park: N/A
Braden River: 62/100 mL
Palmetto Bridge: 50/100 mL
Emerson Point: 41/100 mL
Terra Ceia Bay: 1,723/100 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 (https://geodata.dep.state.fl.us/datasets/FDEP::surface-water-class-boundaries-areas/explore?location=27.336358%2C-82.433979%2C10.00)
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.
Pia Ronquillo
Water Quality Specialist
Suncoast Waterkeeper
Public Hearing
To: Longboat Key Commission
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to a public hearing for the State Road (S.R.) 789 (Longboat Key) Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study from North Shore Road to Coquina Park Entrance in Manatee County. You can participate in the hearing in-person or virtually. The in-person event will be held on March 12, 2026, and the virtual component will be held on March 17, 2026.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Christ Church of Longboat Key
6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr
Longboat Key, FL 34228
Anytime between 5 – 6:00 p.m. Open house
6:00 p.m. Formal presentation and comment
Displays will be available starting at 5 p.m. to review at your own pace and the project team will be available for discussion. The formal presentation and comment period will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Virtual option
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Register in advance: https://tinyurl.com/SR789LBK
5:30 p.m. Project team available for discussion
5:45 p.m. Overview for how to submit a comment for the hearing record
6:00 p.m. Formal presentation and comment
Please review the materials on project webpage before attending the virtual event (https://www.swflroads.com/project/436676-1). Materials will be posted by Thursday, March 5, 2026.
This hearing is being conducted to present the preferred alternative and all analysis to date, as well as to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.
Project documents will be available for public viewing from February 18, 2026, to March 23, 2026, at Tingley Library, 111 2nd St N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 and at FDOT Manatee Operations Center, 14000 FL-64, Bradenton, FL 34212. They will also be available on the project webpage.
If you are unable to attend the hearing, comments can also be provided through the project webpage (https://www.swflroads.com/project/436676-1) or by email (David.Turley@dot.state.fl.us) or mail (FDOT District One, Attn: David Turley, 801 N. Broadway Avenue, MS 1-40, Bartow, FL 33830). While comments about the project are accepted at any time, they must be received or postmarked by Monday, March 23, 2026, to be included in the formal hearing record. All comments are weighted equally. Questions can be answered by calling the FDOT project manager David Turley.
The proposed improvements are adjacent to the Coquina Bayside Park/Boat Ramp. As proposed, the project will impact approximately 0.23 acres of property from this recreation area. As part of the project development process and in accordance with Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, the FDOT is seeking comments from the public concerning the effects of the project on the activities, features and attributes of this recreation area. FDOT intends to make a programmatic Section 4(f) impact determination for this resource.
FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287, or email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days prior to the public hearing.
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022 and executed by FHWA and FDOT.
Adam Rose
Project Manager
Florida Department of Transportation
Mangrove cutting on Jewfish Key
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
Must the property owner be caught in the act in order to be cited? If that’s the case, it seems unlikely that mangrove laws can ever be enforced. Wouldn’t before/after pictures suffice? Incidentally, the clearcutting of mangroves on Jewfish occurred months ago (just before I first registered a complaint).
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Mangrove cutting on Jewfish Key
To: James Haft
Thanks Jim. Code Enforcement staff investigated when the complaint came in (including going to the site 3 days in a row). Unfortunately, staff did not see anyone cutting mangroves. The complaint was also forwarded to FDEP at the time (as they are the state designated agency responsible for mangrove permitting & enforcement). An FDEP contact for follow-up, if you’re interested, is Hannah.Westervelt@FloridaDEP.gov —
Allen Parsons
Planning and Zoning Director
Town of Longboat Key
Mangrove cutting on Jewfish Key
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
Has any progress been made on this complaint?
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Mangrove cutting on JFK
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
Hi Allen & Charlie — Thank you both for coming to our LBK North meeting on Thursday. Just wanted to follow up on the Jewfish Key clear cutting of mangroves. I had reported this back in November. It was handed off to someone in code enforcement (whose name I forget) but nothing more happened as far as I’m aware. This is highly illegal and environmentally damaging action
According to another JFK Owner, the culprit is Jordan Mollenaur, who owns 5 properties on the island. (See message below from the JFK owner).
