E-bikes on our Sidewalk
To: Editor
The town needs to figure out how to keep E-Bikes away from pedestrians and bicyclists that use the ONLY sidewalk on the island along Gulf of Mexico Drive. It’s a gem of our town.
E-Bikes are becoming more popular all the time, and their speed and weight can be deadly when in collision with pedestrians and regular bicycles.
One suggestion on how to deal with this while we wait for the enhanced roadway scenario:
Create a speed limit on the sidewalk 5 – 10 mph and enforce it with fines. The police on patrol have excellent visibility and access to the sidewalk.
Stacie Steinke
Owner, Windward Bay
Briefing Offer
To: Longboat Key Commissioner-elect Nicholas Gladding
Good morning, Nick! It’s January and we’re fully back in the swing of things and looking forward to a busy season. If you would like to be included in the agenda briefing process prior to you being sworn in in March, just let us know and we’ll work to schedule you into our briefing schedule. You certainly don’t have to do anything prior to taking your seat, but we just wanted to give you the option in case you felt it will help you in your preparation.
Just let us know and we can schedule something over the phone or in person.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Wow, great news, hoping for the best.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Interesting development to your question. We’ll keep you posted on what the analysis shows but could be really good news.
Howard Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Tip, could be a huge savings and a bunch less impact to the community. We will keep you updated after the discovery process. Either way, we would still target the end of April/May to move forward with the next steps (outside of season).
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
The short answer is that we were initially planning to start this project in April 2026. As you know, this project is very important to the town because it concerns the last of the AC pipe on the island.
During our discussions and when reviewing the current As-Builts, we discovered that the AC pipe from the 1970s may have been upgraded to C900 plastic pipe. I want to note that C900 is a standard type of pipe used in water distribution systems, recognized industry wide.
To confirm this, we are currently in the process of field verification. We have conducted vacuum excavations on a few streets and have found evidence of the updated C900 pipe.
We expect to have more definitive information within the next month, which will help us determine the best course of action moving forward. If it turns out that the entire system, or at least the sections we’ve examined, are indeed made of C900 pipe, this would be a significant advantage for the town. It could mean that we only need to replace the water services rather than the entire water system within those streets. I will keep Charlie updated as the exploration and verification process continues.
Jessie Camburn
Utilities Manager Public Works Department
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
Hoping you can help with an answer. Thank you.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Tip, A neighbor stopped by yesterday regarding the timing or start date of the construction for the Country Club Shores phases 1 & 2 and 3 water main project. I know it’s on our strategic plans initiatives to begin this year, just wondering if we have a closer date.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Wow, great news, hoping for the best.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Interesting development to your question. We’ll keep you posted on what the analysis shows but could be really good news.
Howard Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Jessie Camburn
Tip, could be a huge savings and a bunch less impact to the community. We will keep you updated after the discovery process. Either way we would still target the end of April/May to move forward with the next steps (outside of season).
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
Hoping you can help with an answer. Thank you.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Country Club Shores water line project
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Charlie Mopps
Tip, A neighbor stopped by yesterday regarding the timing or start date of the construction for the Country Club Shores phases 1 & 2 and 3 water main project. I know it’s on our strategic plans initiatives to begin this year, just wondering if we have a closer date.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
To: Vicki Morton
I received information from our Public Works Director concerning the sidewalk problem. It appears the damage is the result of some Comcast work. The department is on it.
Also, the newest Tip Talk video, featuring Police Chief Maher, is devoted to e-bike and sidewalk safety. This is being released Town-wide. I’ve included a copy of the release and link to the video below:
View the full video here: Tip Talk Featuring Police Chief Russ Mager
With increased activity on our sidewalks and multi-use paths, this short video serves as a helpful reminder of key safety guidelines designed to keep everyone safe:
• The speed limit on sidewalks and multi-use paths is 10 MPH.
• Bicyclists and riding equipment should keep right and pass on the left.
• Riders are asked to ring a bell when passing pedestrians or other cyclists.
• All riders should reduce speed and use due care at intersections, especially near sudden driveways and potentially blind crossings.
• For faster-moving e-bikes and equipment, please consider using the designated bicycle lane on Gulf of Mexico Drive, while remaining mindful of roadway hazards such as parked vehicles or vehicles entering traffic.
Additionally, as a friendly reminder for e-bike owners, we would like to share a few tips on the proper care of lithium batteries in our island’s salt and saltwater environment. Recommendations include proper elevation and storage, or preferably, not leaving lithium-powered devices on the island during extended absences.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key sidewalk issues
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold
Ma’am, Julie got the response from FDOT already.
