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.
Thank You for Meeting with Us
To: Shawn Leven and Eric Drummond
I appreciate the time you took to meet with me, and the other commissioners, to discuss possible ways pickleball play might be expanded on the island. Your knowledge of the sport and enthusiasm for its future is inspiring.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Thank You for Meeting with Us
To: Longboat Key Commission
On behalf of Eric and myself, thank you for taking the time to meet with us to discuss the future of pickleball on Longboat Key.
We truly appreciated the opportunity to hear your thoughts and to share ideas about how to meet the growing demand for this sport. It was encouraging to explore ways the tennis and pickleball communities might work together to support each other and make the best use of shared resources.
We are especially grateful for your willingness to broaden the conversation and consider new possibilities for identifying land that could accommodate additional pickleball courts. As we mentioned during our meeting, we believe that imaginative thinking leads to creative solutions—and we appreciate your openness to thinking outside the box with us.
Thank you again for your time, insight, and support as we work together to enhance healthy social and recreational opportunities on Longboat Key.
Eric Drummond and Shawn Leven
Longboat Key
Developer offer to buy Spanish Main
To: Tom Freiwald
Interesting (to say the least). Thank you for keeping us posted, Tom.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Developer offer to buy Spanish Main
To: Longboat Key Commission
Just for your general information, the developer of the Sage Condo on LBK (PMG) has made approximately 212 individual offers to the 212 owners of Spanish Main, through Coldwell Banker. It’s unclear if every SMYC owner received an offer due to lack of correct email information. PMG is asking the Town for a change in height zoning of SMYC, which of course they have every right to do.
Tom Freiwald
Longboat Key
Commission Mail
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I’ve asked Charlie to review and advise.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager, Town of Longboat Key
Commission Mail
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Is this worth pursuing.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Secure Federal Funding for Florida’s Beaches – the American Coastal Coalition
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
Last month, you should have received an invitation from Cordy Crane with the City of Venice for a luncheon to learn about the American Coastal Coalition (ACC). While that event was postponed, we look forward to rescheduling later this summer.
In the meantime, I want to share why joining the ACC matters for your community.
The ACC is a national coalition that brings federal funding and resources to coastal communities such as funding for beach nourishment, dredging, seawalls, dunes, marshes, and more. Our mission is to help cities like yours respond to sea level rise, hurricanes, and flooding while supporting tourism and coastal economies.
With over 40 years of experience and $1.5 billion already secured for local governments, ACC is the leading voice for coastal communities in Washington, DC. Our members benefit from our expertise in working with the Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies on coastal projects like beach nourishment. We also equip members with expert guidance on congressional earmarks, grants, and infrastructure programs to help you stay competitive and prepared.
Putting sand on your beaches and protecting your coast with resilient infrastructure is critical in your communities, which is why I encourage you to join the American Coastal Coalition today.
If you’re interested in learning more or joining, just reply to this email. I have also attached our 2025 brochure. We look forward to connecting with you soon.
Dan Ginolfi
Executive Director
American Coastal Coalition
Permit has been issued
To: Christine Rothberg
We strive to work diligently in getting these situations resolved and appreciate your feedback. Again, thank you for taking the time to reach back to us letting us know of your positive feedback, it means a lot to us. If you have any questions or need additional information please let us know. Have a great day.
Patti Fige
Building Official
Town of Longboat Key
Permit has been issued
To: Longboat Key Commission
Thank you all for your efforts in securing the restoration permit for the Sea Horse Beach. With this step complete, we look forward to continuing our work with the Town of Longboat Key on additional restoration projects.
Christine Rothberg
Longboat Key
Thank You for Meeting with Us
To: Shawn Leven
Shawn and Eric, it was a pleasure to talk pickleball with you dedicated enthusiasts. I was especially happy to hear about the lively, involved community that exists around this recreation. As always, we will keep you in mind for future opportunities.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
Thank You for Meeting with Us
To: Longboat Key Commission
On behalf of Eric and myself, thank you for taking the time to meet with us to discuss the future of pickleball on Longboat Key.
We truly appreciated the opportunity to hear your thoughts and to share ideas about how to meet the growing demand for this sport. It was encouraging to explore ways the tennis and pickleball communities might work together to support each other and make the best use of shared resources.
