Congratulations
To: Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates
Thank you so much for your kind words and invitation to speak. I would be honored to meet and speak with your congregants. A phone call might be best to arrange a date and topic. I will reach out to you, or you can call me. I look forward to speaking with you.
Debra Williams
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Congratulations
To: Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams
Mayor Williams – Congratulations on becoming mayor of Longboat Key. We are so lucky to have you in leadership. I would love to invite you to speak to our congregants during our Shabbat services on a Friday night at 5:30 PM. We can make it work anytime that is good for you. Let me know the best way to get us on your calendar. If I or, the Temple can be of any help please let us know. Many thanks and all the best. Jessica.
Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates
Temple Beth Israel
St. Regis Sign
To: William Pepe
I first raised this issue when the sign went up and I will continue to urge my colleagues we follow our sign code and have this removed. I believe it is scheduled for our May meeting and I urge you to attend.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
St. Regis Sign
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I am writing to express concern about the unauthorized sign erected by the St. Regis on its beach groin in Longboat Key.
As a longtime visitor to Longboat Key since the 1970s and now a homeowner, I value the Town’s commitment to enforcing the codes and standards that have preserved the island’s character, appearance, and quality of life. Those rules matter, and most property owners and businesses make the effort to follow them.
That is why this situation is so frustrating. The St. Regis’s decision to install this sign without approval appears to reflect a “do it first and ask forgiveness later” approach rather than respect for the Town’s process and standards.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated concern. Many residents have already been troubled by the resort’s issues involving sea turtle lighting compliance and the circumstances surrounding its temporary certificate of occupancy. In that context, this latest action feels less like an oversight and more like part of a broader pattern of noncompliance.
I respectfully urge the Town to support the Planning and Zoning Board’s position and require the St. Regis to remove the sign.
Longboat Key’s codes should be applied consistently to everyone, especially large, high-profile developments that have a responsibility to be good neighbors and good stewards of the community. In my view, the St. Regis has not demonstrated that standard, and continued accommodation by the Town risks encouraging further disregard for the rules.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your service to Longboat Key.
William Pepe
Longboat Key
FDOT
To: Longboat Key Commission
Attached, please find a copy of the recent letter from Mayor Debra Williams to FDOT and also a copy of former Mayor Ken Schneier’s letter to FDOT from June 2024, which is included in the current letter by reference. Letters were sent electronically to the FDOT District 1 Secretary and also to members of the FDOT PD&E project team today with hard copy to follow in the mail.
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Sarasota Manatee MPO
To: Board Members
Please find attached the corrected 2026 List of Project Priorities (Action Item 7.b.). The version in the agenda packet included an outdated attachment.
The attached version is consistent with the list as voted on by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) at its March 9 meeting.
A summary of the changes is provided below:
Addition of an appendix: SUN Trail Priorities (page 12)
SR 789 Multi-Use Path on Longboat Key (PD&E) moved from Unprogrammed to Programmed (page 4)
Celery Fields Slope Stabilization Recreational Trail (CST) added to the Local Needs list (page 15)
US 41 from Stickney Point Rd to N of Wood St (CST) removed from the Unprogrammed list due to a duplicate entry; the project is funded under FPID 453537-1 and 453538-1 (page 4). Please reach out if you have any questions.
Megan Lui
Planning Manager
Sarasota/Manatee MPO
Bridge
To: Paul Hylbert
Of course, Paul! Do you know someone who can assume the Presidency of the Republican Club? My term ends on April 21st at the annual meeting and I will be stepping away.
Nick Gladding
Longboat Key
Bridge
To: Nick Gladding
Thanks for your support of LBK North for the low bridge option
Paul Hylbert
Longboat Key
Florida League of Cities
To: Longboat Key Commission
The good news is of the Bills FLC was closely monitoring and lobbying the Legislature 14 went FLC’s way. Nine that FLC did not support passed, or FLC supported and failed.
HB1217 – Prohibited government Policies regulating greenhouse Gas emissions. FLC opposed and it passed.
HB1465 SB840- Land Use regulations for local governments (we called it the glitch bill) affected by natural disasters. This bill failed – so we are stuck not being able to amend our code or comp plan on land use issues.
HB1451 – Utility Services – does not affect us dramatically – FLC opposed but it passed.
HB1389 – Has limited impact on us. FLC opposed and it passed.
HB927 – local land planning & development putting qualified contractors in the system. FLC opposed and it passed. We will need our Planning & Zoning office to give us an opinion of the impact this will have on LBK.
HB399 – Land use and development regulations. FLC opposed and it passed. Again, need feedback from Planning & Zoning office on impact to LBK
HB925 – Clerks of the Court. FLC opposed and it passed. Clerk’s office may provide any impact this has on LBK.
HB1085 – Local government cyber security – FLC supported and it passed. Jason in IT may be able to provide impact on LBK
SB1134 – Official actions of local government. FLC opposed & it passed. Clerk’s office may be able to help us understand impact on LBK
HB145 – Sovereign Immunity. FLC opposed and it passed. We were able to drop the numbers a bit, but Finance will have to give us the dollar figure LBK will be impacted.
We are awaiting the dates of the potential special sessions – Budget, Redistricting and Property Taxes.
Fabulous. It was interesting hearing issues with errors with A/I on calls that answer questions for municipalities-
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
A/I
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Good morning, Commissioner. The Town actually does have an AI policy and I’ve asked Jason to prepare some updates to it. We are planning for it to be on the September or October Commission workshop agenda.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
A/I
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
As I mentioned in my memo Monday the NLC stated municipalities should have A/I policy code on the books and our attorneys should attend A/I conference to be fully prepared for issues A/I is raising for staff using it individually and its use as a municipality. The paragraph below is FLC’s resource info.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how cities deliver services, engage residents, and manage operations. Designed specifically for Florida cities, the FLC AI Hub provides municipal leaders with practical guidance, real-world examples, and resources that help them understand AI, evaluate its risks and opportunities, and adopt tools responsibly, all while aligning with Florida’s unique legal and operational considerations. New materials will continue rolling out as this technology evolves. We need this on a future agenda.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
RoadWatch Update for the Week of March 29-April 4, 2026
To: Longboat Key Commission
S.R. 789 from Bird Key Drive to Sunset Drive: Construction project: This project includes the addition of dedicated bicycle and transit lanes on the bridge, drainage upgrades, and raising the seawall cap near Sunset Drive. Other project activities include resurfacing the roadway throughout the project corridor and the installation of new traffic signals at the intersections of Sunset Drive, Golden Gate Drive, and Bird Key Drive. The project also includes relocating palm trees and small shrubs from their current locations on the eastern area of the John Ringling Causeway to medians closer to St. Armands Circle.
This week’s work will consist of:
· Delivery of machinery and materials.
· Roadway median widening, concrete curb installation, and drainage placement.
· Pedestrians should use designated paths and follow posted detour signs.
· Bike lanes are closed due to construction. Cyclists should follow the posted detour.
Lane closures will be in place during various phases of the project. Construction will primarily take place during daytime hours, with occasional nighttime work. Expect nighttime noise from backup alarms, construction equipment, pumps and power tools during daytime and nighttime operations. Drivers are urged to use caution and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and equipment entering or exiting the travel lanes.
During construction, the speed limit on Gulfstream Avenue and John Ringling Causeway/S.R. 789 will remain 35 mph. Speeding fines are doubled in the construction zone when workers are present. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and other equipment entering or exiting travel lanes. The estimated completion date for construction is early 2027.
Alice Ramos
Community Outreach Manager
Valerin Group on behalf of Florida Department of Transportation
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Thank you , Chief, and for taking me on the tour. I learned a lot and enjoyed every minute of it.
You and your men, and your great work are impressive and it helps make our Town proud!
Nick Gladding
Longboat Key
Bridge
To: Christina Vescovo
On behalf of the members of the fire department, thank you for taking the time out of your day in support of our Open House. I hope that you all had the opportunity to speak with our personnel and visit the firehouse. Again, thank you for your support!
Paul B. Dezzi
Fire Chief
Longboat Key, FL
Bridge
To: Longboat Key Commission
My letter is not so much about a new bridge because it’s not my decision. I have a few good ideas for you to look into. I am in commercial real estate & travel a lot researching. I’ve lived on the north end of LBK part time & also have a condo in Palm Beach on A1A, so I have a lot to compare to. It may actually help if a few township leaders drive to the east coast to see how much help the parking meters are in PB.
We do not have traffic jams on A1A. Never anything this heavy…they put WAY too many spots at Coquina Beach. Manatee Co may consider re-planting pine or flood resistant mangroves & eliminating the a row near the beach. Too many spots up there in my opinion.
#1 Immediately: Manatee Co. would avoid a lot of congestion if they put meters at Coquina as soon as possible, before the new Cortez Bridge is complete. This week. ParkMobile is on everyone’s phone & super easy to use. That will eliminate everyone coming in at 11AM & all trying to leave at Happy Hour.
# 2 Charge to come over from Cortez to all of the islands like they put on Boca Grande, or fee to & from LBK. That would protect all of the other islands too. We can make the town look good by putting % toward beach/eco system restoration or the turtle charity workers!
We are going to get ambushed w gawking tourists here for no reason w/ new houses on Cortez. No more beach parking ANYWHERE. If they want to be there, great they will pay for the fee to come across our nice, small bridge that already exists.
Christina Vescovo
Longboat Key
LBK Pass fixed bridge has a 6.5% slope!
To: Vassyl Lonchyna
The plan and profile are drawn in industry standard engineering plan detail for profile drawings, which s typical to see horizontal scale and vertical scale being different. The slope appears to be correct by calculation (may even be less but do not want to approach that with FDOT yet).
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Pass fixed bridge has a 6.5% slope
To: Longboat Key Commission
Heard the discussion of the Commissioners this afternoon. They have accepted the 4. 5% slope as gospel because that is what is on the plans. I would challenge these plans. Firstly, if not drawn to proper scale, the slope will be under calculated.
They have accepted the 4.5% slope as gospel because that is what is on the plans. I would challenge these plans. Firstly, if not drawn to proper scale, the slope will be under calculated. Take a ruler and a protractor and you will see that if you increase the height of the bridge and do not extend the roadway approaches on both sides substantially, the slope will be greater than the stated 4.5%. I would ask FDOT to redo the math (in the letter from the Township to FDOT).
Vassyl A. Lonchyna
Longboat Key
LBK Pass fixed Bridge
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
FDOT’s figures are in error. The correct slope of the fixed bridge is 6.5%.. steeper than Ringling.
Jim Haft
Longboat Key
LBK Pass fixed Bridge
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Brownman
For your meeting today, I wish to underscore that the drawings of the FDOT of the fixed scale bridge are not accurate. Please see my attachments. I have shown in an overlay of the artists rendition of the bridge that its height is only half of the proposed 78 + foot span &* feet is the clearance, does not include the 10-15 feet of the bridge itself).
Secondly, I have overlaid the proper rendition of this bridge on the Project Roll Plot and have calculated the slope to be 6.5% (using the long length of the current proposal for run up and down roads. I would be happy to discuss this with you at any time today.
Vassyl A. Lonchyna
Longboat Key
LBK Pass fixed Bridge
To: Jim Haft
Jim – will give it my best shot.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Pass fixed Bridge
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Any help you can provide on this issue would be appreciated. Thanks
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Canal Dredging Map
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
My house, and others along Chanel 01P between LBK and Jewfish Key will receive no more “direct benefit” than anyone living in a condo on the gulf who might own a boat somewhere, or for that matter, any off-island boat owner. Dredging will never be required on the 01P channel. It’s a natural deep water channel, not a canal. That will never change short of tectonic movement. Your own slides show as much: an A- rating both before and after “maintenance” and the current water depth of 12+ feet far exceeds your 7ft foot target. And since this channel will never be dredged, there will never to an opportunity for residents to get a discounted dockside dredging… which by the way, has never been needed.
I have no problem paying the 20% ad-valorem cost shared by all non-canal properties. But it is unfair to specially assess me for 80% of a benefit that I will never receive. I would again ask the commission revise the benefit map before adoption.
