Meeting with lighthouse point association
To: Marie DeSantis
We are trying to keep the pool from freezing over. I need to check with a few of the staff and find out their schedules prior to our discussion. How about if I call you later today before 5 o’clock? I trust Bob’s closing went well yesterday, he was in my thoughts.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Meeting with lighthouse point association
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
I hope you are keeping warm. It was very nice meeting you the other day.
Would you please tell me exactly what you would like to talk about with our board and I will convey that to them.
Marie DeSantis
Longboat Key
RoadWatch Update for the Week of February 1-7, 2026
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
Sarasota
S.R. 789 from Bird Key Drive to Sunset Drive: Construction project: This project includes the addition of dedicated bicycle and transit lanes on the bridge, drainage upgrades, and raising the seawall cap near Sunset Drive. Other project activities include resurfacing the roadway throughout the project corridor and the installation of new traffic signals at the intersections of Sunset Drive, Golden Gate Drive, and Bird Key Drive. The project also includes relocating palm trees and small shrubs from their current locations on the eastern area of the John Ringling Causeway to medians closer to St. Armands Circle.
This week’s work will consist of:
• Mobilize construction equipment, including delivery of machinery and materials.
• Install Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) signs and devices.
• Install temporary pedestrian paths around the work zone. Please use designated paths and follow posted detour signs.
• Clear within the right of way and install erosion-control devices.
• Bike lanes are closed due to construction. Cyclists should follow the posted detour.
Lane closures will be in place during various phases of the project. Construction will primarily take place during daytime hours, with occasional nighttime work. Expect nighttime noise from backup alarms, construction equipment, pumps and power tools during daytime and nighttime operations. Drivers are urged to use caution and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and equipment entering or exiting the travel lanes.
During construction, the speed limit on Gulfstream Avenue and John Ringling Causeway/S.R. 789 will remain 35 mph. Speeding fines are doubled in the construction zone when workers are present. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and other equipment entering or exiting travel lanes.
Alice Ramos
Community Outreach Manager
Florida Department of Transportation
E-bikes
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
Thank you for sharing the article and we agree with your workshop comments about reviewing the trail and complete streets vision with the introduction of higher e-bike traffic (and speeds). Additionally, our Police Department will be working to gauge the e-bike speeds and issue warnings as appropriate this spring as part of our public education efforts.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager, Town of Longboat Key
E-bikes
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Howard, I’m sending along a recent article posted in the Herald Tribune regarding the growth in popularity of E bikes, and the need to regulate their use. The issues discussed should be of concern to the Town of Longboat Key and our residents.
Also, as I mentioned at the Commission workshop last week, I think it might be prudent for the staff to review the current complete streets plan developed over three years ago to ensure that envisioned infrastructure capabilities/capacities can most safely handle recent and anticipated growth in popularity of E bikes.
Steve Branham
Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
Board Meeting
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
I hope you are keeping warm. It was very nice meeting you the other day. Would you please tell me exactly what you would like to talk about with our board and I will convey that to them.
Marie DeSantis
Longboat Key
Board Meeting
To: Marie DeSantis
We are trying to keep the pool from freezing over…. I need to check with a few of the staff and find out their schedules prior to our discussion. How about if I call you later today before 5 o’clock? I trust Bob’s closing went well yesterday he was in my thoughts.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Harbour Circle meeting
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
Thanks for your time today. As always you were the hit of our meeting. Sorry that two of our big complainers at Harbour Circle got you into the gritty details of landscape design. It was inappropriate.
Best of luck in keeping yourself busy after March. I am sure you will have no problem. Stay well and thanks for all you have done for LBK.
Don Stitzenberg
Longboat Key
Junkyard
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I would like to know is being done about 501 General Harrison Ave. It is now vacant, the power has been shut off, the pool is full of dirty water and it looks like a junk yard. I spoke to Alan Parsons over a year ago. What can we do to get this cleaned up? The bank that had the reverse mortgage should have some liability on this.