We are especially grateful for your willingness to broaden the conversation and consider new possibilities for identifying land that could accommodate additional pickleball courts. As we mentioned during our meeting, we believe that imaginative thinking leads to creative solutions—and we appreciate your openness to thinking outside the box with us.
Thank you again for your time, insight, and support as we work together to enhance healthy social and recreational opportunities on Longboat Key.
Eric Drummond and Shawn Leven
Longboat Key
Developer offer to buy Spanish Main
To: Fiona McFarland
Longboat Key has an exciting project that will complete our vision for Longboat Key’s Town Center Green. In partnership with Sarasota County, we are building a 200-person community hall with outdoor spaces. This facility will host lifelong learning classes, cultural events and serve as a center for hurricane recovery. It will be part of the new Sarasota County Library, a private partnership with the Town and our philanthropic community.
For decades, our island has worked toward creating a community gathering space and a resilience center. We now have the opportunity to build it at a fraction of the cost of a standalone building, with operating and maintenance costs covered by Sarasota County. The County is contributing $11 million to the library, and our challenge is to raise $3.5 million for the community hall and its spaces. The community hall will be named in honor of Congressman Vern Buchanan and his wife. I am hoping you, like many of our other friends in the legal and legislative arenas will make a gift towards this hall honoring Vern, that will be the heart of culture and learning in Longboat Key.
I am attaching the Town Center Green Community Hall Packet as well as a pledge form. The exciting news is that with the support of our community and those that work for and have supported us we have raised $2.7 million in pledges and aim, with your help, to meet our goal of $3.5 million by the end of May. Thank you so much for considering this important project to our community.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Broadway Street Roundabout Project
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Thank you Commissioner, by copy, I have asked Charlie and Jenn to develop a response.
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Broadway Street Roundabout Project
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
There are many inaccurate statements in this email but I do not have the resources to respond. Is it appropriate to ask staff to provide correct info?
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Broadway St Roundabout Project
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am a Longboat Key resident who has significant concerns about the proposed roundabout project at Broadway St. in the north end. Many residents, like myself, thought that this project had been cancelled, but recently learned that it is apparently back for consideration. This project does not solve any problems, does not provide any true enhancements and will cause significant new issues for many residents if it is completed. I have reviewed renderings on-line and have many concerns. I am an avid walker and cyclist and am very familiar with the flow of this intersection.
Pedestrian safety
There is minimal pedestrian activity at the intersection of Broadway St. and Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD). Pedestrians that want to cross GMD can currently do so safely at the current striped safety light crossings. This currently works well and does not need any improvement. Additional striping can be placed at any of the four corners to provide for additional crosswalks.
Bicycle Safety
In the renderings, the bicycle lanes terminate before the circle and will force the cyclists to move into traffic in order to ride through or around the circle. This will create unsafe conditions for cyclists. The bike lane does not resume on the north side of the circle, leaving the cyclist to continue to ride with vehicles until the shoulder can again accommodate a cyclist for the approach to riding over the Longboat Key Pass Bridge.
Vehicle Passage and Traffic
In the rendering, it shows that in the northbound lane, the right turn lane will be eliminated and the left hand turn lane will be eliminated. This will cause significant problems for the local residents.
I am sure that you are aware of the traffic issues on GMD during peak times in season. Northbound traffic is frequently backed up starting at the Bridge Street Roundabout, past Coquina Beach, across the bridge and on to Longboat Key. It is very common to have a backup of standstill traffic for three to five miles every day. This is a cause of much stress for us who live in the local area, where we have to manage our schedule and lifestyle to try to avoid the chronic traffic problems.
Currently, when the northbound traffic is backed up from the bridge and south past Broadway St., we can get some relief in being able to use the right hand turning lane to make a right onto Broadway St, or making a right on to Cedar St and continuing to Palm Drive to Broadway St. Residents making a left onto Broadway St are able to use the left turning lane. Under this proposal, both turning lanes will be eliminated, forcing all traffic to move into the roundabout. Residents turning to the right will have to stay on GMD and move into the circle in order to make the right turn. Residents making a left will have to stay on GMD and travel completely around the circle in order to make the left on Broadway St.
Obviously the traffic will just back up into the roundabout and increase the traffic on the northbound lanes. Local residents would have no other option but to sit in the standstill and travel into the roundabout. Our options to make a right or a left will have been eliminated. This will worsen the traffic and the experience for local residents with no benefit. The current 3-5 mile backup from Bridge St will likely grow to 5-7 miles.
