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.
LBK Rotary meeting
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
We are looking forward to you and Sarah speaking at our LBK Rotary Club on June 3rd, 2025, 5 p.m. about the “Complete The Green” initiative.
We also welcome any other information you or Sarah might want to provide about Town Happenings, such as how is the permitting process going?, what’s up with the round about at Broadway?, what’s going on with the trees that were cut down along Bay Isles Rd?, etc.
We meet at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Rd, just down the road from Town Hall.
We usually have 10 minutes of Rotary preamble (just like the Commission Meetings), 30 minute presentation by you and Sarah, 15 minutes Q&A, and 5 minutes final wrap-up.
Tip, we should try to meet in person at 4:30-4:45 p.m., June 3rd, 2025, to work out the logistics of presenting in person and on Zoom. Basically, we will be using my computer as camera and microphone for you to present to Zoom participants, along with a projector for in-person view. If you want, you can provide a Power Point Presentation, and we can connect that my computer for either you to advance. Sarah, if you have a PPT, that is very easy to share via zoom and will be projected on a wall next to Tip for presentation. I will provide the Zoom invite on Sunday, June 1st, 2025. I hope all of this information is helpful. Please feel free to call me if you need additional details.
Terri Driver
Public Image Chair and President
Rotary of LBK
LBK Rotary meeting
To: Longboat Key Rotary President Terri Driver
I’ll plan to be there in person. Just let us know where and when.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Rotary meeting
Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I’m connecting you to arrange details for Tip’s visit (in person) for the Rotary meeting June 3 at 5 p.m. I will plan to join you on Zoom. Terri, brief info on me per your request: I’m a first-term District 5 Commissioner for Longboat Key and the board president of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County as well as an advisory board member (former president) of WUSF Public Media. I came up in the newspaper business (Chicago, Minneapolis) and pivoted into 30 years of nonprofit fundraising, grantmaking and volunteer leadership in MN before moving to Longboat Key in 2014.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Ringling Bridge Lighting
To: Sarasota City Interim City Manager Doug Jeffcoat
First, I want to convey my apologies for providing approval to a color scheme that is not consistent with our policy. I take responsibility for this oversight. As such, we will be switching to the standard blue color in our policy. Our policy is very clear to promote red, white and blue. We will work with you on the intensity of the color to provide any calming effect needed for the residents within the immediate vicinity. This change will be effective as soon as possible with the programming that needs to happen.
L. K. Nandam
District Secretary
Florida Department of Transportation District 1
Ringling Bridge Lighting
To: Sarasota City Interim City Manager Doug Jeffcoat
Yes Doug.. however, as we discussed on the phone, we will have to come up with a plan for the direction from Gov office to light up red, white and blue from this Memorial Day to July 4 next year. I’ll be in touch.
L. K. Nandam
District Secretary
Florida Department of Transportation District 1
Ringling Bridge Lighting
To: FDOT District Secretary L. K. Nandam
So that I understand moving forward, the bridge will still be lit completely in blue, just not the aqua blue, except for those state holidays such as the upcoming Memorial Day which will be Red/White/Blue?
Douglas Jeffcoat
Interim City Manager
City of Sarasota
Ringling Bridge Lighting
To: Sarasota City Interim Manager Doug Jeffcoat
First I want to convey my apologies for providing approval to a color scheme that is not consistent with our policy. I take responsibility for this oversight. As such, we will be switching to the standard blue color in our policy. Our policy is very clear to promote red, white and blue. We will work with you on the intensity of the color to provide any calming effect needed for the residents within the immediate vicinity. This change will be effective as soon as possible with the programming that needs to happen.
L. K. Nandam
District Secretary
Florida Department of Transportation District 1
Ringling Bridge Lighting
To: Sarasota City Interim Manager Doug Jeffcoat
As you know, Aqua Blue was the color that was used to light the bridge when bridge lighting was installed. We will be changing the lighting to aqua blue as a standard and red/white/blue for designated holidays. This change will address the commitment to the community when the lighting was installed and consistent with our policy since blue is reflected in the policy.