Belinda Bsuer
Longboat Key
MLK Day, Lido Beach Renourishment, Special Events
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
Savannah provided you Charlie’s response to Col. Saputo. Charlie also provided to me this morning a short Google history of the sand at this location which is below. The best we can do is to continue to explore ways to get the program jumpstarted, however there is no instant solution.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
MLK Day, Lido Beach Renourishment, Special Events
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Just to share some knowledge on the history of that location. This image is Feb 1994, one house was constructed at that time. The Sand Bar is visible. This is April 2002 and Col. Saputo’s house is under construction and the dock was not built. Sand bar and sand accretion is visible. This is interesting, April 2004 Dock is in and channel is shoaling, quickly after the 2003 dredge. Jan 2007 only 3 years after the 2003 project and massive shoaling. These are all Google Earth and shows this was a problem that has existed for a long time.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
MLK Day, Lido Beach Renourishment, Special Events
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Thank you for your email and dredging map , but Lighthouse Point homeowners are disappointed that none of the sand for Lido Beach renourishment will help our properties be able to get our boats off our lifts and to be able to access the waterways that we were all able to do when we bought our properties. I have sent numerous photos of the accretion of sand blocking the natural channels and our docks to no avail. We are all so disappointed that this 10 year problem is not within your power to address for 16 homes that pay millions in taxes for the homes and Island we love.
Col. John W. Saputo
Longboat Key
MLK Day, Lido Beach Renourishment, Special Events
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
Good morning, Commissioner. Our Public Works Director Charlie Mopps is working on a response to the questions posed which should be out by the close of business today.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Lido Beach Renourishment, Special Events
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
Thanks, John. I’m forwarding this along to the town manager for his awareness and to continue to build the record on this issue.
Steve Branham
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
MLK Day, Lido Beach Renourishment, Special Events
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
Commissioner/Admiral B–concerning Lido Beach renourishment…I saw the equipment staged for the renourishment in New Pass…Can you check to see if they will use accreted sand from the area in front of mine and neighbors docks and I hope they plan on taking accreted sand from the island that forms at every low tide between our houses in Lighthouse Point and the Longboat Bridge…?? The neighborhood has begged for this opportunity for 20 years with no action..Now is the time to dredge so we can get our boats off of our lifts at mean and low tides…
Col. John and Denise Saputo and all my neighbors…
We are so glad you can make it. The meeting is at the home of Pete and Carla Rowan 601 Broadway. We will have temporary parking permits available!
Jill Nemeth
Longboat Key
MLK Day, Lido Beach Renourishment, Special Events
To: Jill Nemeth
Happy to attend. Where?
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
LBVA February Meeting
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
As the end of your remarkable time in office approaches, the Longbeach Village Association would be honored if you would be our guest at our next meeting on Wednesday, February 4 at 5:30pm. We would love to have the opportunity to thank you for all your support of the Village over the years, salute you for your service to our special town and hear what you feel were your greatest accomplishments. Please let me know if you are available,
Jill Nemeth
LBVA Secretary
Economic Development Council
To: EDC Board Members
Happy Saturday! As I wrap up my first full week in the Interim CEO role, I wanted to take a moment to share my sincere gratitude. I have been overwhelmed, in the best way, by the outpouring of support, encouragement, and offers of time and expertise. Many of you have already stepped forward with your skill sets and insights, and I fully intend to lean into the brainpower that makes up this Board. Thank you for that generosity.
Below is a “brief” snapshot of this week’s activity. During this interim period, I’m intentionally over-communicating as we build rhythm and alignment. (I’m sorry for the long e-mail)
County Contract
On Friday, we submitted a draft of the County contract, including our redlines and questions. An informal working meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, to walk through those items and continue the dialogue. In addition, an agenda item has been added to the Tuesday, January 27 Board of County Commissioners meeting to allow staff to continue formal dialogue with the EDC. Chris and I will attend and anticipate being asked to briefly speak.
City Contract
We met with Mayor Gene Brown and City Administrator Rob Perry to discuss the City contract. The conversation was productive and honest, and we have a clear and positive path forward. More on that as we work through some details.