Water Runoff and Drainage
Water drainage is a serious issue for us on the north end, especially west of GMD. Currently, the water plan is effective. We fear that the construction of the roundabout and the additional area that is required will disrupt the current effective drainage and will lead to water flooding the streets and backing up the retention ponds. I understand that there is a drainage plan that is part of the roundabout construction, but there is a risk that it will not be as effective.
Overall:
Pedestrian Safety – minimal activity: No improvement
Bicycle Safety: Conditions will become less safe
Vehicle Traffic: No improvement, conditions will become much worse
Water Drainage: Risk to disrupting the current effective drainage
This is a very expensive project that will not solve any problems and will create additional issues. I don’t know what led to the desire to build this roundabout, but there are better things to do with our taxpayer money.
Larry Nevins
Longboat Key
Broadway Roundabout Project
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
All, Jenn and I worked on pulling this response together.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director, Town of Longboat Key Public Works
Broadway Roundabout Project
To: Larry Nevins
Sir, thank you for reaching out to us with your comments about the Broadway St. Roundabout (RAB) Project. The Project team has reviewed them and offer the following:
Pedestrian Safety:
At the existing standard intersection, pedestrians must cross traffic coming from multiple directions, increasing their exposure to oncoming traffic. At this particular location there is a sight distance limitation that prevents pedestrians from seeing oncoming traffic until they are well into the travel lanes. The only area that a pedestrian can find refuge is in the center turn lane, which is not an ideal situation. The RAB provides a raised splitter island separating traffic entering and exiting a given leg of the roundabout. This enables pedestrians to cross only one direction of traffic at a time, by stopping on the splitter island if necessary. Additionally the raised splitter islands promote traffic calming by slowing speeds and the proposed designed posted speed would of 25MPH, which would enhance public safety.
Bicycle Safety:
On the approach to the roundabout, bicyclists on the road have 2 options, and can choose what they feel more comfortable with.
Cyclists can either stay on the pavement and use the roundabout OR use the bicycle ramp to use the trail and cross as pedestrians would. Typically, serious cyclists prefer to stay on the road, but for an added safety factor, all cyclists have the choice to use the trail and crosswalks. I circled an example of the bicycle ramp from our graphic below. The existing condition has bicyclists traveling north having to occupy space between the travel lane and the right turn lane, creating potential conflicts.
Some key points for the RAB and for Vehicle Passage and Traffic:
This design offers the important advantage of eliminating head-on and right-angle crashes.
With respect to the roadway drainage, the elevation profile of the road will be raised by as much as two feet in some areas. The drainage improvements are designed to not negatively impact surrounding properties.
This project supports elements of the Complete Streets Concept that has been a top Initiative of the Town Commission.
The Florida Department of Transportation has approved the funding of the Construction of the RAB project and has advanced the funding to FY 2026, as it was originally scheduled for Fiscal Year 2030.
FDOT also has a helpful site listing safety benefits of roundabouts: https://www.fdot.gov/agencyresources/roundabouts/benefits.shtm
We hope that this response will help address your comments and if you need additional assistance feel free to reach out to the Town Engineer, Jennifer Fehrs at (941) 316-1988.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key Public Works
March Tourism Numbers from Visit Sarasota County
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota County Commission
To get your week started off right – we’re sharing some good news with our March tourism numbers. While visitors are still tracking down slightly – we see an increase in visitor spending.
Here are the numbers comparing March 2025 to March 2024.
Visitors were 155,800 compared to 159,400 in 2024.
Visitor direct expenditures were $234,521,100 compared to $232,641,200 in 2024.
Lodging occupancy was 83.3% compared to 83.3% in 2024.
Lodging average room rate was $386.00 compared to $366.52 in 2024.
There were 373,000 room nights sold compared to 385,800 in 2024.
Erin Duggan
President/CEO, Visit Sarasota County
Pickleball
To: Longboat Key Commission
On behalf of Eric and myself, thank you for taking the time to meet with us to discuss the future of pickleball on Longboat Key.
We truly appreciated the opportunity to hear your thoughts and to share ideas about how to meet the growing demand for this sport. It was encouraging to explore ways the tennis and pickleball communities might work together to support each other and make the best use of shared resources.