“Hello Julie,
I just received an email from my team who investigated this. They have said it appears it was done by a utility contractor as the pull box looks new and we are trying to coordinate with the utility company (Comcast) to get this resolved as they would be the responsible party for repairs because they caused the damage.
My team has been asked to timestamp pictures and contact any vehicles they see parked on the sidewalk to please remove them as they would be reasonable for any damage and repairs.
Would you be willing to pass this information along to see if the town would help with vehicles on the sidewalk as it could help us both on this matter going forward.”
If we get anything further we will pass it along.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key sidewalk issues
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
Please let me know how FDOT responds, so I may get back to Ms. Morton in a timely manner.
Thank you!
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key sidewalk issues
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
Thanks sir, Julie will pass it on to our FDOT contact.
Charles Mopps, PMP
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key sidewalk issues
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold
We are owners at Seaplace and often go bike riding on the sidewalk to the north end of the Key. We noticed a significant issue at 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. There is a split in the sidewalk the entire width and it drops off a couple of inches into some sand. It is very dangerous if you are not expecting it. It would also be good to post the maximum speed limit as we noticed a few electric bikers flying by, which I am sure were faster than the 10 mile an hour maximum. Thank you for your service.
Vicki Morton
Longboat Key
Sea Horse Beach Resort Project
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Good Morning, Gary. Happy New Year!
Check out our updated pool and deck work, post hurricanes, image attached. Thank you for your help in that permit process. We have so many great things happening at Sea Horse. We were recently on the 6 p.m. news on Fox Tampa.
I’m forwarding you an email which my boss sent to Neil Mazzeo. We’re planning to do some balcony construction, in stages, at the Sea Horse.
Any assistance you can give would be amazing.
Thank you!
Christine Rothberg
Longboat Key
Sea Horse Beach Resort Project
To: Mr. Mazzei & Ms. Klahr
Your office has been helpful to us in the past, and we are reaching out again for advice and assistance on another Sea Horse building project.
Background
The Sea Horse Beach Resort (via licensed contractor) is preparing a permit application for reconstruction work on its building. The permit will be for the demolition of the existing second floor concrete balconies and replacement with a steel framed structure. The existing balconies date back to the building’s original construction and are in need of a modern facelift.
The plan is to complete reconstruction over time, allowing the Sea Horse to remain open during the project and to raise the required funding. The balconies follow the exterior walls of the building, divided into 6 separate sections. The project would be split into 6 consecutive phases – one for each balcony section.
Since Hurricane Helene, the Sea Horse has had one significant project after another, and thus is hopeful to receive approval to move forward on this project as quickly as possible. The cumulative projects have had a significant impact on rental business, and the goal is to minimize the impact going forward.
Request
Please provide guidance for: 1) obtaining the required approvals for Phase One demolition as quickly as possible (followed reasonably soon thereafter with the re-build), and 2) splitting the remaining project in phases. We are anxious to get started with demolition because it will have the biggest impact (primarily noise) on visiting guests. We would like to complete the demolition before the peak rental season, which begins in about a month.
We look forward to hearing from you. I will be at the Sea Horse until January 17th and would be happy to meet with you to discuss or answer any questions.
Sam McCarter
Longboat Key
Dog on beach
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
The attached photo was sent by a neighbor clearly showing the dog that is never leashed on Buttonwood running loose on the road. The police have visited these people with no results and I am tired of mowing and stepping in poop. The last name is Satnick – address Buttonwood Drive.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Dog on beach
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
One of my officers responded, checked the entire area behind St Regis and there were no dogs observed on the beach.
Chief Russ Mager
Longboat Key Police Department
Town of Longboat Key
Dog on beach
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
PD did respond to the St. Regis the other day regarding your other complaint about dogs on the beach at that location but did not find any animals out at that time.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Dogs on beach
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Good morning. We have not received any calls regarding the St. Regis, but I’m sending one of my officers over there now to inquire and educate.
Russ Mager
Police Chief
Town of Longboat Key
Dogs on beach
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
On tennis court this morning I was told dogs on beach without leashes continues to be an issue in area of St. Regis. When they spoke to dog handler the response is no leashes are required on “their private beach”. I believe ordinance is clear. Dogs leashed and no dogs on beach. Can we ask management to help over there?
Ryan Gandy
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Need Municipalities to weigh in New Offshore Drilling Proposed Off Florida
To: Longboat Key Commission
Reaching back out on a critical and time sensitive issue regarding new offshore drilling proposed off Florida’s Gulf Coast. As you may know, in November 2025, the Department of the Interior released the Draft Proposed Program (DPP) for the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
The federal government has proposed expanding offshore drilling to include a massive area off Florida’s Gulf Coast. One incident in this area could send oil and pollution to our region’s beaches and estuaries wrecking our environment, beaches, and tourism industries. Given the federal comment deadline of January 23, I am reaching out to all Florida coastal leadership simultaneously to ensure a coordinated regional response.
