Canal Navigation Maintenance Program
To: Longboat Town Commission
My wife and I reside in the Fairway Bay community of Bay Isles and are fortunate to have a unit overlooking the Bay across a small canal. We have read with interest the proposal for Special Assessments and appreciate, given our location, why we should contribute to the cost of maintenance.
At the same time, however, we do not think it’s fair for those of us with a view of the canal to bear a disproportionate expense anymore then it would be fair asking those with a view of the Gulf to pay a disproportionate share of the cost of maintenance and repairs to the beaches. I’m not aware if this is the case, but the parallel is important.
Regardless of how the total cost is allocated among property owners, we believe anyone using the Bay (whether they live nearby or not) and the canals should also be asked to contribute – perhaps by way of a user fee for anyone with a vessel which has access to and may use the canal waterways.
While we may have missed it, neither of us recall in the materials we have seen to date the idea of a contribution from those who actually use the canals in addition to those, like us, who just happen to own properties abutting the canals. Just adding our voice to the discussion.
Andy Forstenzer
Longboat Key
GAO Study Request
To: Florida State Senate
Per our conversations on aviation issues earlier in the FL Legislative session, I wanted to make sure you were in the loop on the FAA GAO study request we have now finalized.
As you can see from the distribution list, this effort includes many members of the FLC, some of whom are also members with me of the NLC Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee which is chaired by Josh Simmons from Coral Springs.
As this is a Congressional initiative, I am copying Allison and Commissioner Bishop on this message. Please let me know if you have any questions, or if I can provide any additional information to you.
Allan Kaulbach
Councilor
City of Atlantis
GAO Study Request
To: Florida State Senate
Many thanks to those of you who provided both comments on the first draft of the GAO study request and specific case study/issues relevant to your respective communities.
My thanks to Clint Harper, the Aviation Consultant to the City of Atlantis, for his efforts in developing the original draft and incorporating the comments received. In working with Clint and the City’s Aviation Counsel, I am forwarding the attached document for your review. Please advise whether you have any additional edits.
Please get back to me with your comments by no later than next Wednesday, June 10th, so that we can move forward with the request.
We are working with Senator Moody’s office to advance this request, but it would be great if we can get other Senate and House members to support this effort. Please let advise whether you would be willing to reach out to other members to ask for their support. If you have any questions or want additional information, please reach out to me.
Allan Kaulbach
Councilor
City of Atlantis
Longboat Pass Bridge
To: Longboat Key Commission
Commissioner Branham, Isaac, and I met with FDOT District Secretary Jamie Driggers and members of his office on Tuesday, June 9th. The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Long Pass Bridge replacement plus some additional Gulf of Mexico Drive projects. The attached letter is a summary of the discussion and reiteration of the Town’s position.
The meeting was held in two places. The first location was in Coquina Beach looking at the bridge from the ground. This location was chosen (thank you Commissioner Karon for the suggestion) to help provide the best perspective on the proposed height of the fixed span bridge. Town I.T. Director, Jason Keen, flew a drone up to around 80 feet (you have to look closely for it) to create an excellent visual of the height from the ground. He also took pictures with the drone to show the perspective from the top. The pictures are attached and we believe make the best case possible for our position. We then moved to Town Hall to complete our meeting.
Commissioner Branham will discuss the meeting in further detail under Commission comments on June 22nd.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program update
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
On behalf of the SBEP, I wanted to thank you all for participating in the Midnight Pass Workshop. The event included 60 attendees, 20 speakers, and participation from 14 distinct organizations/entities. We greatly appreciate the engagement and your commitment to developing a scientific community around this complex system. The SBEP is committed to long-term engagement with you all on this, and we look forward to what we can do together to bring the ongoing science to our broader community.
Over the next few weeks, we will continue to send updates on additional products from this meeting. In the interim, we have placed the agenda, PDF versions of the presentations, some pictures from the sessions, and a contact list from the meeting on a google drive here . We hope this will facilitate additional communication and collaborations. In the coming weeks we will have a full video from the meeting available along with a transcribed discussion, data gaps sections, and next steps. We look forward to continued engagement on this important topic, and once again thank you for your participation and engagement.
Ryan Gandy
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Midnight Pass Science Workshop
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Thank you, and much appreciated. I just sent some resources from the meeting to the attendees, and we will be sending more in the upcoming weeks. We are looking forward to continued engagement on Midnight Pass.