We are especially grateful for your willingness to broaden the conversation and consider new possibilities for identifying land that could accommodate additional pickleball courts. As we mentioned during our meeting, we believe that imaginative thinking leads to creative solutions—and we appreciate your openness to thinking outside the box with us.
Thank you again for your time, insight, and support as we work together to enhance healthy social and recreational opportunities on Longboat Key.
Eric Drummond and Shawn Leven
Longboat Key
Dangerous storm debris on the beach
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Yes, Code will be contacting the property to discuss the debris concerns. Sorry if I wasn’t clear on the prior email.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Dangerous storm debris on the beach
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Can you advise the right group?
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Dangerous storm debris on the beach
To: Longboat Key Commission
Because the structure is contained within the private section of the beach (it is all landward of the ECL), this would be a private matter for the debris removal. Code enforcement is the appropriate function to address it.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Dangerous storm debris on the beach
To: Longboat Key Commission
It is now May, and there is an open and obvious danger on the beach in front of L’Ambiance. It is the dune walkover and now, at certain times of day, the walkover debris is either exposed or partially underwater. Once it led to the beach, but the remnants now lead down to the water and sometimes, under the water. The photos that were taken on different days show exposed giant rusty metal pins or nails and broken wood. Located next to the Longboat Key Club, the wreckage is a tragedy waiting to happen. Someone can walk into the debris if it is hidden under water, and suffer a horrible injury; or a child can be running and trip and fall onto the rusty pins and the rotting wood pieces. L’Ambiance should have removed this dangerous obstacle months ago. It is an accident waiting to happen, and I hope my grandkids are not the victims. Hopefully you will require L’Ambiance to remove all of the pieces of their collapsed dune walkover.
Thank you for your quick action,
Audrey Bear
Longboat Key
Mote Marine
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Thank you Commissioner for the contact and yes, if you can forward his information to us we’ll work to get him on an agenda this Fall.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Mote Marine
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Yesterday at the Sarasota County Tourist Development Council meeting we received a presentation from Kevin Cooper who is the VP in charge of communications at Moat Marine Laboratories. While his explanation of what Moat plans to do with the city island property was not concrete, there was still a lot of information there I feel that our board could use and may find helpful. He’s very receptive to coming out and talking with us whenever is good for our schedule. If you feel it useful and need his contact information, I have it. Thank you. Have a great weekend.
Gary Coffin
Vice Mayor, Town of Longboat Key
Broadway Roundabout project
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
I hope that this email finds you all well. I am contacting you all to register my disagreement to the proposed Broadway Roundabout project on Longboat Key.
My house is located at Firehouse Road, just a bit northwest of the intersection in question, Broadway and Gulf of Mexico Drive. My property is part of the Conrad Beach Homeowners Association.
The first thought that comes to mind is whether this project is really necessary from a safety standpoint. When we first got word of the project, some members of our Homeowner’s Association spent their time monitoring activity at the intersection and collecting data. Long story short, they observed nothing that was perilous or atypical of any intersection on the island. On that note, it would be beneficial for all, before moving forward, if more light can be shed on exactly what the safety issues are/have been at the intersection vis-à-vis the size and scope of this project.
From a practical standpoint, we are also concerned about the potential loss and destruction of the expanse of vegetation on the west side of GMD just north of the intersection. This vegetation provides both a visual and noise barrier to the activity on GMD for many of the houses in our HOA, in addition to our community pool area. Not only do we feel that this is necessary, but that it will be very disruptive and unpleasant.
From a timing standpoint, it is not clear as to when the proposed work would start. Most important is when during the year would it start and how long would it take to complete? Certainly it would not be wise to undertake such a project in a time frame that would impact the busy season. Please clarify.
Finally, there is the issue of cost. Is this really something that the various state and local agencies should be spending in excess of $6 million on? I’m no expert on the costs of construction, but that does seem excessive, and a questionable use of taxpayer money.
We assume that the primary purpose of the roundabout is to minimize the speed at which vehicles enter and exit the island on GMD. With that in mind (and not the beautification of an intersection), perhaps there is a way to accomplish the goals of this project in a simpler, less disruptive, and more economic way. Please note that I have sent a similar email to Joel Hobbs at the Florida DOT. I can be reached at the number below should you have any questions.
Ted Bookstaver
Longboat Key
Firehouse Rd. Concern
To: FDOT Project Manager Joel Hobbs
Thank you very much for your detailed response. I am relieved to hear that the road itself will not be lowered, and I am hopeful that some level of a barrier will be maintained as the current vegetation is removed and then replaced with new plants. Appreciate all your work on this!
Mimi Kennedy
Longboat Key
Firehouse Rd. Concern
To: Mimi Kennedy
Thank you for your email and for your patience as I’ve reviewed your previous messages and the project plans in detail.
I want to address your concerns and provide clarification. The original design did not meet FDOT’s required design standards. As Gulf of Mexico Drive is a state road (SR 789), the proposed design could not be approved in its initial form. FDOT’s guidance on the design, including the need to “flatten” the road, was solely to bring the design into compliance with required design standards for resiliency, safety, mobility, and drainage purposes.
To clarify, the term “flattening” used in the context of this project refers specifically to removing superelevation (banking or sloping) from the curves, not lowering the road. In fact, the elevation profile of the road will be raised by as much as two feet in some areas.
This project incorporates extensive input from both the Town of Longboat Key and the broader community and aligns with the Town’s Complete Streets vision, supported by the Sarasota/Manatee MPO. It is designed to enhance safety and accessibility for all roadway users, and we remain committed to addressing community feedback as the design progresses.
Your comments will be added to the project record. Thank you again for your engagement.
Joel Hobbs
Project Management Engineer Supervisor III
Florida Department of Transportation
Firehouse Rd. Concern
To: Mimi Kennedy
Thanks for your note. The entire history and rationale for the Broadway roundabout project stems from the concerns of north end residents for the safety of drivers and pedestrians at that intersection. There is no other agenda by the Town or any of its Commissioners other than to make the resulting project as safe as possible for all users while preserving the aesthetics of the area. The last minute decision by FDOT to require the intersection be flattened was an unwelcome surprise, but I believe we have adapted to address all concerns over utilities, stormwater, landscaping, etc. to the satisfaction of your neighbors.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Firehouse Rd. Concern
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
I recently reviewed the video from the joint meeting with the Town of LBK and was disappointed by the discussion surrounding the proposed roundabout. It appeared to serve more as a platform for commission members to share their personal enthusiasm about new bike lanes, rather than addressing the legitimate concerns of residents directly affected by these changes.
I have reached out to Joel Hobbs twice to share my concerns but have yet to receive a response. This lack of communication is frustrating, especially as it seems that personal interests—particularly related to biking—are taking precedence over the well-being of the community.
I would like to know who will be held accountable if these changes negatively impact our property, including increased susceptibility to flooding and the loss of the buffer and privacy our home currently enjoys.
If I’ve contacted the wrong individuals, I would greatly appreciate it if you could direct me to the appropriate person or department. Thank you for your time and attention.
Mimi Kennedy
Longboat Key
Firehouse Rd. Concern
To: Mimi Kennedy
There will be a meeting from 2-4 pm at Town Hall on Thursday, May 1, to discuss all aspects of the Roundabout project. I suggest you attend if you can.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Firehouse Rd. Concern
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
Following up on this email below. I understand this is more in the hands of FDOT, so if there is someone I should touch base with on their team could you please let me know?
We are very concerned that if GMD is graded to accommodate the roundabout our home will be even more susceptible to flooding and want to be sure that the proper group is aware of this issue.
Mimi Kennedy
Longboat Key
Firehouse Rd. Concern
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
My name is Mimi Kennedy, and first let me start by saying thank you for all your efforts in keeping Longboat Key such a special place, especially as you have faced such a difficult year.
My grandfather bought a condo in Longbeach Condominiums in the 1970s so I have been lucky enough to spend my entire life going to LBK. I even used to walk past “the fancy french restaurant” L’Auberge as a child and told myself I would go there someday. Little did I know that once I was finally able to “go there” the cooking would be horrible… because I am now the chef. My husband and I purchased a house on Firehouse Rd. in April of last year.
Sadly, like much of the key, our house flooded 2.5 feet in September due to the hurricanes. Our home sits directly on the ground so we lost an entire living level.
My understanding is that the water came across Gulf of Mexico Dr. from the bay. Although our family appreciates the traffic safety reasons for the roundabout at Broadway, we are very concerned that we will be even more susceptible to flooding in the future due to the road being flattened. Have our home and the other Conrad beach homes’ safety been considered in the current roundabout plans? What will happen to our home if the road is flattened and there is more flooding?