CEO Search
Last week, the Transition Committee finalized a proposed list of Search Committee members, and outreach will begin shortly. We also held our initial call with Winner Partners, our executive search firm. They have provided a draft timeline, job description, and application process. Once finalized, those materials will be shared, and we will review the full process together at the next Board meeting.
Investor Relations
Several investor and partner meetings are already underway or scheduled, including Gather 242, IMG Academy, and Michael Saunders & Company, many of which were initiated through outreach to us. Additional meetings are scheduled with City Council members and County Commissioners. Next week, as Ellen identifies at-risk and top-tier investors, Carole will help me begin proactive outreach to schedule conversations and ensure we are listening closely.
On Friday, the EDC team joined Pilatus in celebrating their groundbreaking. The event highlighted the meaningful work of the organization, and both Pilatus and SRQ Airport expressed strong appreciation for the partnership that supported their $200 million investment in our community.
Operations & Administration
From an operational standpoint, 2026 investor invoices are now in distribution. Internally, the team has implemented a weekly operating cadence that includes brief daily morning huddles and a standing Friday team meeting focused on priorities, issues, and accountability. This structure is helping ensure alignment and reduce siloed work.
Save the Date
Please save the date for the OSSIO Grand Opening on Monday, February 2, from 3–5 p.m., located at 1810 E. 51st Street, Suite 109, Palmetto, within Benderson’s International Trade Port. Elizabeth will be sending a formal save-the-date shortly, and Board attendance is encouraged.
Thank you again for your trust, your engagement, and your partnership. I’m incredibly grateful for this team and energized by the work ahead. Teamwork truly does make the dream work, and I’m looking forward to all we’ll accomplish together.
Amanda Parrish
Interim CEO
Economic Development Council
To: Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager
Again, we are all very fortunate to have a qualified and competent staff protecting us daily on our island.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Granddaughter home
To: Longboat Key Assistant to the Town Manager Savannah Cobb
What a nice letter and I appreciate you sharing it with me. It was indeed a team effort both internally as well as a collaboration with outside agencies. It was obviously a huge concern for us having a 14-year-old runaway and having little or no information to act upon made this matter even more daunting regarding her whereabouts and well-being. Once we were notified of the incident, our detective and various officers were actively searching. We pushed out a missing persons bulletin through various law enforcement channels – (local agencies and throughout the state, all out of state agencies, FDLE and the FBI). Detective Ramsaier, Captain Bourque and those mentioned in the letter worked tirelessly and were able to locate a witness in Bradenton who assisted in our recovery efforts.
A great team effort by all with a rewarding ending. I especially appreciated the Schinbeckler’s comments about our officer’s professionalism, compassion, and communication during this difficult process. Thanks again and it is our pleasure to serve you and our community.
Russ Mager
Police Chief
Longboat Key Police Department
Granddaughter home
To: Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager
We wanted to share a thank you note from the Schinbecklers expressing their gratitude for the police department’s efforts in locating and safely returning their granddaughter home after she was reported missing. Their message speaks to the care, professionalism, and dedication shown by our Police Department and we thought it was important to pass along their appreciation.
Savannah Cobb
Assistant to Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program update
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
Given recent and potential large-scale changes to habitats in southeastern Tampa Bay, I thought it important to communicate the interconnectivity of our estuarine system and how changes in one region can impact the Sarasota Bay estuary. Tomorrow we will be posting this Director’s note. Habitat changes outside of the Sarasota Bay estuary matter, and here’s why.
Events that occur just over the horizon can significantly impact our estuary. The degradation of remaining coastal habitats, many of which are mangrove forests, directly affects the marine life that depends on them for survival. For this reason, we should be aware of and concerned about the loss and degradation of coastal habitats throughout our region from Tampa Bay, throughout Sarasota, and down to Charlotte Harbor. When we focus on preserving and improving the regional habitat and water quality, we see the resilience of nature bounce back. In the 1970’s through early 2000’s, Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay were recovering from the historical nutrient problems and eutrophication that impacted the region. This recovery resulted in seagrass and water quality improvements that benefited people and marine life in both regions. Locally, the recent nutrient reductions from municipal sources and restoration projects like the 100-acre F.I.S.H preserve in Cortez are positive improvements that bolster our natural habitats.