“I just spoke with someone working on the island. They are actively clearing now in the ‘Preservation’ area. It is Jordan Mollenaur that had hired the work to be done. He owns 5 properties now on the island. I can share his contact information with you. Other neighbors as well as me are upset about this, but feel powerless.”
James Haft
Longboat Key
Mangrove cutting on Jewfish Key
To: James Haft
Jim, I am including Allen and Code Enforcement to check into this.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
Mangrove cutting on Jewfish Key
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
It appears that the crew building a new house on the north end of JFK has clearcut well over 100 feet of mangroves from the beach. I’m told this is a house being built by Shaun Kaleta
I can’t imagine that he received permits to do this. What recourse does the Town or the State have for this violation?
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Incident on 17th Street
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
I hope you all had a great long weekend. I am writing to follow up on this issue. This past Sunday, when I passed by the area again, I noticed several golf balls on 17th Street. How can we prevent others from having their vehicles damaged, or worse, from being struck by these balls, which could potentially cause serious or even fatal injuries? Let’s explore solutions to protect the citizens in this area.
Romina Uranga
Sarasota
Incident on 17th Street
To: Romina Uranga
Thank you for your email and making me aware of this very unfortunate incident! I am relieved you and your children are not harmed, nor do this cause an accident. I am so sorry this occurred!
I am not aware of this happening before, but I could be wrong, but even if it happens once and causes an accident, that is once too many.
We have a pro-active and creative team, and I am sure there are safety solutions available and I have copied the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Parks Director, and City Attorney on this email so they are also aware of the situation and can respond as well (and copy me please).
I am so sorry for your experience and thank you for taking the time to share this with me.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Incident on 17th Street
To: Sarasota City Commission
This afternoon at approximately 1:35 p.m., I was driving along 17th Street with my husband and our two children when a golf ball coming from the Bobby Jones Golf Club (1000 Circus Blvd) struck and broke our windshield. As a direct result of the impact, we nearly collided with the car traveling alongside us. Fortunately, we were able to stop the car safely.
I retrieved the golf ball, went to the golf course and spoke with an administrator who, to my surprise, told me that nothing could be done and advised me “not to drive on 17th Street anymore.” I find this response inappropriate and frankly disrespectful. Telling residents to avoid a public city street because of a safety hazard originating from the golf course is not an acceptable solution.
While my insurance will likely cover the replacement of the windshield, it will not cover the shock of the impact, the risk my children were exposed to, nor the time lost speaking with an administrator who offered neither accountability nor solutions. I will now also have to spend additional time addressing an issue for which I bear absolutely no responsibility. My only “fault” was driving lawfully on a public street in the city where I live.
The administrator also suggested that I “complain to the city,” which is precisely what I am doing by contacting you.
I can hardly believe that this is the first time such an incident has occurred. Moreover, had that golf ball struck my head while I was walking along that same street, we would be talking about a serious injury—potentially requiring hospitalization or even resulting in death.
I look forward to your comments and to understanding how this situation will be addressed to prevent future incidents.
Romina M. Uranga
Sarasota
FDOT work at Virginia Drive & US-41
To: Sarasota City Manager Dave Bullock
It is my understanding the Mr. Hall responded to Mr. Nuckulos about this already, is that correct?
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner At-Large
City of Sarasota
FDOT work at Virginia Drive & US-41 (North Sarasota)
To: Sarasota City Commission
I’d appreciate if somebody would answer my question:
Since the City/FDOT is dumping broken concrete water main containing asbestos near my home and the homes of my neighbors.
I’d like to know what sort of precautions are being taken to protect us from the asbestos.
I look forward to hearing your reply. Thank you very much.
Mike Nuckols
Sarasota
FDOT work at Virginia Drive & US-41 (North Sarasota)
To: Sarasota City Commission
I went out there today and saw workers smashing up the old water main.
I asked them if they were piling it up on the vacant parcel at US-41 and Virginia Drive. They said “Yes”.
My question: If the existing 8-inch water main contains asbestos.
And you smash into pieces and pile it up less than 100’ from my neighbor’s home.
What are the health effects for those us who live next to this?
Please see attached map. That’s 45 feet from my neighbor’s home.
This is dangerous and I want to know what you’re doing to do about it.
I’m talking to attorneys this week. I plan on suing Ringling College, FDOT and the City of Sarasota. This is shameful.