L. K. Nandam
District Secretary
Florida Department of Transportation District 1
Town Grants
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Many thanks Kalee for all of your hard work and creativity. Earlier in my career, I did that job for county government and know how demanding this work can be. As Tip pointed out, it’s not just researching sources and developing applications, but also the oversight, management and reporting. Thank you for all that you do for LBK.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Current Town Grants
To: Longboat Key Commission
During this week’s budget workshop, there was a question around how effective our Grants Coordinator has been since she started in July of 2023 (not 2024 as I stated on Monday). As you can see, Kalee has applied for $25.7 million in grants and has received $7.68 million. In addition to writing the grants and working them through various processes at the county, state or federal levels, she also manages all of the grants. This means that she’s working with the departments on implementation, ensuring that all grant requirements are being met, and also is responsible for all of the grant reporting (back to the granting agencies) which can be quite an undertaking and can last for years. In her spare time she has started a grant coordinator network of area local governments and is also part of our communications team.
Kalee’s total compensation package is approximately $125,000/year which includes both wages and benefits. In 22 months, she has cost the Town $230,000 or about 3% of the grant amount she has secured. Put another way, she has brought in grant revenue that is 33 times her cost to the Town. I have worked with grants folks in the past and would put in a minimum of 10 times their annual salary and a stretch goal of 20 times their annual compensation. Kalee is at 33 times. By any metric I’m familiar with, as a one person shop, she has performed in an outstanding manner and I thank the Commission for the opportunity to bring this type of resource in-house.
Additionally, as to workspace considerations since that was also a brief discussion point on Monday, when Kalee was hired it was with the understanding that she would work from home as well as the office, which allows her to share office space with our Payroll Coordinator who works remotely most days. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Current Town Grants
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
For forwarding to the Commission, attached is our grant tracker. In the grant world, they define the award amount a little differently than us accountants.
So that there is no confusion, I added a column at the very far right which is the actual grant dollars, removing the Town match.
The Status column also provides items in progress and submitted waiting approval.
As you can see this is very impressive. Let me know if you have any questions.
Sue Smith
Finance Director
Town of Longboat Key
Current Town Grants
To: Longboat Key Grants Coordinator Kalee Shaberts
As we enter budget season, let me add to the congratulations for your great work in securing grants for our town projects. With storm recovery in addition to all our capital improvements already in the works, realizing those third party funds is essential to our ability to maintain the high quality experience expected by our residents and guests. Thanks.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Emergency Management Bill Seeks to Eliminate More Home Rule on Development
To: U.S. Rep. Andrew Parker
Thanks for reaching out. I believe the issues I raised are contained in amendments introduced by Representative MacFarland to SB 180 which, if I’m not mistaken, was passed but not yet signed by the Governor. While some wide ranging objections have been posed by others to the moratoria on development changes called for by the amended bill, we on Longboat Key have struggled with the perhaps unintended and undesirable consequences of the initial versions of these restrictions, enacted after Hurricane Ian.
I would be happy to share these thoughts with the Representative, by phone or otherwise, whenever she has a free moment. Next week works for me, especially if there is a chance of blunting the effect of some of the unintended consequences of S 180 mentioned above before this session ends.
Ken Schnier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Emergency Management Bill Seeks to Eliminate More Home Rule on Development
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
I can try to set some time up for y’all and the Rep to chat if you would like. I know we do have to plan her visit to the Commission for a post session update. Maybe both can serve as one.
Session is of course still going on but it is solely about the budget now as the presiding officers are negotiating and then the full chambers will hopefully go into budget conference soon. Let me know what y’all would like to do. Have a great weekend, sir!