Many of us take pride in the health of our immediate environments, yet it’s easy to overlook their connection to the neighboring ecosystems that help sustain them. If estuaries were neighborhoods, Sarasota Bay would be compact and densely developed, surrounded by much larger communities with more open green space. Our bay is supported by a relatively small, 150-square-mile watershed that is over 85% urbanized. More than 80% of our coastline is hardened, including over 100 miles of seawalls. As a result, only a fraction of the wetlands, mangrove forests, oyster bars, and winding creeks that once defined this system remain. Despite this, Sarasota Bay has adapted and continues to thrive in many ways, but the health of our estuary also depends on supporting the natural environments beyond our watershed. Much of our marine life now depends on more intact coastal habitats beyond our borders in Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, whose ecological productivity “spills over” to support our region.
Water serves as the highway connecting the Sarasota Bay Estuary to neighboring systems. We share not only water with our sister estuaries to the north and south, but we also share life. Given the historic and extensive loss of wetland habitats within Sarasota Bay, much of our marine life now depends on habitats outside our artificial boundaries for a portion of their life history. Wetland and seagrass losses just outside the Sarasota Bay Estuary’s boundary with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, in areas such as Anna Maria Sound, the Manatee River, the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, and along the southeastern Tampa Bay coastline, affect numerous marine species, including fish, shrimp, crabs, birds, manatees, and dolphins that migrate between the regions. Nature shows us that the local estuary does not operate in isolation and we must pay attention to the condition and fate of our neighboring estuaries.
A compelling example is the iconic snook and its dependence on intact spawning and nursery grounds in southeastern Tampa Bay. In late spring through summer, large numbers of snook depend on the waters in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve around Rattlesnake Key in southeastern Tampa Bay as a primary spawning and nursery area. Prior to spawning, they migrate from winter refuges in the Manatee River and stage near the river mouth to feed and rebuild energy reserves. The importance of this area was documented by a generation of local scientists from the 1970’s through the early 2000’s, whose lifelong research guided snook recovery and conservation throughout Florida.
Those studies documented the importance of the region as a spawning ground and nursery area. “Snook spawn inside Tampa Bay near the mouth of Terra Ceia and Miguel bays and around the Port Manatee. Schools of reproductively active snook may contain as many as four or five hundred individuals return to the same location each year to spawn (FWC-FWRI).” Snook eggs and larvae from this spawning activity enter the mangrove forests along the southeastern coast of Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Sound. These mangrove nurseries are essential for producing healthy and robust snook populations for the region. As juvenile snook mature, they disperse throughout the region, including into Sarasota Bay.
Because of this connectivity, any habitat degradation and loss along the southeastern Tampa Bay coast can significantly affect snook populations and other mangrove‑dependent species, such as shrimp, crabs, oysters, snapper, grouper, and birds, that ultimately end up making the Sarasota Bay estuary their home. Our marine life and fisheries are intertwined, relying on habitat continuity and quality across the region, not just within a single bay or segment of the estuary.
It is important to remember that we steward our local environments not only for our own benefit, but for the benefit of wildlife and other communities across our region. While urbanization has permanently altered the Sarasota Bay ecosystem, opportunities to care for, enhance, and protect what remains are essential, and efforts to protect and champion neighboring environments matter just as much. It’s a small world after all.
Ryan Gandy
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Sunshine State Insights January 21, 2026
To: Longboat Key Finance Director Susan Smith
Yes. It’s on mine.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Sunshine State Insights January 21, 2026
To: Longboat Key Finance Director Susan Smith
Bj and Debra should probably put this one on their “hell no” list.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Sunshine State Insights January 21, 2026
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
Wow! I was just reading through this and they are asking for a lot of transparency here. These are some big changes including the advertising of title blocks for budget amendments. DEI costs are forbidden. Our digital Budget budget book can produce several of the requirements, but will not be able provide list of employees and their salaries in a searchable format and travel expenses for all employees. That would have to be a separate document perhaps. There is also a 10 percent Budget cutting exercise requirement. Thanks for sharing.