Ryan Gandy
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Midnight Pass Science Workshop
To: Ryan Gandy
What a fabulous program that the SBEP hosted last week. I know there’s tremendous interest around this pass, and folks eager to hear the results that you shared. Again, thanks to you and your staff for another informative and well managed event.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Longboat Key
Town Appropriations
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Below is a memo of Delegate Robinson’s appropriations. We do not appear to have anything on the list.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Town Appropriations
To: Longboat Key Commission
The 2026-27 Florida budget has been sent to the Governor’s office. The budget totals $114.5 billion but it is less than last year’s budget [and will be lower after the Governor exercises his line-item veto power. I was able to secure a record number of projects in the budget -$36.4 million for our area for Manatee County, the Manatee School District and all 5 cities in the District. Those projects are important infrastructure and water quality projects and include:
1. $7.5 million – SFC for SCF’s Parrish Collegiate School.
2. $3.0 million to City of Bradenton’s Reclamation Facility.
3. $3.0 million to Manatee County to extend 51st Street West.
4. $2.5 million to BayCare Hospital for its Manatee Neonatal Care Unit
5. $2.5 million to Pace Center for Girls Manatee building.
6. $2.0 million to City of Palmetto Water Meter Backflow Upgrades.
7. $2.0 million to City of Palmetto 10th Avenue improvements.
8. $1.6 million to Manatee County for Veterans Resource Hub and Memorial Park
9. $1.5 million to City of Palmetto for the 14th Avenue Recreational Facility.
10. $1.25 million to City of Anna Maria Public Works building destroyed during the hurricanes.
11. $1 million to City of Bradenton to provide extra wastewater improvements.
12. $1 million to City of Palmetto to repair aging sewer pipes.
13. $2 million to the City of Bradenton to enhance sanitary sewer by replacing lift station 8 and other storage and treatment projects.
14. $1 million to the City of Bradenton Beach to Stormwater Flood and Resiliency Projects.
15. $750K to City of Palmetto for Resiliency Improvements.
16. $750K to Manatee Habitat for infrastructure improvements for its 20-home affordable project.
17. $750K to the Coastal Conservation Association for fishery and water quality.
18. $631K to Holmes Beach for Resiliency and Stormwater improvements along SR 64 and SR 789.
19. $500K to Centerstone for Inpatient Behavioral Facility.
20. $500K to City of Bradenton for Police Dispatch.
21. $400K to Manatee County for the Ft. Hamer Interchange.
22. $395K to Preschool Emergency Alert Response Learning System.
23. $275K to Align Benefit Corp for its growing OAKS initiative – aims to help prevent children from entering Florida’s foster care system by supporting families in crisis so they can stay together.
24. $275K to Manatee School District for a Soaring Lab in North Manatee.
25. $380K to City of Palmetto for Police Dispatch Software.
All these projects are subject to the veto rights of the Governor. So, if any of these projects are important to you, please let the Governor know.
The picture was taken right after my farewell address on the House Floor which was taken in March [thanks, mom!]. My term doesn’t end until November and so I don’t stop working until then!
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns!
William Robinson
Florida House Representative
Sign on public beach
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
I don’t see any pictures if they were attached. Can you forward them to me, please?
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Sign on public beach
To: Lynn Cook
Thank you Lynn for including me in the information stream. I will ask if these issues be dealt with swiftly.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Sign on public beach
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Gary, I am sending you this picture of the sign. I saw while patrolling my turtle zone yesterday since you are the commissioner of district one and would surely want to be aware of it.
I also sent it to the coding officer because I had some beach furniture of violations and lighting violations in the turtle zone as well.
What we do know is that if the referendum passes our ad valorem revenue will be down and our budget will be impacted (obviously), but we don’t know exactly how much. As I mentioned when we spoke, Longboat Key will be in relatively better shape than some other communities, as our mean property valuation is well above the $250 homestead exemption threshold, and the percentage of homesteaded properties is low (guestimate is around 35%).
Lynn Cook
Longboat Key
Thanks for picking up
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Debra Williams
Thank you! Glad I asked. So ya’ll don’t know what sort of impact this will have, not yet anyway.
John Dunbar
Suncoast Searchlight
Thanks for picking up
To: John Dunbar
To clarify, the most recently adopted budget 2025-2026, has ad valorem revenue at ~$18.5 million, with total general fund revenues of ~$24 million (ad valorem being ~75% of that total). Hope this answers your question.