Andrew Parker
Legislative Aide to Representative Fiona McFarland
District 73
Emergency Management Bill Seeks to Eliminate More Home Rule on Development
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I had read about this bill, which seemed like a further/permanent extension of the already extended moratorium for any development restrictions on Longboat. Since this has blocked us in the past from instituting safety and resilience measures (such as the boat/dock width limit and the freeboard height requirement to improve flood control), can we try for exceptions to changes like these that don’t impede reconstruction but are positive developments? Especially as the sponsor is our Fiona?
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Current Town Grants
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Sounds like a home run hire! As we all know, and have learned, without competent and productive employee’s we will not be able to provide “exceptional service”. Great job to Kalee. Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Emergency Management Bill Seeks to Eliminate More Home Rule on Development
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
As you know, the moratoria imposed after Hurricane Ian on new laws tightening development regulations within 100 miles of a hurricane caused us to shelve our proposed ordinances (1) limiting the size of boats kept in canals when the boat plus its dock exceeded a certain width, and (2) mandating additional freeboard on reconstruction of properties in flood risk areas, especially in view of the FEMA reduction in flood zone height regulations. These moratoria were extended and could now be made permanent per an amendment to SB 180 added by Representative MacFarland this term.
As we may have an audience with the Representative soon to discuss our concerns, I wonder if staff could prepare a very short description of the terms and intended purpose of the boat width and freeboard ordinances, so that we can show why they fall outside the rationale for the development moratoria in SB 180 and its predecessors. The boat regulation was completely unrelated to storm matters and the freeboard rule, I believe, maintained the status quo after the peculiar flood map revisions and was designed purely as a safety matter in our most flood prone neighborhoods. Thanks.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
We’re 90% to Our Goal—Help Us Complete the Green
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
Thanks to the incredible generosity of Longboat Key residents and those who believe in the magic of our island community, we’ve reached 90% of our $3.5 million fundraising goal for the Community Hall at the Town Center Green! That’s $3.2 million pledged so far—amazing!
This exciting new Community Hall will be the perfect complement to the $11 million Sarasota County Library already planned for Longboat Key. With indoor space for up to 200 people and a beautiful outdoor terrace connecting the Library and the Green, the Hall will be the heart of community life—hosting lifelong learning programs, cultural events, and even serving as a vital resiliency hub during storms.
We’re calling this vision “Complete the Green,” and it will be the crowning jewel of Longboat Key’s newest public space—right between Publix and the Tennis Center.
But we’re not done yet. We’re so close—and we need you!
We’re launching a final two-week push to raise the last $300,000. This is the moment to rally! If every friend of Longboat Key contributes, we can blow past the goal and bring this dream to life.
Will you help us cross the finish line? We’re encouraging gifts of $1,000 or more, but every dollar gets us closer to completing this transformational community space.
Let’s break the fundraising thermometer and Complete the Green—together!
Make your pledge today and be part of Longboat Key history.
With heartfelt thanks and excitement,
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Permits
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I wanted to provide an update on this: PZB staff have followed up with the emailer. The permits were submitted last Thursday and are anticipated to be issued this week.
Savannah Cobb
Assistant to Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Reach out to us before you show up in mass
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I watched the 2/18 commissioners meeting and am hopeful after listening to you speak. I want to provide an update.
We purchased Gulfshore G-26 through a realtor. The timeframe of our purchase was after the hurricane, and leveling (raising) had already begun. Part of the pitch from the realtor before the purchase was to get on the leveling list as soon as possible to have your mobile home leveled. We listened, purchased, and began preparations for leveling. From our down payment until our closing, we learned of many changes. The building department had stopped leveling, and leveling would be more expensive, essentially a 60 percent increase in cost. We were undeterred, as Elle and I listened and replayed the 2/18 commissioners meeting, we were happy to hear that it sounded like at least the process of leveling in Gulfshore would move faster, and completed leveling would be more structurally sound.