Sue Smith
Finance Director
Town of Longboat Key
Gulf Gate Library
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Thank you! Yes, the Gulf Gate Library at Curtis Ave. Can you email me a picture and bio so I can add it to the CONA Newsletter. Will you be making a presentation? I will have a computer and ask the library staff for thAs we get closer, I may call you to go over the agenda.
Lourdes Ramirez
President CONA
Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations
Gulf Gate Library
To: Lourdes Ramirez
Would be happy to do this. Gulf Gate Library at Curtiss Avenue? If you need to chat about this further. Obviously we are very concerned about property taxes and the continuing battle over home rule for our municipalities.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations
To: Longboat Key Commission
Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations is having a meeting focused on the various state bills that are preempting our local rules. We have one speaker on the topic of the local UTC bill and wondered if you are available and willing to speak about the other bills. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library Room A. Please let us know if you are able to speak about this important topic to our neighborhood leaders. We anticipate about 20-25 attendees. Thank You.
Lourdes Ramirez
President CONA
Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations
Construction Project
To: Longboat Key Commission
S.R. 789 from Bird Key Drive to Sunset Drive: Construction project: This project includes the addition of dedicated bicycle and transit lanes on the bridge, drainage upgrades, and raising the seawall cap near Sunset Drive. Other project activities include resurfacing the roadway throughout the project corridor and the installation of new traffic signals at the intersections of Sunset Drive, Golden Gate Drive, and Bird Key Drive. The project also includes relocating palm trees and small shrubs from their current locations on the eastern area of the John Ringling Causeway to medians closer to St. Armands Circle.
This week’s work will consist of:
· Mobilize construction equipment, including delivery of machinery and materials.
· Install Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) signs and devices.
· Install temporary pedestrian paths around the work zone. Please use designated paths and follow posted detour signs.
· Clear within the right of way and install erosion-control devices.
Lane closures will be in place during various phases of the project. Construction will primarily take place during daytime hours, with occasional nighttime work. Expect nighttime noise from backup alarms, construction equipment, pumps and power tools during daytime and nighttime operations. Drivers are urged to use caution and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and equipment entering or exiting the travel lanes.
During construction, the speed limit on Gulfstream Avenue and John Ringling Causeway/S.R. 789 will be reduced to 35 mph. Speeding fines are doubled in the construction zone when workers are present. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and other equipment entering or exiting travel lanes.
Alice Ramos
Community Outreach Manager
Florida Department of Transportation
HJR 213
To: Delegate Will Robinson
HJR 213 will be before your State Affairs Committee Thursday morning. The conversations I am having with our citizens as the State Legislature is contemplating reducing or eliminating property taxes is , “how will we have ambulance service and fire service on Longboat Key and while we see they are protecting police from revenue reduction, where will the money come from to pay them”? I have shared with you that 71 percent of our revenue comes from property taxes. Our Town Commission receives zero compensation for the jobs we do and we have had no outcry at our budget sessions in the five years I have served on Commission about property taxes. HJR 213 while well intentioned, has far-reaching fiscal and operational consequences for not only Longboat Key, but towns and cities across Florida and the residents they serve (especially our senior population here).
This may play well in sound bites, but the economic pitfalls are dire for every citizen and visitor to our state.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Longbeach Village Association Meeting
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our district and the Town of Longboat Key as a whole. Would you be available to speak at the next meeting of the Longbeach Village Association on Wednesday February 4, around 6 p.m.?
We all had the opportunity to meet with you briefly as you were assuming your new role and you very kindly squeezed us into your busy schedule. We would welcome the opportunity to have you come and speak to our members in more detail about what you see as the current concerns for our district and the island. Please let me know if this would be possible. Have a great evening.
Jill Nemeth
LBVA Secretary
City Manager Search – Interview Recordings
To: Sarasota City Clerk Shayla Griggs
I’m having difficulty with the recordings today. I can get the audio, but the video doesn’t move from the initial screen shot of the candidate. Yesterday I was able to view the video of Joe Gaa without any problems. Today it presents the same problems as the others. I am clicking through the link in your email
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
City Manager Search – Interview Recordings
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
Yes, Mayor that is correct.
