Mar Vista Restaurant
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
Thanks Allen!
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Mar Vista
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Thanks Commissioner. A team investigation with Police, the Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement is underway. I will be responding back to Ms. Lopez when that’s complete and will provide a copy of the results to Tip to share with you.
Allen Parsons
Planning and Zoning Director
Town of Longboat Key
Mar Vista Restaurant
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
Will your code officers be investigating this complaint? Please let me know status, thanks.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Mar Vista Restaurant
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am writing to formally report several safety and compliance concerns with Mar Vista Restaurant.
I have observed the following issues that require immediate attention:
Is Mar Vista a restaurant or a wedding venue? How does the town determine occupancy if it is a wedding venue over a restaurant?
– Capacity Violations: The restaurant appears to be seating patrons well beyond the legal capacity limits.
– Illegal Parking: There is frequent illegal parking associated with the establishment, which is impacting the surrounding area.
– Safety Hazards: The overcrowding and blocked access points present a significant danger to patrons in the event of an emergency.
– Traffic Congestion: The high volume of visitors and poor parking management are causing substantial traffic issues in the neighborhood.
I am bringing these matters to your attention to ensure the safety of the public and compliance with local laws. Please let me know if you require any further information to investigate these concerns. Thank you for your assistance.
Patti Lopez
Longboat Key
Request and Strong Support for 78-Foot Clearance Coquina Bridge Option
To: Ralph Haschke
I am so sorry. I had three other email pages opened and mistyped. Your points are well taken and as I mentioned earlier will be entered into the official record. On another note this afternoon at 3:15 is our disaster preparedness seminar, it’s at the longboat Key Cub Harborside ballroom, we would love to see you there.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Request and Strong Support for 78-Foot Clearance Coquina Bridge Option
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Thank you for your reply, not sure if you were trying to reply to “Frank” or maybe just mistook my name. I’m sure you get many emails ongoing.
No worries, I was trying to just give my opinion and many other residents I come into contact with etc. and wanted to mention the position.
I wanted to also check on the status of the overall proposal/solution and what happens next?
Ralph Haschke
Longboat Key
Request and Strong Support for 78-Foot Clearance Coquina Bridge Option
To: Ralph Haschke
Well said Frank, and thank you for your feedback. Your position will be so noted in the official town records.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Request and Strong Support for 78-Foot Clearance Coquina Bridge Option
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
I am writing to formally request a status update on the Coquina Bridge replacement project. As a longtime visitor and resident for five years on Longboat Key, I am tracking this project closely. I want to express my 100% unequivocal support for the 78-foot fixed-span clearance bridge option.
Many fellow longtime residents share this position but many stay quiet. I’ve spoken with many residents here and they are fully onboard for a new high clearance bridge. We view the fixed-span high-clearance bridge as the only logical effective choice to future-proof Longboat Key. I’ve added some reasoning below that you may have seen many times already but wanted to reiterate again here. The high clearance bridge offers clear long-term advantages over a low-level drawbridge:
Eliminates Operating Costs: No bridge tenders are required. (needed drastically due to continued rising improvement costs)
Lowers Maintenance Fees: Fixed concrete structures eliminate expensive mechanical repairs.
Improves Traffic Flow: constant delays from drawbridge openings. (This happens many times and only notice when living on the island and the flow of traffic is severely hampered for openings during the in-season it is so bad the north end of the island is completely un-usable)
Enhances Emergency Access: Evacuation routes remain uninterrupted during storms for effective and proper emergencies.
Ensures Marine Access: The 78-foot clearance accommodates most every modern larger vessels very reliably. (this will accommodate all vessels and eliminate accidents as recent as a week or two ago where a sailboat mast was damaged by hitting the drawbridge not opening in time due to a problem with the sail boat.
Building a new drawbridge will only commit our town to decades of avoidable operational expenses, traffic bottlenecks, bridge accidents, and constant continued maintenance that won’t end. We must invest in a permanent, high-clearance structure to safeguard our infrastructure and taxpayer funds.