How Your Municipality Can Help
Oceana is working tirelessly to prevent this expansion, but the voices of our coastal cities and counties are the strongest defense we have. We are asking your municipality to take two critical steps:
Submit a Public Comment: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is currently accepting public comments on the DPP until January 23, 2026. You can submit your municipality’s official stance via the Federal Register here: (Regulations.gov).
Pass a Formal Resolution: We urge your council to consider passing a new resolution formally opposing any new offshore drilling leases. This sends a powerful message to federal leaders that California’s coast is not for sale. If you are unable to pass a resolution in this time frame, please consider uploading your most recent resolution to the Federal Register at the link above.
If you have already passed a resolution and do not have time to pass a new resolution, I encourage you to submit a previously passed resolution as your comment here: Regulations.gov
Florida’s local opposition has successfully held back proposed drilling for decades. We hope you will join us in calling on federal leaders to end new leasing and protect Florida’s coastline for generations to come.
I have attached a fact sheet and a template resolution for your review. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information or speak virtually at an upcoming council meeting.
Hunter Miller
Senior Field Campaigns Manager
Department of the Interior
Burns Square Public Parking
To: Denise Kowal
I just spoke to the city manager, and he has Broxton Harvey, our parking manager, looking into what can be done. We can’t guarantee there will be a solution by this weekend, but they are working on trying to find one. If you have any other suggestions, let us know.
Liz Alpert
Commissioner
Sarasota City Commission
Burns Square Public Parking
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert
I failed to request to be copied on directive emails to staff to pursue this matter so that I can know exactly which commissioners are following through with efforts on our behalf.
Denise Kowal
BCC Burns Square Stakeholders
Burns Square Public Parking
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert
This issue is urgent, not something that can wait as businesses that have their life’s savings invested into. Every day that we cannot tell our customers where to park is a loss of millions and possible loss of important clients. I do not need staff to walk with us, I need to speak with you and walk around with you. This is your district and those in the neighborhood deserve your attention immediately to this dire situation.
In the meantime, could you please direct staff with urgency to negotiate with the owners of the ‘Williams Parker’ and ‘County’ parking immediately so we can maybe have a temporary solution by this weekend. Awaiting your response.
Denise Kowal
BCC Burns Square Stakeholders
Burns Square Public Parking
To: Denise Kowal
I am not sure how much good it would do for me to walk around with you in Burns Square. I live in the 400 block of Palm, so I am very familiar with Burns Square. Do you have suggestions as to where parking could go that you would like to show me? If you still would like me to come, I can do the morning of 1/14 around 9:00 or 10:00. I will see if any of our staff can accompany me.
Liz Alpert
Commissioner, City of Sarasota
Burns Square Public Parking
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert
I would appreciate a walkabout this week with you in Burns Square. Please let me know a time that works for you. I am up super early so a morning stroll or late, either are nice times for me.
Denise Kowal
BCC Burns Square Stakeholders
Burns Square Public Parking
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert
Nobody has provided any solutions today, why?
Denise Kowal
BCC Burns Square Stakeholders
Burns Square Public Parking
To: BCC Burns Square Stakeholders Denise Kowal
I hope you have already received a response. But, if not, I am copying the interim city manager and deputy city manager with this email so the appropriate staff can respond.
Liz Alpert
Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Burns Square Public Parking
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
Hello Mayor Trice, City Commissioners, City Manager, City Parking Manager,
Following up. Urgent! We have three days until January 5th. We need a plan from you on where to tell our customers to park.
Denise Kowal
BCC Burns Square Stakeholders
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
For the past several years, Burns Square businesses, their employees, shoppers, guests, and residents have relied on the former “Verizon” lot at the corners of Laurel Street, South Orange Avenue, and Morrill Street as a vital parking resource. No longer – please see the attached notice.
To date, the City has not invested in or created the public parking infrastructure outlined in the adopted Parking Plan, which called for a Burns Square public parking garage to be completed in the Tier 1 phase by 2008. A plan many of us who own property and businesses here relied on.
As we are now entering peak season and anticipate increased activity in the district, it is critical that clear direction be provided immediately. Please advise where everyone should direct employees, customers, and visitors to park once use of the above-referenced lot is no longer permitted.