Shayla Griggs
City Auditor and Clerk
City of Sarasota
City Manager Search – Interview Recordings
To: Sarasota City Clerk Shayla Griggs
So, we have about 2/3 of them, after deducting the ones who withdrew.
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
City Manager Search – Interview Recordings
To: Sarasota City Commission
I am sending this email notification to inform you that additional interviews have been uploaded. The interviews have been posted to the OneDrive folder there are a total of 26 videos. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Shayla Griggs
City Auditor and Clerk
City of Sarasota
City Manager Search – Interview Recordings
To: Sarasota City Commission
The City Manager search consulting firm, Sumpter Consulting, has begun uploading the interview recordings. Per the Commission’s request, recordings are being uploaded on a rolling basis as they are received. I will send email notifications as additional interviews are uploaded. The interviews have been posted to the OneDrive folder linked below. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Shayla Griggs
City Auditor and Clerk
City of Sarasota
City Manager Search – Interview Recordings
To: Sarasota City Clerk Shayla Griggs
I gave my marked up copy to Brianna yesterday. I believe that she has already made the corrections.
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Abbreviated Strategic Plan
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
Tyler and I are meeting this morning to make corrections.
Martin Hurwitz
Sarasota
Abbreviated Strategic Plan
To: Martin Hurwitz
I’m afraid that I’ve found quite a few unacceptable typos. How can we expedite corrections?
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Abbreviated Strategic Plan
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
Further to our conversation, attached please find the abbreviated strategic plan. Please note I have copied Tyler Harris, from finance, on the email. He is responsible for inserting the plan into the budget book. The budget book must be submitted by end of week the latest. If you agree it is acceptable, please have someone inform Tyler so he may finish out the budget book for timely submission. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Marty Hurwitz
Sarasota
Abbreviated Strategic Plan
To: Martin Hurwitz
I’m afraid that I’ve found quite a few unacceptable typos. How can we expedite corrections?
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Thank you
To: Sarasota City Clerk Shayla Griggs
Thank you for taking the time to recognise Mr Mugan for his great work and service to the City! We appreciate it!! I’ve copied the City Auditor and Clerk on this email along with the other two Charter officials Mr Bullock and Mr Polzak. Thanks again!
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Thank you
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
I want to thank Mr.Mugan for an outstanding job in getting me plans for a project near my home.Mr.Mugan was very knowledgeable, very efficient, very professional and very polite.I am also thankful that the City hired him.
David Picone
Sarasota
Property Tax Bill Update
To: Sarasota City Director of Governmental Affairs Jennifer Jorgensen
Thanks, Jen, for the update. My immediate reaction was that the Legislators were listening to municipalities’ argument that drastic reduction in ad valorem taxation jeopardizes public safety funding — and responding in the most irresponsible way. My next reaction was trying to guess the number of municipalities that would need to declare bankruptcy under HB 201. How can those whose tax-base is predominantly homesteaded residential property continue to fully fund public safety? (I wonder: Does the state put bankrupt cities in receivership? Is the state then responsible for covering the funding shortfall?)
I’ve been consulting a website [censusreporter.org] to view the demographic profile of cities managed by our City Manager applicants. An interesting data point is percentage of owner-occupied housing. In Sarasota, it’s only 56% (which explains the relatively modest $23 million figure Kelly gave you). In quite a few Florida cities — especially rural ones — the owner-occupied percentage is 75% or more! And some Council Members that I’ve spoken to at FLC indicated that their tax-base is almost entirely residential property. I just don’t think the Legislators understand the implications of what they are trying to do.
Good luck with the lobbying effort this week. I am starting to plan my “roadshow” to clarify for Sarasota residents and businesses the potential impact on them of whichever legislation looks like it will cross the finish line.
