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.
Police Chief Selection
To: Longboat Key Commission
This was shared with our Police Department employees this afternoon. Again, I want to thank and recognize Chief Rubino for stepping up during this interim period. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Police Chief Selection
To: Longboat Key Commission
As you know, we completed the Police Chief interviews on Tuesday. Before I share my decision with you, I want to share my sincere appreciation to Interim Chief Frank Rubino for his steady management during this period of transition. His professionalism and the continued dedication of the Department’s personnel have ensured consistent service and stability during this time. Together, you’ve made it work!
With that said, and after a national search and careful consideration of the qualities of the three finalists, I am pleased to announce that Russ Mager has been selected to be the next Chief of Police for the Town of Longboat Key. I would expect (for Police Department employees especially) that you have already researched the candidates and so you know that Russ is the retiring Police Chief from the City of Delray Beach, having served that community as their Chief since August of 2022. Prior to that he served in Delray Beach as the Assistant Chief for Field Operations, as a Captain, a Lieutenant, a Sergeant, a Detective, and a Patrol Officer. Although he has a degree from Florida State (nobody’s perfect), his vision for our future, approach to team work and major community policing efforts, his participation in state and national leadership programs, along with staff development and a commitment to re-accreditation was the leadership we were seeking as we began this search.
I am hopeful to introduce Russ to the Town Commission on June 27th before they take their summer break. It is our goal to have him start his new job with us by early August. Until that time, Chief Rubino continues just as he has been as the Interim Chief and my expectations for this are that we will have a smooth transition with everyone’s support.
Thank you again to Frank for his strong management and we remain hopeful that he will continue to be a valuable part of our organization. To the Department, thank you all for your patience and support as we’ve moved through this hiring process. I also want to thank Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman, Fire Chief Paul Dezzi, Town Clerk Trish Shinkle, and HR Manager Lisa Silvertooth for all of their efforts throughout this process. It was a team effort! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Town of Longboat Key Announces New Police Chief
To: Longboat Key Commission
Following a comprehensive national search and careful deliberation, the Town of Longboat Key is pleased to announce the appointment of Russ Mager as its next Chief of Police.
Chief Mager brings with him nearly three decades of law enforcement experience, having served with distinction for 29 years at the City of Delray Beach Police Department. His leadership of a substantially larger department, overseeing multiple bureaus and implementing complex citywide initiative, demonstrates the breadth of experience and strategic insight that align with the Town’s long-term vision for public safety. As a sitting Chief, Mr. Mager has a proven record in areas including strategic planning, labor relations, budget management, and community policing. His expertise also encompasses managing a wide range of operational demands, including emergency and storm response efforts. His professional background and leadership philosophy are well-matched with the evolving needs of the Longboat Key Police Department and the community it serves.
Chief Mager will be formally introduced to the Town Commission on June 27 and will plan to assume command on August 4. The Town would also like to extend sincere appreciation to Interim Chief Frank Rubino for his steady management during this period of transition. His professionalism and the continued dedication of the Department’s personnel have ensured consistent service and stability during this time.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Announcement: Longboat Key Appoints New Police Chief
The Town of Longboat Key is pleased to announce the appointment of Russ Mager as our next Chief of Police. Chief Mager brings nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience and a proven track record in leading complex public safety operations. He will be formally introduced to the Town Commission on June 27 and officially assume command on August 4. We are also grateful to Interim Chief Frank Rubino for his steady management during this transition. Please see the attached press release for additional details.
Tina Adams
Fire Administration & Communications Manager/PIO
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department
Firefighter staffing
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I’ve reviewed the department’s request. And I have a couple of questions. I’d like to follow up on our brief discussion this morning. At your convenience.
Steve Branham
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Let’s Talk LBK
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
This is Miles Dunlap with Salty LLC. I am the contractor for the rebuild project at 380 N Shore Rd. Just wanted to reach out and say thank you for taking the time to talk to me yesterday at the meeting.
I would love to receive any recommendations for the private adjustor you mentioned. My hope though is that we will not need to make any further estimates. After talking to Allen Parsons, I am under the impression that the assessment LBK gave is not binding and we can present numbers for the construction that fall under the 50% threshold.