Could you please provide the current timeline for the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study? Please also share the dates for the next public comment window.
Thank you very much for your time, dedication, and consideration of our community’s long-term future. I’ve added my number below should you need to reach out to me. I’ve also forwarded my original letter to Mr. David Turley project manager for the project below showing my support earlier this year for the project when announced.
Ralph Haschke
Longboat Key
Longboat Pass Bridge Replacement
Florida Department of Transportation, District One
To: Florida Department of Transportation Project Manager David Turley
I am writing in strong support of replacing the existing Longboat Pass Bridge with a modern, future ready structure that will safely and reliably serve Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach, and the greater region for the next 75 years and beyond.
The current bridge, as you know was constructed in 1957, is now nearing 70 years of service and has been formally classified as functionally obsolete, primarily due to substandard shoulders, safety barriers, and its inability to meet modern transportation and evacuation needs. While the bridge has served the community well, continued reliance on a structure that has definitely exceeded its intended design life places increasing safety, operational, and financial burdens on residents and the State of Florida.
Why Rebuilding and Future Proofing Is the Responsible Choice
1. Public Safety and Modern Standards
A replacement bridge designed to current standards would significantly improve safety by widening the deck and providing dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities, addressing long standing hazards for non motorized users. The existing bridge’s narrow configuration no longer reflects accepted safety standards for a primary evacuation and commuter route.
2. Emergency Evacuation Reliability
The existing drawbridge opens frequently, regularly stopping traffic and creating bottlenecks. A high level fixed span would eliminate draw openings altogether, providing uninterrupted access during hurricanes, medical emergencies, and large scale evacuations—an essential consideration for a barrier island community.
3. Long Term Cost Effectiveness
From a lifecycle perspective, a fixed span bridge avoids the substantial long term operating, staffing, and mechanical maintenance costs associated with drawbridges. Building once, correctly, and durably is fiscally responsible and reduces the likelihood of repeated, disruptive construction cycles.
4. Climate and Coastal Resilience
A new bridge can be engineered to withstand sea level rise, storm surge, and corrosive marine conditions using modern materials and design standards—capabilities the existing structure cannot realistically achieve through continued repairs alone.
5. Support from the Marine Community
Many local fishermen, recreational boaters, and marine operators support a modern replacement bridge. A fixed span design reduces unpredictable delays, eliminates navigation conflicts caused by frequent openings, and improves safety and efficiency within the pass. For those who work and recreate on the water, consistent and reliable clearances are a clear operational improvement.
6. Economic Stability and Opportunity for the North End
Reliable access is essential not only for residents, but for workers, service providers, and visitors. Eliminating routine traffic stoppages will improve access to the north end of Longboat Key, encouraging thoughtful reinvestment and long term economic stability aligned with the character of the area.
Coordinated Infrastructure Improvements: Drainage and Dredging
As part of this once in a generation infrastructure investment, I respectfully encourage coordination with partner agencies to pursue complementary improvements to neighborhood drainage systems and strategic dredging in the project area.
Recurring flooding during heavy rainfall and king tide events continues to impact nearby roads and properties, while sediment accumulation affects drainage performance and navigability. Aligning bridge construction with drainage upgrades and targeted dredging—where environmentally appropriate—would reduce chronic flooding, improve storm resilience, enhance waterway function, and maximize the public benefit of the overall investment.
Managing Tourism Demand and Funding Infrastructure Through User Based Fees
Finally, I encourage consideration—by the appropriate local and county authorities—of tourism based access and parking management strategies for the Coquina Beach and Bradenton Beach areas.
Seasonal visitor traffic is a primary contributor to congestion on the Longboat Pass Bridge and surrounding roadways. Implementing measures such as paid parking, beach access fees, or resident priority parking programs—approaches used successfully in many coastal destinations; could help manage peak season demand while ensuring that those who place the greatest strain on infrastructure also contribute to its upkeep.