We’ve continued to remain steadfast in our approach following purchase to make the repairs and pursue the leveling so that our mobile home is safe during the next potential storm in a quickly approaching, hopefully less impactful, hurricane season. However, after having our paperwork sent in and following up with our Gulfshore contact, this was the response
“No, I have no timeframe. I gave your packet with 7 others to the contractor’s foreman on Thursday, as he now has to input applications through LBK’s new application process and be registered in the system. We think, although it should possible streamline the process I won’t have the personal relationship as before the change in the system. It’s taking weeks from start to finish. I will still gather info but not able to take apps in personally as before. I will keep you posted as best as possible.”
Our follow-up question was, Is ‘LBK’s new application process’ taking longer?
“Yes, taking longer. The contractor will be in touch.”
We’ve been told not to contact anyone, the contractor or building department, on our own, “that that would only slow the process.”
It seems that since the 2/18 meeting, in which a department head agreed with the commissioners’ suggestions regarding timeliness and streamlining, our experience on the leveling list thus far, with hurricane season approaching, does not feel as positive as it did at the end of the 2/18 meeting.
Layne Hollander
Longboat Key
Broadway St Roundabout Project
To: Larry Nevins
I’m sorry the plans for the new Broadway roundabout are disagreeable to you. As you know, this project has been in the works for years and FDOT is now ready to proceed. On May 1, the FDOT team came to LBK Town Hall to share plans and answer questions with many residents in attendance. It was a positive meeting.
While I can understand your concerns, I’m also writing to reassure you the plan is well-founded and comes together with all of the neighborhood’s drainage and planting concerns in mind. Primary roadway concerns are safety and traffic flow, which will (and can only) be answered by the roundabout design, per FDOT’s analysis of the intersection. Safety issues have been analyzed according to FDOT standards. Funding has been approved along their guidelines, thus we can trust the plan passes muster in terms of community needs and appropriate expenditures. I believe current timing calls for a project start in late spring 2026, but that may change as things progress.
The Town will be partnering closely with FDOT throughout this project, so neighborhood residents will always have a way to make their voices heard. Together, FDOT and LBK will do our utmost to create a new North End “gateway” that improves safety, better manages traffic flow and protects/restores plant barriers and ecosystems while upgrading aging utilities infrastructure. The new roundabout will also Be LBK’s first stretch of roadway that conforms to the Complete Streets design (improving pedestrian and bicycle safety), which will ultimately characterize the entire 10-mile length of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
I hope this information helps with some of your concerns. As a commissioner and a North Ender, I have been in many meetings and discussions about this project and sincerely believe it is the right way forward. It is my hopeful prediction that you will see more benefits and fewer concerns as the project commences.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Broadway St Roundabout Project
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
I am a Longboat Key resident who has significant concerns about the proposed roundabout project at Broadway St. in the north end. Many residents, like myself, thought that this project had been cancelled, but recently learned that it is apparently back for consideration. This project does not solve any problems, does not provide any true enhancements and will cause significant new issues for many residents if it is completed. I have reviewed renderings on-line and have many concerns. I am an avid walker and cyclist and am very familiar with the flow of this intersection.
Pedestrian safety
There is minimal pedestrian activity at the intersection of Broadway St. and Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD). Pedestrians that want to cross GMD can currently do so safely at the current striped safety light crossings. This currently works well and does not need any improvement. Additional striping can be placed at any of the four corners to provide for additional crosswalks.
Bicycle Safety
In the renderings, the bicycle lanes terminate before the circle and will force the cyclists to move into traffic in order to ride through or around the circle. This will create unsafe conditions for cyclists. The bike lane does not resume on the north side of the circle, leaving the cyclist to continue to ride with vehicles until the shoulder can again accommodate a cyclist for the approach to riding over the Longboat Key Pass Bridge.
Vehicle Passage and Traffic
In the rendering, it shows that in the northbound lane, the right turn lane will be eliminated and the left hand turn lane will be eliminated. This will cause significant problems for the local residents.