I am setting up a meeting with Allen, Neil, the Longboat Pass owners association, and myself to confirm our next steps. We would like to file for permits as soon as possible as my clients have and continue to lose funds the longer this project sits.
Again, thank you for your time and interest in our concerns and if there is ever anything I can help you with feel free to reach out anytime.
Miles Dunlap
Salty LLC
Sea Turtle photos
To: Longboat Key Commission
This is the first I am hearing of these issues since I am off Sun/Mon. If you have these photos without mark-ups Cyndi I will send to FWC/FDEP and Code Enforcement as I do for all other areas we survey so that it is consistent and all of those entities can talk about the best solutions. We have many areas where these types of issues are occurring.
Additionally, the address of the two properties to the north with silt fencing issues and photos would be greatly appreciated so I can send those as well. Terri, I believe you are there tomorrow, can you send me some additional photos of this area, and the nest that Mike sent that does not have an unobstructed path back to the water (6547 GSR)?
Alexis Krummick (Ferrera)
Senior Biologist and Nesting Survey Supervisor
Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP)
Mote Marine Laboratory
Sea turtle photos
To: Longboat Key Commission
Wanted to share some sunny day photos of this dangerous situation. Mike Herron sent photos last week but they were a bit fuzzy. The turtle nested less than 50’ from this empty pool.
In recent weeks we are documenting turtles crawling over 150’ upland from Gulf. When this beach had dunes and vegetation they would only crawl to the edge of that barrier.
The next two properties to the north installed silt fencing during their demolition of the homes. As we all know the silt fences need maintaining. One of the fences is now a hazard for a 200 lb turtle.
Should we send the photo to the listing agent and ask for assistance? Should we report to Code Enforcement? If fence is not required should it be removed if they cannot maintain it from May to Oct?
Cyndi Seamon
Longboat Key Turtle Watch
LBK – Budget Conference Report
To: Longboat Key Town Attorney Maggie Mooney
This isn’t a surprise, as Fiona wanted to know why we couldn’t use ladders for the control panels. Let’s hope the subaqueous line grant sticks.
Ken Schneier
Mayor, Town of Longboat Key
LBK – Budget Conference Report
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
Attached please find the Budget Conference Legislative Report from your lobbyists at Ramba Consulting for the 2025 Legislative Session.
The good news is that LBK’s Subaqueous Force Main (SF 1377) (HF 1650) received funding of $1,500,000 nonrecurring General Revenue in Line 1555 (See pg. 310 of the GAA).
Unfortunately, LBK’s other (smaller) appropriation request, for resilient Control Panel Upgrade (HF 2482) (SF 1665) did not make it into the final conference report.
Given the political tensions and disputes during this Legislative Session, LBK was fortunate to have the subaqueous appropriation included in the budget. However, we cannot celebrate yet. We still need to wait to make sure that the $1.5 million appropriation is approved by Governor DeSantis. David Ramba and the lobbyists at Ramba Consulting will continue to monitor this for LBK. We will keep you posted on any developments in this regard.
I want to acknowledge all the work and effort by the Commissioners who advocated to our local delegation members in both counties on the importance of the Town’s appropriation requests. Your individual relationships with our local delegation members make a difference. The Commissioners’ efforts along with David Ramba and his team’s advocacy helped ensure that LBK’s critical project and infrastructure made it into the proposed budget. Great work everyone!
Maggie D. Mooney
Town Attorney
Town of Longboat Key
LBK – Budget Conference Report
To: Longboat Key Commission
Attached please find the Budget Conference Legislative Report from your lobbyists at Ramba Consulting for the 2025 Legislative Session.
The good news is that LBK’s Subaqueous Force Main (SF 1377) (HF 1650) received funding of $1,500,000 nonrecurring General Revenue in Line 1555 (See pg. 310 of the GAA).
Unfortunately, LBK’s other (smaller) appropriation request, for resilient Control Panel Upgrade (HF 2482) (SF 1665) did not make it into the final conference report.
Given the political tensions and disputes during this Legislative Session, LBK was fortunate to have the subaqueous appropriation included in the budget. However, we cannot celebrate yet. We still need to wait to make sure that the $1.5 million appropriation is approved by Governor DeSantis. David Ramba and the lobbyists at Ramba Consulting will continue to monitor this for LBK. We will keep you posted on any developments in this regard.
I want to acknowledge all the work and effort by the Commissioners who advocated to our local delegation members in both counties on the importance of the Town’s appropriation requests. Your individual relationships with our local delegation members make a difference. The Commissioners’ efforts along with David Ramba and his team’s advocacy helped ensure that LBK’s critical project and infrastructure made it into the proposed budget. Great work everyone!
Maggie D. Mooney
Town Attorney
Town of Longboat Key
Suncoast Waterkeeper Weekly Review
To: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko
Do you have any thoughts about what might have caused this distressing increase in the numbers?
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Suncoast Waterkeeper Weekly Review
To: Suncoast Waterkeeper Peyton Faulk
Some high values in there. Do you have any pictures of sites that were visited?
Unusual, in that most of the elevated values were along the barrier island (LBK boat ramp, LBK bayfront park, SRQ Sailing squadron) rather than along the mainland shoreline. The mainland shoreline has a much bigger watershed, and more wastewater infrastructure (no WWTPs on the barrier islands anymore) and the barrier island sites are closer to passes, with higher salinity and greater flushing. So a bit odd. Was wind out of the east?
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
A very brief but enthusiastic “shout out” of thanks to you and the commissioners, including Debra Williams, for working discussions toward a reasonable and fair disposition of the “Canal Dredging Issue.” Going forward, this is model that we, both east and west of GMD, should support.
Craig Wright
Professor Emeritus, Yale University
How common are the results from Sarasota Bay
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
As you are (hopefully) aware, we have seen some really good news about the bay’s health the last few years. Dating back to 2023, we’d been informing our stakeholders about the accumulating evidence that our bay’s water quality was starting to turn around – Director’s Note: Report card update & meetings in Washington, DC.
By the fall of 2023, FDEP staff in Tallahassee came down to meet with us to confirm and convey the good news that water quality had improved sufficiently in Sarasota Bay that none of the open waters of the bay were out of compliance with the SBEP-developed Numeric Nutrient Concentration (NNC) criteria – Director’s Note: FDEP determinations of water quality trends/.
We were fairly certain that the improvements were going to result in a substantial increase in seagrass coverage, which we discussed in both 2023 – Director’s Note: Good news on bay recovery, and also in 2024 – Director’s Note: Reasons for optimism – with a few caveats
The basis for the water quality improvements was covered in depth in prior Director’s Notes, and also is used in great detail in the development of the SBEP-led Water Quality Protection Plan, which is due to be completed this summer – Director’s Note: Honing in on the basis for recent trends…. And the improving condition in the bay are not just something that a statistician and/or chemist would be able to determine, my regular communications with recreational fishing guides has led to me being more confident that our findings are reflecting the reality of a cleaner bay – Director’s Note: Recreational fishing guide feedback on bay health.
And then, earlier this year, the culmination of all our hard work came about: the wastewater upgrades and large regional stormwater retrofit projects and public education about living a more bay-friendly lifestyle seem to have paid off by us having a 19% increase in seagrass coverage the last two years, an increase likely large enough to provide habitat for over 70 million fish, and providing more food for manatees and sea turtles – Director’s Note: 2024 Seagrass results – further good news on the bay’s recovery.
There is a lot to be proud of – our local elected officials and partners have funded over $300 million worth of efforts that have turned this bay around. To be sure, this recovery could slip away from us, like it did before. And the threats of climate change – higher rates of sea level rise, warmer air and water temperatures, the risk of more dangerous hurricanes – all these could set us back again. But for now, let’s just enjoy the moment, maybe?
And let’s take pride in the uniqueness of our recovery. Just last year, FDEP released its “Integrated Water Quality Assessment for Florida: Sections 303(d), 305(b) and 314 Report and Listing Update”. In that report, there is a summary of results from monitoring sites located across the state, where data were analyzed to look for any trends over time in water quality. Of those sites, only 32% showed evidence of improving conditions for Total Nitrogen (TN) and only 15% showed evidence of declining levels of chlorophyll a, the indicator of phytoplankton biomass that FDEP and the US EPA use. While many locations showed lots of variability but no trends, 46% of those stations had a trend of increasing chlorophyll-a.
Basically, in a state where it is much more likely that water quality (as far as nutrients) is getting worse, not better, we are an outlier – and in a good way. Oh yeah, none of those sites showed a decrease in water temperature, but half showed an increase. Climate change is happening, folks, the data are clear and accumulating.
But this begs the question: Is the success of Sarasota Bay only possible because our watershed is so small? Well, I don’t think so. And the reason why is because of what the stakeholders have pulled off in the Chesapeake Bay, where the Chesapeake Bay Program is the example upon which the National Estuary Program was designed.
This plot shows “flow-adjusted” trends over a 30-to-40-year period (varies depending on location) of the concentration of nitrogen in the bay itself, and also in its main tributaries, rivers as large as the Susquehanna, whose watershed includes much of Pennsylvania and even a bit of New York, to the Potomac (where I grew up), and then down to the James. The symbols with a downward-facing green triangle represent statistically significant downward trends (which is good) in the amount of nitrogen in the water column, after adjusting for the influence of wet and/or dry conditions.
Of the dozens of stations shown, well over 95% of them had decreasing TN concentrations. In Florida’s latest 305(b) report, the number of monitored stations with decreasing TN values was about 32%. But you know what’s really interesting here? The Chesapeake Bay’s water shed is almost exactly the same size as the entire state of Florida! Which means, a bay which drains a landmass almost as large as the entire state of Florida (and which houses over 18 million people) has been able to implement a pollutant load reduction strategy that has been able to improve water quality at more than 95% of its stations. That’s proof that you don’t have to be small to pull off water quality recovery.
One of the reasons why the Chesapeake Bay focused so much on reducing TN values was (similar to us) their desire to increase the amount of underwater grass beds (aka seagrass, or submerged aquatic vegetation). This graph, also from the Chesapeake Bay Program (and using data from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science), shows the plot of seagrass over the past 20 years.
After large rain events, seagrass coverage across the bay drops, but in doesn’t collapse the way it did in much of the Indian River Lagoon about a decade ago. And then it starts to increase again in a year or two. That’s what resilience is about – not a system that never changes, but a system that can bounce back quickly. That’s what we now have in Sarasota Bay, I believe, and that’s what the Chesapeake Bay has become. Also, check out the lower yellow line; that’s evidence that not only is the Chesapeake Bay cleaner than it was 30 to 40 years ago, but it also has a lot more seagrass habitat than it had 30 to 40 years ago.
Just like us. And maybe, one day in the future, the state as a whole might be able to see the trends we now have in both Sarasota and Chesapeake Bays.
David Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Suncoast Waterkeeper Weekly Review
To: Longboat Key Commission
Could be. The important thing about these “fecal indicator bacteria” is that they are not specific to humans, mammals or even animals as a source. You can get high levels of these bacteria from sewage or dog poop or rain washing bird poop off of docks.
But you can also get high levels of these “fecal” bacteria from decomposing grass blades from a neighborhood that blows grass clippings into the storm drain system, or from decomposing seaweed, or from the sloughed off seagrass blades. All those 12,000 acres of seagrass – those blades are replaced every month or so in the summertime, and when they decay/decompose, they can be the source of the bacteria as well as sewage.
David Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Suncoast Waterkeeper Weekly Review
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold
Our experience is that it is almost always a sea grass accumulation, usually as a result of some stronger winds (which the rain storms can bring). It is an odd reading as Dave T. pointed out and so we’ll continue to monitor.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
P&Z Board meeting
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
I have not forgotten your expressed interest in attending a meeting of the P&Z Board sometime, and to which I have promised to invite you. After a long hiatus – last meeting was in January – on short notice the Board has been called into session for a workshop tomorrow, Tuesday, June 17. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend – I am committed to a conference of the federal judiciary for this coming week out of state at which I am a scheduled speaker (the subject is the effect of recent Supreme Court decisions on the Administrative State, an interesting issue indeed).
This is the first Board meeting I can remember missing. In any event, this Board meeting is basically a workshop for us to get caught up on the pending tree business, of which you are well acquainted, and regarding which I just sent the Board members a lengthy memo (which I will be glad to share with you though you might do just as well to wait until we get something official to the Commission). I will keep you in mind for our next regular meeting if you decide not to go to this one.
Jay Plager
Longboat Key
Budget File for Commission
To: Longboat Key Commission
In accordance with our Town Charter, Art. V, Sections 3 and 6, the Town Manager shall submit to the Town Commission, on or before the fifteenth day of June of each year, a Preliminary Budget and Capital Program for the ensuing fiscal year.
This memorandum and PowerPoint fulfill this Charter requirement. I want to thank Sue Smith and Sandi Henley, as well as our Department Directors, for their work and collaboration in developing this document for your review and discussion on June 23rd.
Howard Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Gulfside Solution
To: Steve Weyl
I can see your point, but from my perspective it’s best for the Town to look at our beaches and canals in their entirety rather than highlighting specific locations. Gulfside Road is an erosion hotspot that threatens to spread, so the groins will benefit the entire shoreline even as the local residents have the most to gain. I think that’s the direction the Town is leaning in terms of the entire circumference of shoreline, Gulf to Bay — that it is one beneficial (drainage, habitat), traversable (by foot or on water), enjoyable waterway and ecosystem and as stewards we are tasked with maintaining it as such. That said, I will definitely keep your thoughts in mind as the dialogue continues!
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longobat Key
Gulfside Solution
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Thanks for being on the LBK North call this afternoon. You mentioned Gulfside today, and I just read about the canal dredging project and the 80/20 split for the cost – which is nothing more than shouldering most of the cost on the property owners who will benefit the most. I own two canal front properties – and I agree with this approach 100% – it really is an equitable way to pay for this.
Why wouldn’t the same concept apply to the 16 property owners on Gulfside? The property values on Gulfside will arguably be worth significantly more if groins are installed. (Gulfside is currently vulnerable to storms. I have to believe any real estate appraisal/professional would substantiate and monetize the increase in value). I bet if you take the increase in value divided by the cost of the groins – the value increase would outrun the total project cost! That said, I’m not sure why the 80/20 rule wouldn’t be apply here. Thoughts?
Steve Weyl
Longboat Key
Gulfside Solution
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Congratulations on becoming a commissioner for District 5. I’d like to share a recent email sent to all the commissioners in November 2023. In full disclosure, I had the gulf front property at 6489 Gulfside in contract last year and chose to bail from the contract as I felt it would be irresponsible to build on the highest erosion location on LBK. Now there is a $17 million spec home that is under construction and for sale at 6489 Gulfside. I am sure that the developer is hoping that the LBK taxpayers will insure their profit. Thank you in advance for your consideration and representation of the majority.
Hello LBK Leadership – As a resident of LBK, I’d like to share my thoughts on Gulfside Road and perhaps a reasonable path forward for this troublesome area. Hurricane Idalia certainly affected this strip of 16.
Steve Weyl
Longboat Key
Gulfside Solution
To: Longboat Key Commission
As a resident of LBK, I’d like to share my thoughts on Gulfside Road and perhaps a reasonable path forward for this troublesome area. Hurricane Idalia certainly affected this strip of 16 properties, exposing continuous rows of old seawalls, but this should not be viewed as a new problem. These seawalls date back a half century – well before sea rise concern and put in place for a reason. (see enclosed power point and dating of Ohanna seawall) My fear is that taxpayers are going to be asked to bail out 16 owners of multi-million-dollar properties who made a choice to live/build in an area that has historically endured erosions.
Here are some bullet points that may help guide your future decisions on what to do with Gulfside Road as well as Ohanna…
In a public meeting held June of 2022, one of the LBK commissioners expressed my exact concerns regarding potential unfairness of taxpayer funding for the 16 properties. I know there is some support for this sentiment already.