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Canal Dredging Map
To: James Haft
Sir, thank you for this email. In the development of the potential Navigation Maintenance Program all the mentioned aspects of Channel 01P were considered. The Project Team feels that there is still a direct benefits that your neighborhood and others in like situations, possess. They include the use of other waterways that access facilities, restaurants, marinas, and other recreational opportunities. Also, this funding is not for a project, but for a maintenance program. If future conditions change and work is required along stretches of channel 01P, then the effort would be directed there.
In addition, as a direct access property, when dredging is occurring in the vicinity of these properties, there would be an opportunity for the residents to utilize, under a separate contract, the marine contractor hired by the Town to do some localized dockside dredging. This is benefit that direct access owners could receive, that would minimize future costs for dockside/lift dredging by not having to pay for the mobilization and potentially the disposal of that dredge material. For these reasons, Staff would not recommend removing these or others in similar situations from the potential program. Thanks again for reaching out to us.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key Public Works
Canal Dredging Map
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
My house at Lands End Drive is incorrectly designated as having “direct benefit” canal access under the proposed dredging assessment plan. We have deep water docks at Lands End, shared by all our owners, that face the open waters of Sarasota bay— they are not on a canal. Our docks, and the channel designated as O1P on the map, will never need dredging. Daily tidal currents of 2-3 knots scour the channel every day, keeping it naturally deep. There is no build-up of silt, sediment, or sand. Water depths at the end of our docks have always been about 12- 14 feet. It’s been that deep for at least the past 45+ years that our family has been here and will always be, without dredging.
The same applies to my immediate Lands End neighbors who share our docks and most likely to all the waterfront properties between Lands End and the Broadway dock. It is unfair to specially assess properties that are not on canals or other shallow waters that will never require dredging. I would therefor ask that the Town revise the direct benefit map to exclude the following Lands End properties. I’ve attached a map of Lands End for your reference; houses to be excluded are circled in yellow. Also, a picture of our docks (Note that some lots in Lands End do back up to a canal and have their own private docks, but no one else in Lands End has the right to use those private canal docks).
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Communications 2025 Annual Report
To: Sarasota Interim City Manager Jennifer Jorgensen
Thank you. Very interesting, especially those newsletter stats, great work. Wow.
Thank you all, and thank you to Jan’s team. It is actually wonderful that Jan finally has a “team”. The value of that is something I hear every day. Communications is a key service, the value of which can not underestimated, so, thank you.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Communications 2025 Annual Report
To: Sarasota City Commission
Please find the attached Communication 2025 Annual Report. Thank you Jan for sharing!
Jennifer Jorgensen
Interim City Manager
City of Sarasaota
Communications 2025 Annual Report
To: Sarasota Interim City Manager Jennifer Jorgensen
Please see the attached Communications 2025 Annual Report. Our small but mighty team (just two for most of the year) shared a remarkable amount of messaging with the community about notable issues, projects and initiatives, including extensive coverage explaining the need for Resilient SRQ funding, Restoring Sarasota projects, Lido Beach renourishment, Public Art installations, successful outreach campaigns for the inaugural Shred Stock and what became a record-setting tree giveaway – and much more.
Overall, social media growth continues to trend upward as well as interest in City News (with open rates and click rates significantly higher than the industry standard). Have a good weekend!
Jan Thornburg
Communications General Manager
City of Sarasota
Martin Hyde-Apology
To: Sarasota City Commission
I’m writing to apologize for something I said yesterday during my comments on the parking fees. Whether I have more money than you is irrelevant ,and it was a crass comment. I’m sorry that I said it. There is no justification for such arrogant words and I am sorry. I’ll restrict myself going forward to what I have written in front of me!
Martin Hyde
Sarasota
Martin Hyde-Apology
To: Martin Hyde
Good afternoon Mr Hyde, Thank You very much for the apology even though I wasn’t expecting or found it necessary nor did I give it a second thought! I would never want you or anyone to do so just for the sake of doing it and will except it as genuine so Thank You. Thank You with humble regards.
Kyle Scott Battie
Commissioner
City of Sarasota