Timely guidance is essential to ensure continued access, economic vitality, and safety for Burns Square. We respectfully request a prompt response. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Denise Kowal, Resident/Business Owner
Burns Square Businesses & Property Owners
To: Kelly Brown
Thank you for your email and for inquiring about the process. Our plan is to discuss this with the Commission at the Special City Commission Meeting on January 13, as we will need their direction on the next steps and the level of community involvement. At this time, no dates have been set for community participation. However, following the meeting on the 13th, we expect to have more information available and will be able to provide further details. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Shayla Griggs
City Clerk
City of Sarasota
City Manager Seach Resident Involvement
To: Sarasota City Clerk Shayla Griggs
As we follow the city manager search process we recognize that there are over 70 applicants in the que. The first round process had intentions for each commissioner to elect a resident to participate in the interview process. We understand that will not be part of the process this time. CCNA leadership and members would like an update from the city as to how/when CCNA and our members will be given an opportunity to meet and ask questions of the final 10 or less candidates. Please let us know what we can expect and if any preliminary dates have been set for participation.
Kelly Brown
President
CCNA
City Manager Seach Resident Involvement
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
Thank you for your email. We will definitely be prepared to discuss. Please note based off previous history and also my contract negotiation process HR was heavily involved with the City Attorney’s office.
Shayla Griggs
City Clerk
City of Sarasota
City Manager Candidate Draft Contract and Negotiation Process
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
Thank you for your email – sounds good, we will update the Commission about the process during one of the meetings. Thank you Mayor.
Joe Polzak
City Attorney
City of Sarasota
City Manager Candidate Draft Contract and Negotiation Process
To: Sarasota City Attorney Joe Polzak
Now that we have CM Applications, the successful conclusion of the effort to hire a new City Manager seems within reach. That prompted me to think about the new CM’s contract. What is the process for negotiating that contract? Have the Commissioners seen a draft of what will initially be offered? Who will do the actual negotiating? Please plan to update us on this during one of the January Commission meetings.
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
After some research and review with staff, these are my office views on the matter. Under Florida law, once something is created, received, or maintained in connection with official business, it is a public record under Chapter 119, F.S.
In this scenario:
An AI transcript is generated during/for a meeting. The transcript is reviewed. The person changes the content because it doesn’t reflect intent. Now that AI transcript is: saved, shared,
relied upon, or otherwise kept in the agency’s custody, it becomes a public record. Altering it after that point can be interpreted as: tampering with a public record, or unlawfully destroying or modifying a record outside an approved retention and disposition process.
Correction vs. Alteration: Florida law does not say public records can never be corrected. The problem is changing the original record itself. Best practice (and the legally safer approach) is: Do not overwrite or modify the original record. Create a new, additional record that: clarifies, corrects, or supplements the original
Examples: A revised transcript labeled “Draft – Corrected Version”
An addendum or memorandum explaining inaccuracies. Official meeting minutes adopted later that supersede an informal transcript. The original record remains intact, and the clarification becomes its own public record.
Transcripts vs. Minutes: Another important nuance: Most Florida public bodies do not designate transcripts as the official record of meetings.
Audio/video recordings and approved minutes are typically the authoritative records.
Transcripts, especially AI-generated ones, are usually convenience records unless formally adopted. However, even convenience records are still public records once kept. That’s why agencies should be extremely cautious about: saving AI transcripts, emailing them internally, or letting them exist without clear labeling. Lastly, AI Complications: AI introduces two new risks:
Accuracy risk – AI may misinterpret tone, context, or speakers. Lifecycle risk – People may treat AI output as “draft thinking” when the law treats it as a record. Best practices many Florida RIM programs are moving toward: Clearly label AI transcripts as “unofficial,” “draft,” or “for reference only” Avoid retaining them unless there is a defined business purpose If corrections are needed, create a new version rather than editing the original. Ensure retention schedules account for AI-generated records. Public records should not be altered once created; instead, corrections should be documented through new or supplemental records that preserve the original.
That aligns with Florida statutes, case law, and Records Information Management best practice.
We can further discuss the matter. Thank you.
Shayla Griggs
City Clerk
City of Sarasota
Public Records Law prohibits alteration
To: Sarasota City Clerk Shayla Griggs
I participated in today’s FLC Quarterly Ethics webinar. Halfway through it, Randy Mora gave a hypothetical example of someone using AI to create a transcript of a meeting – thereby creating a public record. The person reviewed the AI-generated transcript and decided that it didn’t accurately reflect what the meeting participants meant, so the person altered the transcript. According to Randy, this alteration of a public record was illegal under Florida Statutes. So, it sounds to me like public records may not be corrected. (New and additional public records created, as needed?)
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