I am sure that you are aware of the traffic issues on GMD during peak times in season. Northbound traffic is frequently backed up starting at the Bridge Street Roundabout, past Coquina Beach, across the bridge and on to Longboat Key. It is very common to have a backup of standstill traffic for three to five miles every day. This is a cause of much stress for us who live in the local area, where we have to manage our schedule and lifestyle to try to avoid the chronic traffic problems.
Currently, when the northbound traffic is backed up from the bridge and south past Broadway St., we can get some relief in being able to use the right hand turning lane to make a right onto Broadway St, or making a right on to Cedar St and continuing to Palm Drive to Broadway St. Residents making a left onto Broadway St are able to use the left turning lane. Under this proposal, both turning lanes will be eliminated, forcing all traffic to move into the roundabout. Residents turning to the right will have to stay on GMD and move into the circle in order to make the right turn. Residents making a left will have to stay on GMD and travel completely around the circle in order to make the left on Broadway St.
Obviously the traffic will just back up into the roundabout and increase the traffic on the northbound lanes. Local residents would have no other option but to sit in the standstill and travel into the roundabout. Our options to make a right or a left will have been eliminated. This will worsen the traffic and the experience for local residents with no benefit. The current 3-5 mile backup from Bridge St will likely grow to 5-7 miles.
Water Runoff and Drainage
Water drainage is a serious issue for us on the north end, especially west of GMD. Currently, the water plan is effective. We fear that the construction of the roundabout and the additional area that is required will disrupt the current effective drainage and will lead to water flooding the streets and backing up the retention ponds. I understand that there is a drainage plan that is part of the roundabout construction, but there is a risk that it will not be as effective.
Overall:
Pedestrian Safety – minimal activity: No improvement
Bicycle Safety: Conditions will become less safe
Vehicle Traffic: No improvement, conditions will become much worse
Water Drainage: Risk to disrupting the current effective drainage
This is a very expensive project that will not solve any problems and will create additional issues. I don’t know what led to the desire to build this roundabout, but there are better things to do with our taxpayer money.
Larry Nevins
Longboat Key
Broadway Roundabout project – Longboat Key
To: Ted Bookstaver
I’m sorry the plans for the new Broadway roundabout are disagreeable to you. As you know, this project has been in the works for years and FDOT is now ready to proceed. On May 1, the FDOT team came to LBK Town Hall to share plans and answer questions with many residents in attendance. It was a positive meeting.
While I can understand your concerns, I’m also writing to reassure you the plan is well-founded and comes together with all of the neighborhood’s drainage and planting concerns in mind. Primary roadway concerns are safety and traffic flow, which will (and can only) be answered by the roundabout design, per FDOT’s analysis of the intersection. Safety issues have been analyzed according to FDOT standards. Funding has been approved along their guidelines, thus we can trust the plan passes muster in terms of community needs and appropriate expenditures. I believe current timing calls for a project start in late spring 2026, but that may change as things progress.
The Town will be partnering closely with FDOT throughout this project, so neighborhood residents will always have a way to make their voices heard. Together, FDOT and LBK will do our utmost to create a new North End “gateway” that improves safety, better manages traffic flow and protects/restores plant barriers and ecosystems while upgrading aging utilities infrastructure. The new roundabout will also Be LBK’s first stretch of roadway that conforms to the Complete Streets design, which will ultimately characterize the entire 10-mile length of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
I hope this information helps with some of your concerns. As a commissioner and a North Ender, I have been in many meetings and discussions about this project and sincerely believe it is the right way forward. Hopefully, in time, you and your neighbors see more benefits than drawbacks as the project becomes reality.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Broadway Roundabout project – Longboat Key
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
I hope that this email finds you all well. I am contacting you all to register my disagreement to the proposed Broadway Roundabout project on Longboat Key.
My house is located at 7030 Firehouse Road, just a bit northwest of the intersection in question, Broadway and Gulf of Mexico Drive. My property is part of the Conrad Beach Homeowners Association.
The first thought that comes to mind is whether this project is really necessary from a safety standpoint. When we first got word of the project, some members of our Homeowner’s Association spent their time monitoring activity at the intersection and collecting data. Long story short, they observed nothing that was perilous or atypical of any intersection on the island. On that note, it would be beneficial for all, before moving forward, if more light can be shed on exactly what the safety issues are/have been at the intersection vis-à-vis the size and scope of this project.
From a practical standpoint, we are also concerned about the potential loss and destruction of the expanse of vegetation on the west side of GMD just north of the intersection. This vegetation provides both a visual and noise barrier to the activity on GMD for many of the houses in our HOA, in addition to our community pool area. Not only do we feel that this is necessary, but that it will be very disruptive and unpleasant.
From a timing standpoint, it is not clear as to when the proposed work would start. Most important is when during the year would it start and how long would it take to complete? Certainly it would not be wise to undertake such a project in a time frame that would impact the busy season. Please clarify.
Finally, there is the issue of cost. Is this really something that the various state and local agencies should be spending in excess of $6 million on? I’m no expert on the costs of construction, but that does seem excessive, and a questionable use of taxpayer money.
We assume that the primary purpose of the roundabout is to minimize the speed at which vehicles enter and exit the island on GMD. With that in mind (and not the beautification of an intersection), perhaps there is a way to accomplish the goals of this project in a simpler, less disruptive, and more economic way. Please note that I have sent a similar email to Joel Hobbs at the Florida DOT. I can be reached at the number below should you have any questions.
Ted Bookstaver
Longboat Key
Accela and Spanish Main
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
Thank you Mayor for this and it is accurate to say that we are working in both the old BS&A system (older permits) and the Accela system (newer permits). I have not heard of the concern you’re presenting but know that Allen will be prepared to address.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Accela and Spanish Main
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
A subject that may come up in your discussion on Monday of the Accela system introduction regards a hopefully unique problem facing Spanish Main residents. I am told that FEMA studies and permits were issued through the community’s original contractor (who has now filed a substantial lien against the entire complex). Since then, a new contractor has been retained for the community and some/many residents have also retained their own contractors. Apparently, pre-Accela studies and permits remain under the old system while those materials prepared by new contractors are coming in under Accela, creating a problem of which filings control and freezing inspections, permits and work.
Spanish Main residents seem to understand that P and Z is doing its best to remedy this problem, but the frustration is mounting, especially for those for whom Spanish Main is their only home. As I may not have described this matter accurately, I would appreciate any clarification you can give Monday as well as any solutions that may be in the works.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Logboat Key
Downtown Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee
To: Sarasota City Clerk Shayla Griggs
I am writing to express my concern regarding what I believe to be a significant procedural irregularity involving the Chair of the Downtown Master Plan Update Ad-Hoc Committee.
On the morning of May 21st, I received an email from one of my clients that included what appeared to be a preliminary agenda for our upcoming committee meeting. This document, based on the formatting and content, appears to have been authored by the Chair and was circulated to members of the public before the official agenda was made available to committee members or posted to the City’s public meeting website. I have attached a screenshot confirming that the official agenda was not yet published at the time I received the forwarded communication.
This incident is deeply troubling for several reasons. First, it appears that the Chair is unilaterally disseminating information under the guise of committee action, despite the fact that the committee has not formally discussed, let alone approved, the content of the proposed agenda or the list of speakers referenced therein. I do not recall any such discussion or vote taking place during our last meeting.
Second, I have learned that the Chair appeared before the City Commission on Monday, May 19th, to present an update “on behalf of the committee.” During that appearance, the Chair not only characterized certain initiatives as being those of the committee but also presented a list of upcoming speakers as if it were endorsed by the committee. I was not consulted on these matters and had no prior knowledge of this presentation or the speaker list. To be informed of such developments by members of the public rather than through the appropriate committee channels is, frankly, both inappropriate and embarrassing.