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Property Tax Bill Update
To: Sarasota City Commission
Please find below updates on three of the originally filed 7 property tax bills. We are focusing on the three that are moving through the applicable Legislative committees, but any of the seven filed House Bills have the potential to move through committee and pass the House floor.
One of the largest concerns with these reductions in property tax is the ad valorem debt burden is shifted to commercial taxpayers (businesses) and non-homestead residential. The City is obligated to honor its current bond commitments, regardless of any legislative change in property tax laws. These obligations will be shifted to the taxpayers stated above if any of the below property tax joint resolutions are passed.
HB 201 – This joint resolution proposes a full exemption of homestead properties from all ad valorum taxes, other than those levied by school districts.
Financial Impacts for the City:
Property Tax Revenue will be reduced by $23 million.
This reduction will impact the General Fund, The Bay TIF, and Newtown CRA.
Non-homestead property owners will be responsible for general obligation debt of the City.
Other components of the joint resolution:
The joint resolution also proposes to prohibit governments from reducing their total budgeted law enforcement funding below the higher level from either the 2025–2026 or 2026–2027 fiscal year.
Subject to approval by 60 percent of voters during the 2026 general election, the proposed amendment will take effect on January 1, 2027.
The joint resolution is not subject to the Governor’s veto powers.
HB 201 has passed two committees, and is currently waiting to be heard in the third committee.
HB 203 – This joint resolution proposes to raise the non-school homestead exemption threshold from a range of $25,000–$75,000 to $25,000–$150,000 and indexes it annually for inflation. Additionally, it proposes to add an additional $100,000 to the homestead exemption each year for nine years, ultimately fully exempting homestead property from non-school ad valorem taxes starting in 2037.
Financial Impacts for the City:
The cumulative impact to the City by 2037 is a reduction in revenues of $23 million.
Other components of the joint resolution:
The joint resolution also proposes to prohibit local governments from reducing their total budgeted law enforcement funding below the higher level from either the 2025–2026 or 2026–2027 fiscal year.
Subject to approval by 60 percent of voters during the 2026 general election, the proposed amendment will take effect on January 1, 2027.
The joint resolution is not subject to the Governor’s veto powers.
HB 203 has passed all three committees and is waiting to be added to the House agenda.
HB 209 – This joint resolution proposes to add a new $200,000 exemption for homestead properties insured under a comprehensive multiperil policy, on top of the existing non-school ad valorem tax exemption.
Financial Impacts to the City:
Property Tax Revenue will be reduced by $5.5 million.
This reduction will impact the General Fund, The Bay TIF, and Newtown CRA.
Other components for of the joint resolution:
Indexes the new exemption amount to inflation, similarly to existing exemptions.
Prevents local governments from decreasing total funding for law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders below the highest level budgeted in the specified preceding years.
Subject to approval by 60 percent of voters during the 2026 general election, the proposed amendment will take effect on January 1, 2027.
The joint resolution is not subject to the Governor’s veto powers.
HB 209 has passed three committees and is waiting to be approved on 2nd reading by the House.
I have attached the most recent House Bills for each joint resolution. And thank you to Kelly and Connor for all of their help in putting this information together so quickly. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Jennifer Jorgensen
Director of Governmental Affairs
City of Sarasota
Bayfront Signs
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
Hello Debbie, enjoyed your LKRA presentation yesterday and fully agree parking rates in the lass desirable garages should be less than desirable street parking. Also agree Sundays should not be free days.
Regarding another subject which I have corresponded with Jen Ahearn-Koch and I think yourself, and other City officials. The overhead green lit Main Street and Ringling signs on Bayfront are still missing and have not been replaced. They came down in the hurricanes more than a year ago. I fail to understand this given the importance of Bayfront Drive for visitors and residents.
Stephen Helpern
Sarasota
Bayfront Signs
To: Stephen Helpern
Thanks for the feedback. I recently alerted the Interim City Manager to a similar problem at the intersection of Fruitville & 301: the signs are still not repaired from 2024 hurricane damage. It turns out to be signage controlled by FDOT. I am copying the Interim and Deputy City Managers on your concern. If the signs are missing, that should raise the priority for FDOT.
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota