Charter Review Committee
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Again, I’m sorry I missed the meeting, but the initial email below refers to a tentatively scheduled meeting on June 22nd. I never received confirmation. If there’s anything I can do to rectify the situation, please let me know. Again, thanks for thinking of me.
Steve Baril
Longboat Key
Charter Review Committee
To: Steve Baril
Steve I think everything you’ll need is in this mail. Thanks again.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Charter Review Committee
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
To date, we have received three applications for the Charter Review Committee! A tentative Meet and Greet with applicants is currently planned for the Regular Workshop on June 22, and appointments to the Committee are tentatively scheduled for the Special Meeting on June 29 (Committee meeting schedule to be established for September 2026).
As you interact with residents, please consider reaching out and sending the attached blank application to those who have demonstrated an interest in serving their community. These engaged community members often bring valuable perspectives and a strong commitment to Longboat Key. Applications must be submitted no later than the close of business on Tuesday, June 16 (an extension from Monday, June 15).
Thank you for helping spread the word and encouraging community participation. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Have a great day and enjoy your weekend!
Stephanie Garcia
Deputy Town Clerk
Town of Longboat Key
Broadway Beach Access Concerns
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Regarding the Broadway Beach Access and related areas, Charlie Mopps, Public Works Director, is reviewing these with his team and will provide a response in the near future.
As far as the Broadway Roundabout project, that project will improve about 1,000-ft. of roadway north of the roundabout and about 1,000-ft. of roadway south of the roundabout with wider bicycle lanes and a wider trail on the east side. The roundabout itself will be nicely planted to create an aesthetic gateway feature at the north end as well as safer pedestrian, bicycler, and vehicular intersection crossings as noted below. The Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) is paying for the majority of construction and administering the future construction contract. The FDOT is planning to begin a 30-day advertising period to obtain construction bids starting on July 24th while the engineering team is finalizing permit acquisition. Once a construction contract is negotiated and in place, the intent is for FDOT to start the construction project in early 2027 and run about 18-months. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Broadway Beach Access Concerns
To: Patti Lopez
Thank you for letting us know of these concerns at Broadway Beach. I know the Town is prioritizing better trash management at beach access points but it seems we are missing the mark significantly here.
As for Turtle Watch equipment storage, I’m cc-ing Cyndi Seamon here: Cyndi, perhaps the Town and/or the LBK Foundation can assist your team in creating a better structure for your tools? I would be happy to work with you on this.
Regarding plans for beautification of the parking area: sounds like a good idea, perhaps Asst Town Manager Isaac Brownman will share thoughts on this.
We are on track for Broadway Roundabout project, Isaac will give us the latest on that score as well. It will be a lovely gateway to the North End, in addition to improving pedestrian and bike safety.Let me know how I can be of assistance, thanks.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Broadway Beach Access Concerns
To: Longboat Key Public Works and Town Commission
As a resident of the north end of Longboat Key, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the Broadway beach access and to inquire about the Town’s maintenance and development plans for this area.
While the north shore access point has been improved, the Broadway access remains in disrepair following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Despite being one of the island’s busiest points with approximately 100 parking spaces, it faces persistent issues with illegal parking, littering, unauthorized pets, and unsafe boating. Furthermore, the landscaping and parking areas appear neglected, the walkway lacks a proper path, and frequent garbage overflows are creating unsanitary conditions.
I am also concerned about the current storage solutions for the LBK Turtle Patrol. Given the importance of their work for nesting turtles, does the Town intend to provide a more permanent and aesthetically appropriate structure for their equipment to replace the current plastic bins?
I believe that if we do not maintain a respectable appearance at our access points, visitors may be less inclined to respect our community’s efforts to protect seabirds and sea turtle habitats and residents.
Finally, noting the successful beautification projects on the south end of the island, I would like to understand the Town’s goals for the north end. Could you please provide a timeline for restoring the Broadway access property and share any plans for beautifying the roadway areas north of Whitney Plaza? Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response regarding how these matters will be addressed.
Patti Lopez
Longboat Key
FDOT Projects
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
A Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and FDOT, granted Location and Design Concept Acceptance for I-75 at Moccasin Wallow Road PD&E Study, from north of I-275 to north of Moccasin Wallow Road in Manatee County, Florida. This project includes modification of the existing interchange from a traditional diamond interchange to a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) and construction of a braided ramp between I-275 and Moccasin Wallow Road interchanges.
All information about the project, including a copy of all final documents, is available on the project website at https://www.swflroads.com/project/454096-1. This project will now proceed to the next phase of development.
If you would like more information regarding this project, please contact FDOT Project Manager, Nicole Harris, at (863) 519-2335 or by e-mail at Nicole.Harris@dot.state.fl.us.
Melissa Slater
District Corridors Program Engineer
Florida Department of Transportation
Longboat Key Bridge
To: James Haft
Hopefully Tal will be responsive to you. I am not one of his voters.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key Bridge
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Meanwhile, I don’t believe Tal wrote a letter either as promised.
James Haft
Longboat Key
Longboat Key Bridge
To: James Haft
No. I am in DC next week with one of their commissioners and will push our issue.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key Bridge
To: Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie
Did the BB Commission take a position on the proposed LBK Bridge?
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Longboat Key Bridge
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
At our next commission meeting, I will be asking the commission if they would like to have an official position on the proposed height of the LBK Bridge.
John R. Chappie
Mayor
Bradenton Beach
Longboat Key Bridge
To: Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie
Residents of north LBK are very concerned about the proposed fixed span bridge. Jim Haft , who co-leads LBK North, has reached out to Bradenton Beach, is hoping you will join our Mayor, Debra Williams, in our request to build a smaller, less intrusive structure.
Thank you John. Hope recovery is continuing on Bradenton Beach. I know you have been swamped.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key Bridge
To: Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie
Just following up on my prior message. Is Bradenton Beach willing to send a letter to FDOT opposing the 78 foot mega bridge at Longboat Pass? If so, can you please send me a copy?
I’ve attached the letter that the Town of Longboat Key has sent to FDOT opposing the fixed bridge. Tal Siddique was going to send a letter as well, in support of the communities in his jurisdiction. Having a letter from Bradenton Beach would greatly assist our lobbying efforts to oppose the bridge.
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Thank You
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
It was so great to see you again and am glad that we were able to have an extended meeting – I know Vern always enjoys meeting with you.
It has been a wonderful seven years, and I will definitely miss this work but am looking forward to the new challenge ahead of me.
In the meantime, please let me know if you need anything and I will let you know whenever we are down in Sarasota/LBK (which will be more often than not!).
Chase Babair
Longboat Key
Thank You
To: Chase Babair
It was wonderful to see you yesterday when we met with Congressman Buchanan. Thank you, as always, for all the help and support you provide me and our entire staff at Longboat Key. Kaylee, Isaac and Charlie love working with you.
Congratulations on your new home. Hope settlement goes smoothly. I will definitely be in Land O Lakes when you open your new Smoothie Shoppe. Will be quite a change from working on the Hill.
Please let Vern know how much we appreciated the extra time he took with our group. We have been so proud to have him as our Congressman. Not sure who will be in that office next year, but we will miss the Congressman and you terribly. Stay in touch.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Thank you
To: Omar Franco
It was wonderful to get to know you a bit better on this trip. Loved our time at dinner Tuesday night. Shannon was fabulous with us. I hope we see more of her. I believe this was one of our most successful fly-ins and your team Was a great part of that. If I can ever be of any help please do not hesitate to contact me.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat key
Thank you
To: Sami Araboghli
As always, it was wonderful to see you yesterday when we met with Congressman Steube. You all have done so much to help Longboat Key and it is truly appreciated. Please be sure Greg knows how much we appreciated the extra time he spent with Jen and me.
I have made a reservation for you to join me at the Tiger Bay Luncheon on Thursday July 9th at 11:45 a.m. It is at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. I know Jen will appreciate the extra support at this debate event for the City of Sarasota election. If the Congressman wishes to attend, please let me know and I will make a reservation for him as well. Have a wonderful 4th of July. We will see you soon.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Communication Team Update
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Thank you, Commissioner, for your support. I completely agree, the realignment of our Communications Team is a fantastic move that will truly benefit our community. With Savannah stepping into the leadership role, I am confident our team will keep sharing timely and valuable information with everyone we serve. Savannah brings so much to the table, and I am excited to see how she leads us forward.
I’m glad you received the notification on your personal cell. I’ll go ahead and pull up your account details to check your order and confirm the contact information we have for you, including your cell phone and email address to see what order of notification we have listed and will keep you updated. Thanks again for your encouragement and feedback.
Tina Adams
Public Information Officer
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Communication Team Update
To: Longboat Key Public Information Officer Tina Officer
Sounds like a great move and coordination,, by the way Tina my city phone did not activate this morning but my personal phone did.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Communication Team Update
To: Longboat Key Commission
I wanted to share an exciting update regarding the Town’s Communications Team:
Effective October 1, 2026, Savannah Cobb will assume the role of Lead for the Communications Team. This transition is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen and grow the communications services we provide to our departments, employees, residents, businesses, and visitors.
Over the past year and a half, the Communications Team has experienced significant growth in both the number of requests we receive and the responsibilities we manage. As we continue looking for ways to better serve the organization, Town leadership has identified an opportunity to redistribute responsibilities and further develop the team.
Now that Savannah has returned from maternity leave and settled back into her role, we are excited to expand her responsibilities and utilize her skills in a greater leadership capacity. Savannah has been an integral part of many communications projects and initiatives, and this transition is a natural next step.
I also want to emphasize that this change reflects the continued growth of the Communications Team and the Town’s investment in its future. As communications needs continue to expand across the organization, this transition allows us to better utilize the strengths of both Savannah and me. Savannah will take the lead on Town-wide communications while I remain focused on public safety communications, emergency management initiatives, strategic projects, and supporting the Communications Team. Together, this positions us to provide even greater support and service across the Town.
As part of this transition:
Savannah will serve as the Town’s primary Public Information Officer (PIO) for general Town communications.
She will lead the Communications Team, assist with assigning projects, oversee communication initiatives, and help coordinate communications related to Town events and activities.
I will continue serving as the PIO for Public Safety, maintaining responsibility for Police, Fire Rescue, emergency management, and public safety communications.
I will remain actively involved with the Communications Team and serve as Savannah’s backup when needed.
Over the next several months, Savannah and I will work closely together through cross-training and knowledge sharing to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
As a reminder, when submitting communication requests, please continue to send them to:
Communications Team
Using the team email helps us track requests, assign projects appropriately, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Whether it’s a social media post, press release, employee communication, event promotion, graphic, video, website update, or another communication need, the team email remains the best place to start.
Another change accompanying this transition is that oversight of the Communications Team will move from Chief Dezzi to the Town Manager’s Office. We are grateful for Chief Dezzi’s support, leadership, and guidance over the years, as well as his role in helping develop the Communications Team into what it is today.
The Communications Team remains committed to supporting every department and providing timely, accurate, and engaging communications. We are excited about this next chapter and the opportunities it creates to continue improving how we communicate both externally and internally. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Tina Adams
Fire Administration & Communications Manager/PIO
Town of Longboat Key
USCG Contact
To: FDOT Project Development Engineer David Turley
I called once last week. No response yet. I’ll ping them again.
Steve Branham
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
USCG Contact
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
It was nice meeting with the Town of Longboat Key earlier in the month. I am just wondering if you have had a chance to reach out to the Coast Guard to see who we need to specifically talk to about the bridge height recommendations.
David C. Turley
Project Development Engineer II
FDOT District 1
Bayfront Park
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
A group of men that regularly play basketball at Bayfront Park have made a request that when the baskets are replaced after the court resurfacing, they not be replaced with a glass backboard (the sun comes through and impairs visibility). They are suggesting a white backboard, similar to the one in the attachment. Can this be done?
Debra Williams
Longboat Key
Charter Review Committee – Update
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
To date, we have received three applications for the Charter Review Committee! A tentative Meet and Greet with applicants is currently planned for the Regular Workshop on June 22, and appointments to the Committee are tentatively scheduled for the Special Meeting on June 29 (Committee meeting schedule to be established for September 2026).
As you interact with residents, please consider reaching out and sending the attached blank application to those who have demonstrated an interest in serving their community. These engaged community members often bring valuable perspectives and a strong commitment to Longboat Key. Applications must be submitted no later than the close of business on Tuesday, June 16 (an extension from Monday, June 15). Thank you for helping spread the word and encouraging community participation. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Have a great day and enjoy your weekend!
Shayla Griggs
Deputy Town Clerk
Town of Longboat Key
Hello Dedrea
Thank you for your kind words and for attending yesterday’s meeting. Our staff and commissioners are dedicated and focused on serving the community, and your positive feedback is welcomed and appreciated.
Your long history on the island, especially after the loss of your condo, speaks volumes about your dedication to our community. We appreciate you volunteering to serve on the charter committee. We will be making the appointments at our next meeting on 6/29.
Debra Williams
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Meeting today
To: Longboat Key Vice Mayor Debra Williams
I so enjoyed attending the meeting today. All of our town officials seemed very competent, and it was wonderful to watch you work as a team. The speakers were very prepared and extremely interesting in their presentations.
Thank you for considering me to be a part of this. When I sent in my application, I said any way or committee that I can serve on would be an honor. Please know that I am a full-time resident on our beloved island and have owned property on and off since the 1980’s. My condo was completely destroyed in the last hurricane, but I survived it all and cherish every day I have here. Thank you and everyone that serves this community for all their hard work!
Dedrea (Dee) Greer
Longboat Key
FEMA Money
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Thank you Cameron for the update. This will be our first FEMA dollars received for the 2024 storms so it would be very exciting to see that come in.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
FEMA Money
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I just received an update that $1.9 million in FEMA funds are going towards Longboat Key’s storm resiliency project. That seems like some huge news! I saw the update and realized I haven’t caught up with you all since the power line undergrounding ceremony. I hope all is well.
Cameron Paul
Deputy Regional Affairs Director
Tampa Office of U.S. Senator Ashley Moody
Canal program
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Yes, Sir. Jamie is pulling it all together and responding.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
Canal program
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
Charlie, are you able to clarify Christie’s questions?
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Canal program
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
We were not able to attend the canal project meeting today. We had a couple of questions that we hope you can answer. We received the letter stating the proposed cost per property (we are a canal side home in Country Club Shores). It stated this was a five year assessment and then it was unclear after the first five years. Has that been clarified or amended? Secondly, there was also an asterisk with an additional 8% administrative fee ? This is very confusing and possibly not permissible .Can you clarify this point as well?
Christy and Patrick Gaughan
Longboat Key
FY27 CPF Requests
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Good morning, just an FYI. I verified with Adam and he gave an explanation on the number changes.
Kalee Zavela
Grants Coordinator
Town of Longboat Key
FY27 CPF Requests
To: Longboat Key Grants Coordinator Kalee Zavela
This looks right to me. The reason Rep. Buchanan’s request is more than we asked for is because he wanted to raise it this year since his last CPF for the town was an unsuspecting victim of the DHS shutdown. The reduction from 3M to 700k is actually much more typical. The Appropriations Committee has been trying to keep spending low, and most CPFs get reduced like that.
Adam Cross
Potomac Partners DC
FY27 CPF Requests
To: Adam Cross
Hey Adam, rereading my email below. Can you just confirm I am right? I don’t understand the change in the numbers.
Kalee Zavela
Grants Coordinator
Town of Longboat Key
FY27 CPF Requests
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Just wanted to send a quick update and reminder regarding our FY27 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests. Of the three projects submitted through Representatives Buchanan and Steube, two projects were included in the House Appropriations Committee CPF tables and are considered effectively locked in pending final federal budget adoption. The Multi-Use Trail request was not selected for funding this cycle.
Project
Representative
Requested
Supported
GMD Complete Street Corridor Feasibility Study
Buchanan
$1,000,000
$3,000,000
Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study
Buchanan
$1,000,000
$0
Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project
Steube
$3,000,000
$700,000
For reference, the Complete Street Corridor request focused on a corridor-wide feasibility analysis and implementation plan for Gulf of Mexico Drive, while the Aquatic Habitat Restoration project would beneficially reuse dredged canal sediment to restore approximately 2.74 acres of seagrass habitat in Sarasota Bay.
Below is the original correspondence from Adam regarding the House Committee announcements.
Kalee Zavela
Grants Coordinator
Town of Longboat Key
FY27 CPF Requests
To: Adam Cross
Awesome update Adam! Thanks for all your efforts to keep these in play.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
FY27 CPF Requests
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
The House Appropriations Committee has posted some of the FY27 CPF Tables. So far the here is what is included for the town:
$3,000,000
Longboat Key Complete Street Corridor
THUD Bill (LINK)
Rep. Buchanan
$700,000
Town of Longboat Key for Sarasota Bay Restoration Project
Interior-Environment bill (LINK)
Rep. Steube
Once the projects are included in the CPF tables, they are essentially “locked-in”. The Homeland Security shutdown was a unique problem that excluded CPF projects, but these two bills and their CPF tables are very likely to be enacted despite future negotiations on the overarching bills themselves. Great job putting the requests together Kalee!
Adam Cross
Potomac Partners DC
FY27 CPF Requests
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
I wanted to let you know that both Rep. Buchanan and Rep. Steube will be submitting our requests to the House Appropriations Committee. Here is the posting from Rep. Buchanan:
1) Town of Longboat Key
$3 million request
The funding would be used to complete the Major Feasibility Analysis for the full 10-mile Gulf of Mexico Drive corridor, a planning and feasibility component of the Gulf of Mexico Drive Corridor Improvement Project. Funds will support technical analysis, engineering evaluation, environmental screening, traffic and safety modeling, drainage and resiliency assessment, right-of-way review, public engagement, and development of phased implementation recommendations.
2) Town of Longboat Key
$1 million request
The funding would be used to advance the planning and feasibility phase for a 12-foot-wide multi-use trail along State Road 789 (Gulf of Mexico Drive) within the Town, addressing pedestrian and cyclist safety, drainage, and resiliency needs, a transportation and active mobility component of the Gulf of Mexico Drive Multi-Use Trail Project.
Rep. Steube has not yet posted all of his requests online, but his staff have informed me that they will be submitting the Aquatic Habitat Restoration project.
Rep. Buchanan’s requests can be viewed here: https://buchanan.house.gov/funding-requests
Rep. Steube’s requests can be viewed here: https://steube.house.gov/appropriations-requests-fl-17/. The House Appropriations Subcommittees will announce which projects are selected, and at what amount, sometime later this month, or in early May.
Adam Cross
Potomac Partners DC