Mike Nuckols
Sarasota
FDOT work at Virginia Drive & US-41 (North Sarasota)
To: Sarasota City Commission
This project: The City of Sarasota Utilities Department is replacing the existing 8-inch Asbestos Cement (AC) Water Main (WM) along US-41 to improve the distribution system resilience, and public safety, and welfare.
So that pile of concrete rubble stacked up next to my neighbor’s home contains Asbestos.
When it’s broken up like that, it becomes airborne.
Hence, you’re dumping asbestos mere feet away from people’s homes.
We all know this illegal and a shitty choice for a property to do this on.
I’ll be reaching out my neighbors and attorneys this week to see about a Class-Action lawsuit.
That’s all anybody understands anymore: lawsuits and money.
Because basic common decency (which no longer exists) would have meant you chose a better/safer location to do all of this.
Mike Nuckols
Sarasota
FDOT work at Virginia Drive & US-41 (North Sarasota)
To: Sarasota City Commission
Please see attached three photos. My neighbor who lives next door to this huge FDOT Staging Area at 1064 Virginia Drive should be compensated. The parcel next to her is zoned NT (North Trail). That means Commercial or Residential uses.
What FDOT is doing is industrial. You’re violating City of Sarasota zoning laws.
They’re not just leaving a 20-ton crane running in front of my home for 8 hours.
They’re causing noise, dust, pollution, vibrations, air quality issues, etc. from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This wouldn’t be allowed on Anna Maria Island or next to St. Armand’s Circle.
This shit is only happening because we’re on the North Trail and nobody gives a damn.
None of the City Commissioners would allow this in their neighborhoods.
This is shameful. FDOT and the City of Sarasota should be ashamed by how my neighbors are being treated. You parked a 20-ton crane 25 feet from my front door and left it running for 8 hours. I’m getting an attorney.
Mike Nuckols
Saasota
FDOT work at Virginia Drive & US-41 (North Sarasota)
To: Mike Nuckols
Thank you for reaching out regarding this matter. Your concern has been forwarded to our Transportation Department for review.
I noticed that your email referenced FDOT and the City of Sarasota; however, it was sent to the County Commissioners rather than the City Commissioners. As a result, our Transportation Department will first verify which agency has jurisdiction over the construction in question. Once that determination is made, they will ensure your email is shared with the appropriate contacts, including FDOT if applicable.
We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and will follow up as more information becomes available.
Katrina Johnson
Executive Assistant
Sarasota County
FDOT work at Virginia Drive & US-41 (North Sarasota)
To: Sarasota County Executive Assistant Katrina Johnson
Thanks but I don’t need them to reach out to me.
I just need them to use some common sense:
1) Don’t make noise at hours when most people are sleeping.
2) Don’t leave a 20-ton machine that’s loud and emits foul diesel fuel odors running in from of somebody’s home for 8 hours.
It’s not rocket science
Hearing some empty apologies about their stupid behavior won’t change anything.
I’m just asking them to stop the stupid behavior (if that is possible in modern America where stupidity/ignorance/bigotry/violence is now celebrated).
Thank you very much and have a great day.
Mike Nuckols
Sarasota
Outdoor burning
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
Thank you for forwarding. He is still burning stuff. He is burning as I type this. Maybe someone could send him a reminder of burn ban and what is approved for burning in the city limits? It stinks.
Dodie Phillips
Sarasota
Outdoor burning
To: Dodie Phillips
I have forwarded to the City Manager and Deputy City Manager to look into and report back.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Outdoor burning
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
Three cars parked on the neighbor’s property, one on the sidewalk, and six in front of the house outside the fence. He is running a rental car business from his home. He also has three rental units on this property. At least he hasn’t been burning anything since I called police.
I can’t believe that this is legal in the city limits.
Dodie Phillips
Sarasota
Outdoor burning
To: Dodie Phillips
What is the address?
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Outdoor burning
To: Sarasota City Commission
There is a neighbor who is constantly burning in his backyard. He has a 3 ft burning pit that the fire department says is legal. I thought we had a burn ban in effect?. He is not using it for cooking. The smoke constantly drifts into my yard making it impossible to leave my doors or windows open or to sit in my backyard. Is there anything that can be done about this? Thank you for your time.
Dodie Phillips
Sarasota