As volunteers, we are all equal members of this committee. No one member, regardless of title, should unilaterally speak or act on behalf of the entire group without prior discussion, consensus, and documented approval. The current approach undermines transparency, disrupts internal balance, and creates a false perception of unanimity where none exists.
To that end, I respectfully request the following:
1. Clarification on Speaker Selection: Who determined the list of upcoming speakers? Was this done with input or direction from City staff, or was it the unilateral decision of the Chair?
2. Guidance on Addressing the Matter Publicly: How may I formally raise this issue during our next meeting to ensure an open and on-the-record discussion of our roles, responsibilities, and expectations as committee members?
3. Access to Legislative Intent: Can someone please identify or provide access to the drafter(s) of Resolution 24R-3272 under which our committee was formed? I believe understanding the legislative intent behind the resolution is essential to ensuring the committee functions within its proper scope.
At present, the perception is that one individual is acting as both gatekeeper and spokesperson for the entire committee without authority or consensus. This defeats the purpose of collective deliberation and risks delegitimizing our work in the eyes of the public.
I trust that this matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves, and I appreciate your assistance in restoring proper process and balance to the committee’s operations.
Tiffany Anne Nisbet
Downtown Master Plan Update Committee Member
City of Sarasota
Downtown Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee
To: Tiffany Nisbet
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I agree with your concerns and share your frustration about the way these recent developments have unfolded.
The actions described particularly the premature circulation of a draft agenda and the Chair’s public representation of committee views without consensus are not only inappropriate but also contrary to the collaborative spirit and procedural integrity that should guide our work. As you rightly pointed out, no single member should speak or act on behalf of the committee without proper discussion and approval. This undermines transparency, causes confusion, and can mislead both the public and fellow committee members.
I believe your request for clarification on the speaker list, guidance on how to address this publicly at our next meeting, and access to the legislative intent behind Resolution 24R-3272 is entirely appropriate and necessary. These are important steps toward restoring a shared understanding of our roles and responsibilities.
We all volunteer our time to serve in good faith and should expect a process that honors input from each member equally. I support having this matter placed on the next meeting agenda for a full and open discussion. It’s vital that we reestablish trust and ensure that all decisions reflect collective input, not individual initiative.
Thank you again for speaking up with clarity and professionalism. I look forward to resolving this issue together and reinforcing the standards that allow our committee to function effectively and fairly. I have included in this email the City Commissioners so that they are aware of what is going on with this board.
Shayla Griggs
City Auditor and Clerk
City of Sarasota
Downtown Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee
To all at Burns Court Villas
As some of you may be aware, the City of Sarasota is undertaking a process to update its Downtown Sarasota Master Plan. The current plan was last updated in 2001 and is known as the Downtown Sarasota 2020 plan.
The City has established an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee the process, and Howard is the chair of the committee. Understanding the current plan and its history is an important part of the Ad Hoc Committee carrying out it responsibilities. To that end, at its next meeting on Tuesday, May 28, the Committee will be hearing from 5 speakers who were all involved in the Downtown Sarasota 2020 plan. Each person will be an “eyewitness“ to the creation of the Downtown 2020 plan, having been present and directly involved twenty-five years ago. A variety of perspectives will be offered, including the views of former city officials, a neighborhood advocate, a downtown property owner, and a land use attorney.
The Ad Hoc Committee’s meeting is open to the public. There won’t be an opportunity to speak, but the public is welcome to attend and hear the speakers. The meeting is at 5:30 pm, Tuesday, May 28, in the Sarasota City Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 1st Street.
As downtown residents, I thought you might be interested in attending. There are more details, including a list of speakers, in the attached PDF. Hope to see you there!
Sherry Davis
Sarasota