Revenue generated through such programs could be dedicated to:
Roadway resurfacing and pavement improvements,
Flood mitigation and drainage upgrades,
Dredging and waterway maintenance,
Transit and traffic management solutions, and
Partial recovery of long term bridge construction and maintenance costs.
This approach would reduce congestion, improve visitor experience, and provide a sustainable funding source for infrastructure improvements without placing additional financial burden on year round residents.
Planning for Future Generations
Major bridges are generational assets. Decisions made today will shape safety, mobility, and resilience for decades. Choosing a future proof design ensures that today’s community does not leave tomorrow’s residents with avoidable risks, higher costs, or limited options. Preserving quality of life means not only honoring the past, but responsibly preparing for the future.
Thank you for your leadership on this critical project and for considering the long term interests of the entire region. I appreciate FDOT’s continued public engagement and technical diligence as this process moves forward.
I’m happy to discuss with you further and also help advocate if necessary, but honestly this is a no-brainer. Thank you very much for your time Mr. Turley let’s get the project started and get the path to the future for the north end of Longboat Key.
Ralph Haschke and Amy Holcombe
Longboat Key
Florida League of Cities Home Rule Award
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Congratulations on being honored with the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award! This is a fantastic achievement, and I am truly delighted to help Savannah prepare the news release celebrating your accomplishment while she is away from the office. With the meeting originally scheduled for today now cancelled, we believe it’s the perfect opportunity to move forward and share this exciting news without any further delay.
To make the announcement even more meaningful, I would love to include a brief quote from you in the release. Your words will add a personal touch and help emphasize the significance of this award, not only for you but also for our broader community. Your perspective will surely inspire others and highlight why this recognition matters.
Thank you in advance for taking a moment to share your thoughts. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved honor! I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Tina Adams
Fire Administration & Communications Manager/PIO
Town of Longboat Key
Mar Vista Restaurant
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
They were not. Mar Vista met its parking requirements (with a combination of onsite spaces + credits (no longer available) for boat & bicycle parking). The satellite lot’s excess spaces while, intended to serve the Mar Vista, were not required spaces.
Allen Parsons
Planning and Zoning Department
Town of Longboat Key
Mar Vista Restaurant
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
We’ve also heard from Village resident Carla Rowan regarding this incident. One additional question is that originally the Chiles group provided excess parking capabilities with their lot off of GMD. I believe that the parking lot and the restaurant no longer have a connection since the sale. Was the number of parking spaces for Mar Vista calculated including that satellite parking lot?
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Mar Vista Restaurant
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Following up on the complaints sent to the Commission and forwarded below. Investigation and follow-up will have to be a team effort. I can provide a summary response to the complainant when I hear back from you all. Below is my assessment of the complaints and follow-up needed:
Q. regarding restaurant vs. wedding venue: I will respond. Mar Vista is restaurant. Internal events/groups are allowed.
Q. regarding occupancy. There are two components to this:
Maximum # of seats = 169 (per Special Exception Order 17-0001, attached). Code Enforcement can investigate the seating capacity.
Building Occupancy for life-safety. Jane can you follow-up on this & confer with Mar Vista to be sure they’re aware of what that limitation is?
Reports of illegal parking & vehicular related safety hazards. Chief, can you have staff report back on this? Copying in Tip & Isaac as there may be commission question(s). Thanks all.
Allen Parsons
Planning and Zoning Director
Town of Longboat Key
Meeting
To: Longboat Key Code Enforcement
I would like to schedule a call with you to discuss a meeting being considered with PZ&B code enforcement, Longboat Key Turtle Watch and Mote Marine’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program representatives. The meeting’s intent is to discuss topics that may include:
• Turtle Watch observations and reporting procedures
• Applicable Town ordinances and enforcement processes
• Communication and coordination between Turtle Watch and Town staff
• Best practices for documentation and response procedures during nesting season
We are also interested in Dark Sky ordinance initiatives such as that developed by Sanibel Island.
I am in the process of developing an agenda with Code Enforcement officer. Paul Goodwin (Alan Parsons has also involved) and would appreciate your counsel and participation if possible.
Jeff Driver
President
Longboat Key Turtle Watch
Spanish Main
To: James Darden
I appreciated our meeting today, my apologies for not providing much in the way of a solution. As you think on it, let me know if you would like me to inquire further or provide some more location specific background from our consultants, I’m happy to do so.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Spanish Main
To: James Darden
I will be at the 5/12 “Let’s Talk Longboat” session. Would you like to connect there, or meet after? Not sure what our Town Manager has planned to discus, but open community conversation time is always on the agenda. Let me know your preference and I’ll be there.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Spanish Main
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Is there an informal town session with the public scheduled? Do you plan on attending? We would like to meet with you sometime over the next few days.
Jim Darden and Tom Freiwald
Longboat Key
Derelict boats
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Just FYI on this subject from Allen. Maggie is looking to review and provide an update from her perspective this week.
From a quick read of F.S. 327.60, it looks like Sly Stallone’s home must be in a county w/ 1.5 million people or more. Those larger jurisdictions seem to receive legislative relief regarding an allowance to regulate vessels outside of the marked boundaries of a mooring field.
F.S. 327.60(2)(f)(3) excerpt below:
3. Vessels anchored for a period of 1 hour or more between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise for more than 30 days in any 6-month period within the jurisdiction of a county with a population of 1.5 million or more, excluding any time the vessel is anchored overnight within the boundaries of a marked mooring field or any time the vessel is anchored overnight for the purpose of completing permitted marine construction, installation, or maintenance work;
The other regulation allowing option (outside of marked mooring fields), in F.S. 327.60, is for requiring marine sanitation devices in No-Discharge zones. Not sure if the Town waters include any identified No-Discharge Zones. In those circumstances, however, the Town would have to ensure that there is approved sewage pump out services available in the Town before enacting regulations. We’ll share Maggie’s update when we receive it.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Derelict boats
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
That’s great, thanks Sarah. If you like, I’d be happy to give a 3- minute intro at the next commission meeting.
James Haft
Longboat Key
Derelict boats
To: James Haft
I absolutely would, thank you Jim. Will report back soon.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Derelict boats
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Last year, the Florida legislature amended FS 327.60 to allow municipalities to limit anchoring for more than 30 days. This change was lead by Sylvester Stallone who was tired of the all the boats permanently anchored in front of his Palm Beach house!
A number of junky live-aboard boats are always anchored in the bay near the Linley dock. Some are just abandoned. As these boats never move, they do not use holding tanks, and thus pump raw sewage into our waters. Also, because they are poorly anchored, these derelict boats often wash up on our shores or sandbars after a storm, requiring many months and lots of taxpayer money for the state to remove them.
The change to FS 327.60 would allow the Longboat to adopt an ordinance to fine and remove these boats after 30 days. This would both protect our water quality and prevent these boats washing up on our shores. Would you be interested in exploring this idea with the LBK Commission?
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Invitation to discuss ADA Title II digital accessibility
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
Thank you! I will attend.
Jake Brown
ADA Coordinator
City of Sarasota
Invitation to discuss ADA Title II digital accessibility
To: Sarasota City ADA Coordinator Jake Brown
Thought I’d share this.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Invitation to discuss ADA Title II digital accessibility
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
Circling back on our ADA Title II digital accessibility webinar about shifting from PDFs to a modern, web-first strategy. I know how busy your inbox gets, so I wanted to personally reach out again.
We’re transforming this into a practical working session. We’d love for you to join the Q&A to compare approaches and get feedback on your current workflows. Your participation will be invaluable as we discuss ADA/WCAG questions and refine strategies for government agencies.
If you haven’t registered yet, you can do that here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2217773051648/WN_xxs39WnGSReVVKJTyU-1rg
Bonus: All attendees receive an ADA PDF Remediation Guide with a clear prioritization framework to help reduce risk and support next steps. Hope you can join the discussion, Jen.
Chelsey Boss
Regional Sales Director at Citibot