Debra Williams
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Thanks for picking up
To: Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams
Hello Mayor, just checking a number, I think I am missing something. The general fund budget is about $24 million, right? And the new tax amendment would take away 75% of that? That seems crazy.
John Dunbar
Suncoast Searchlight
Thanks for picking up
I’m also sorry I missed your earlier call as well. I can call at 4:15 but if you would like to talk sooner, that’s fine too.
John Dunbar
Suncoast Searchlight
Thanks for picking up
To: Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams
Just send you an email to follow up. Here’s my last story on the property tax amendment: https://suncoastsearchlight.org/desantis-suncoast-property-tax-proposal-sarasota-manatee-desoto/
As mentioned, I am John Dunbar and I am a reporter for Suncoast Searchlight (go here: www.suncoastsearchlight.org). We are a relatively new news publication based in Sarasota. We are small but influential; most of our reporting gets picked up at one place or another. Anyway, I am doing a follow-up story on the property tax bill that passed last week, and I would like to chat with you.
When I last heard from the town commission, it was a June 1 meeting, and part of the discussion was about the proposed property tax amendment. I sensed some frustration. That was when you had very little information. How do you feel about it now? What kind of impact might it have on your town?
Does it go too far? Are you concerned you may have to raise taxes or cut services? Which services do you think would be the most vulnerable?
Does this create a rift between the local governments and Tallahassee? Does this fly in the face of home rule? I would love to chat with you, I do have to get this done by this afternoon, or try to anyway! Okay, that’s all, thank you.
John Dunbar
Suncoast Searchlight
The Stop Sign
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
I received the attached email regarding a “stop” sign on the groin by Islander Club. It is believed to have been placed there by the town. If so, is there some way to make it more aesthetically pleasing while delivering the same message?
Debra Williams
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
The Stop Sign
To: Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams
Mayor, we will look into this. The groin is a Town owned structure, and we did our best to prevent residents and visitors from exploring the damaged structure. It is part of the FEMA claim and as soon as we can get the FEMA process complete, we will get a contractor to permanently repair it. We are hoping sooner than later. I will get with the team to see if there are other options that will continue to secure the site, while being more aesthetically pleasing.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
The Stop Sign
To: Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams
It was a pleasure to meet you Friday night at Temple Beth Israel. I’m so impressed with your “journey” to the office of Mayor and especially impressed with the responsiveness of our town of Longboat Key. I’m attaching photos of the sign that I mentioned. This is located at approximately 2300 Gulf of Mexico adjacent to The Islander Club property. The groin was partially destroyed during the hurricane and the sign and fence were erected to prevent people from entering. (Oddly enough, I’m watching 4 men fishing from the far edge of the groin as I write this). I realize the importance of caution and safety to the public. Just asking for a more “ pleasing sign” until the repairs are finally made. Thank you so much for your attention.
Judy Soden
Longboat Key
Chief Russ Mager – Coordinated Psychological Torture
To: Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams
This matter was professionally handled by the Longboat Key Police Department. The matters Ms. Rippo brought forward were related to NJ, for which the Town does not have authority. After investigation, Town PD did not find probable cause to proceed further under Florida state law for the matters she was presenting. Ms. Rippo was referred to the state attorney’s office.
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Chief Russ Mager – Coordinated Psychological Torture
To: Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams
Your Chief was screaming at me and I am being told the AG refused these charges. According to Ivan, this matter was supposed to be handled by Detective Ramsaier. Capt. Robert Borque and Chief Russ Mager aren’t being honest. I want an internal affairs investigation done on this matter. Please advise who will be doing that investigation. This matter was not handled by the AG Office. I note no name of person from AG Office mentioned in police report that I requested. The only AG connection is Captain Robert Borque who was nominated for an AG Award.
You’ve just implicated yourself in a very serious matter which includes a coverup of AI Porn by Political Harassers in cape May County. I also note Chief Russ Mager and Captain Borque refused to meet with me on June 6, 2026.
Lisa J. Rippo
Longboat Key
Wood Bridge over Creek and Bridge Designation
To: George Reenstra
I have one estimate on the bridge that was little bit broader in scope than we expected, but it will be good for us to use for comparison. I am waiting for the contractor to refine that and then give me additional pieces that were missing. I am expecting that from the contractor by the end of today. As long as I get what I am expecting, I plan to send you the information by the end of the day. Then we can discuss when you would like.