The Ohanna seawall roadblock is unfortunate from a beach walker standpoint, but I believe this affects very few people, which includes me. Yes, I’d like to continue walking south of Ohanna like I used to, but there is still a very good amount of beach to walk north of Ohanna and I think the vocal minority has gone through their “grieving process” and unhappily accepts the laws regarding beachfront property ownership.
In a candid conversation with the coastal engineer who had input on the enclosed Power Point, he mentioned on a phone call that he did not know how successful the groins would be in holding the sand. He was confident that this area would be a challenge given how far the groins would jet out from Ohanna wall (200’ ++) creating a very unnatural peninsula. He also questioned whether FDEP would actually allow such a project that would extend out that far into the gulf.
If the groins are installed taxpayers will be strapped with maintaining the renourishment at a potentially steep and unknown cost. Note – All of the cost estimates were done prior to recent inflation spikes.
Now that Hurricane Idalia has exposed seawalls and other hard structure – I believe LBK code requires property owners to maintain seawalls (Seawalls shall be maintained plumb and in good repair, without visible deterioration, spalling of concrete, exposed reinforcements, ground holes, or other damage). Why not enforce current municipal code? This would also give property owners an opportunity to protect their properties and exhibit their willingness to do so without relying on others (taxpayers) to bail them out.
Casey Key Example:
Use Casey Key as a guideline. Very exclusive beachfront homes protected by natural rocks at homeowner expense. It does not seem to influence property values nor a desire to build beachfront. In fact, new home construction is built to withstand sea rise and as time goes on, people will build with the expectation of erosion and storm surge. I believe that LBK can make an investment and effort to help the 16 property owners with getting the necessary clearance to reinforce their properties. This might not be a perfect solution, but it does not strap taxpayers to a very questionable and expensive project. Here is an example of a Casey Key home:
In summary – Gulfside erosion is not a new problem as is evident with half century old seawalls. The owners of these properties are/were aware of the challenges in this area (or at least should have been aware with some due diligence) and LBK can empower these homeowners by getting the necessary clearance to reinforce their properties, enhance the aesthetics, and help maintain property values. Taxpayers should not be asked to bail out 16 homeowners that have current property values of $4 million (land only) to as much as $17 million (i.e. spec home currently being built at 6489 Gulfside Rd) for an expensive experimental project that will require constant funding. In the best interest of the majority of LBK homeowners, wouldn’t it make sense to at least explore and try this approach first before committing to such a large investment – what do we have to lose? Thank You for reading this.
Steve Weyl
Longboat Key
TDC
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Thank you for the support and kind words. We have a great team at VSC. I was able to go to Michael’s on East last night with my husband to get the Savor Sarasota menu and it was phenomenal, as usual. Still planning to try to get to a few more spots next week, so definitely will have to try to get out to the lazy lobster. Thanks for sharing the Intel!
Erin Duggan
Executive Director
Visit Sarasota County
TDC
To: Visit Sarasota Executive Director Erin Duggan
Erin, just a note to say thank you for you for your descriptive update yesterday, as usual, very informative. Wanted to say we had a meal at one of the Saver Sarasota establishments The lazy lobster and had an excellent meal with excellent feedback from the owner, Michael Garey regarding the response to this program. Thanks again.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Beautiful oak tree cut down at S. School Ave.
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
I am writing regarding my beautiful oak tree that was cut down on October 10, 2025. It is within the 6-feet area from the road.
In October 7, 2024, I had left Sarasota due to Hurricane Milton and was out of state. On October 10, there was a small water leak from a pipe next to the tree that alerted my neighbors to contact me.
My neighbors called the City and someone showed up to address the pipe’s water leak. Since I wasn’t there, I do not know who specifically decided to cut down my gorgeous oak tree, home to woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays, etc., but they cut it down.
I need your help to please remove the stump that is still in my yard, replace the area with sod, and also plant a new tree.
I have attached photographs for your view. The diameter of the stump is approximately 17 inches. I think the trees across the street were planted at the same time.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Linda Wolfe
Sarasota
Beautiful oak tree cut down at S. School Ave.
To: Linda Wolfe
Thank you for your email. I am so sorry about the oak tree and I have copied the Interim City Manager and City Arborist on this email to respond accordingly. So sorry the beautiful Oak is gone!
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