As far as the Gulf of Mexico Drive (SR 789) dedication within the Town of Longboat Key, here is what I know so far:
It is currently not dedicated, but roads can have more than one dedication anyway.
For the road, it would be a similar process as the bridge, except the road doesn’t need a formal Resolution from two separate cities…only from the Town Commission.
As far as a project sponsor or champion, you would probably need a Town Commissioner to champion it so that his or her colleagues can get on board with it as well and then have the commission pass a Resolution. The Town Manager’s office (myself and Mr. Tipton) can help with anything related to the Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) and also have a conversation with the state legislators to see whom like to be the lead sponsor for it after a Town Resolution is passed (probably State Rep. Fiona McFarland, but it can be any legislative member).
Memorial designations are considered and passed once a year and signed into law by the Governor; I have a note in to FDOT to find out when this normally happens each year. Once signed into law, FDOT places memorial marker.
Longboat Key has a good history of honoring veterans over time. The discussion the Town Commission may have is whether to have the designation specific for Vietnam War Helicopter Pilots and Crew, as requested, or whether to broaden it for Veterans in general. That would be for the Town Commission to talk through; we as the Town staff and the commissioner sponsor/champion would be clear that the specific request you have made is to Honor Vietnam War Helicopter Pilots and Crew.
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Wood Bridge over Creek and Bridge Designation
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
I am here all week before heading back to Europe. Progress on the path/bridge? Further update on. GOM dedication? Wait to hear.
George Reenstra
Longboat Key
Wood Bridge over Creek and Bridge Designation
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
Great, I. Am heading to Europe but will stay I touch….thank you.
George Reenstra
Longboat Key
Wood Bridge over Creek and Bridge Designation
To: George Reenstra
Thank you Sir, that sounds good! No, I don’t think Gulf of Mexico Drive has a designation yet either; I can check on that. As far as a Representative, let me check with Mr. Tipton, Town Manager, and get his thoughts.
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Wood Bridge over Creek and Bridge Designation
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Since I rarely go north the new pass bridge is my choice. I doubt either town would object. This is above my pay grade. Does Gulf of Mexico have such a designation? Sounds easier and would work for me. Can you recommend someone I can meet with and retain to act as my Representative? Thanks, when I get back, you, Gary and myself can grab lunch.
George Reenstra
Longboat Key
Wood Bridge over Creek and Bridge Designation
To: George Reenstra
Thank you for reaching out! I met with our Public Works Department onsite, and they have started the work to clean up all the ditch banks and the ditch itself. We also just met with our contractor last week about the wood bridge over the creek project. He is working up some numbers for that. As soon as we get that, we will forward your way.
As far as a memorial opportunity for the south bridge (New Pass Bridge) in Honor with Vietnam Helicopter Pilots and Crews, I did some research, and it is a little bit involved. Memorials on state roads or bridges are defined by Florida Statute. Below is my understanding of the statute:
Starts with a Formal Recommendation(s) from the local government showing support for the memorial designation. If the bridge or road is in more than one locality, it would require formal recommendations from both cities. In this case, the Town of Longboat Key and the City of Sarasota since the bridge connects the two cities.
Once Formal Recommendations are achieved, there would need to be a State Legislative sponsor (FL House or Senate).
That sponsor would then make sure to get actual formal Resolutions from both the Town and the City. Once the Resolutions are passed and obtained, the sponsor brings it to the State Legislature and the State Legislature votes on it. Once approved, the Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) designates the bridge with a memorial marker.
So, it all starts at the local Town level with a recommendation from the Town Commission. Then, if the Town Commission supported it, that recommendation would go to the City of Sarasota to see if their elected officials support it.
Another potential option is a memorial as part of the new Broadway Street at Gulf of Mexico Drive Roundabout that the state is helping us build at the north end. I am not sure, but it may have to go through the same process because Gulf of Mexico Drive is a state road (SR 789). The upside is that it is more of a Town requested project rather than an existing bridge between two cities. But we understand that a bridge designation is strong and very meaningful.
Another idea is that the Town has historical markers in Town right-of-way or property like the one below. These are usually tied to some historical event in connection with Longboat Key, but maybe there is a connection that can be considered.
These are just some initial thoughts and research. As far as the wood bridge over the creek is concerned, I will send the construction estimate once we have it in hand.
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