I know these questions may not be specifically for you, but if you could help me find the answers, connect with someone to talk to, or even meet with someone in person to discuss I would really appreciate it.
Mimi Kennedy
Longboat Key
Live local act
To: Legislative Assistant to Jim Boyd, Kathy Galea
As always Thanks Kathy. Hope Senator Boyd and the Senator from Miami are correct.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Live local act
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Thank you for sharing. Based on previous conversations that Senator Boyd had with officials from Longboat Key, and considering that Longboat Key does not have a significant amount of property available for affordable housing, it is unlikely that Longboat Key will be affected by the Live Local changes. However, I have shared the analysis with the Senator.
Kathy Galea
Legislative Assistant to Sen. Jim Boyd
Senate District 20
Live Local Act
To: Legislative Assistant to Jim Boyd, Kathy Galea
Senator Boyd and Kathy: This is analysis of impact of Live, Local on LBK. We need to pray land values hold or this would do serious damage to neighborhoods on Longboat. Sincerely, BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Live Local Act
To: Longboat Key Commission
Two things:
First, Rob Lewis from Sarasota County has shared the committee substitute bill for Senate Bill 1730 which is the version of House Bill 943 that has now passed both chambers. We are continuing to analyze what it does for and/or to us, but Allen’s initial summary of it includes:
Adds to the current Live Local eligible properties (which includes parcels zoned for mixed-use, commercial or industrial use), properties owned by religious institutions (regardless of underlying zoning). These properties allow development if 10% of the units are affordable.
Prohibits proposed multifamily development (if at least 40% of units are rental units designated as affordable for at least 30 yrs.) from having to get a zoning or land use change, special exception, variance, TDR, comp plan amendment or charter amendment.
Density can’t be restricted below the highest density currently allowed (currently in the Town that’s 11.26 DUs/ac)
Height can’t be restricted below the highest currently allowed within 1 mile of the proposed development or 3-stories, whichever is higher (Note: There’s no change to this provision from what’s in the current Live Local Act).
Developments must be administratively approved (provided the development meets applicable standards), meaning no public hearing process.
Allows for a reduction of parking requirements by 15% (Note: The current Live Local Act allows for a 20% reduction.).
Allows for adjacent parcels of land to be included in proposed multifamily developments.
Caps attorney fees & costs to $250K in civil actions.
Requires an annual reporting requirement beginning 11/1/26.
The second point is that we have received what I believe to be our first inquiry (through the Town Attorney’s Office) from a developer representative regarding Live Local interest on Longboat. Sharing as an FYI.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Live Local Act
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
I spoke with attorney Tyler Hudson today who inquired about the applicable Town policies associated with Live Local. I advised him that the Town’s website has been updated to include language stating that the Town would follow the applicable law. Tyler is a Tampa real estate/developer attorney that represents the property owner(s) of Whitney’s and the Bank Building up on the North End.
We spoke about the Town’s density Charter referendum provision, the floating tourism bank, Live Local and the potential re-development of his clients’ Bank properties up on the North End as work force housing for the restaurant employees, and what height would be allowable under Live Local. James Brearley(sp?) and/or possibly the Gonzmartz (sp?) own these parcel(s). I suggested to him if he wanted a more meaningful discussion about what would conceivably be allowable with the application of the Live Local Act (and other sections of the LDR) on those commercial properties, that it would be best to set up a time for us (you and me) to sit down with him. I believe he is going to discuss this meeting potential with his client(s). Just passing this along for information purposes.
Maggie D. Mooney
Town Attorney
Town of Longboat Key
Lido Key – Beach Access Closed
To: Sarasota City Mayor Liz Alpert
We have lived on Lido Key for 2 years now and absolutely love it! Our address is 437 Cleveland Drive – our access to the beach is also on Cleveland Drive – to the immediate left (south) side of the Lido Beach Resort. It had been closed for some time after the hurricanes – it reopened a few months ago and we just noticed has now been closed again. We are really hoping that this is a brief closure given this is by far our most convenient access to Lido Beach – very important to me given my age! Please provide any update on this as soon as possible. Thanks in advance for your help!
William and Anna Rose
Sarasota
Lido Key – Beach Access Closed
To: Anna and Billy Rose
Staff has informed me that there was significant damage done by the hurricane. Work is now being done regarding the design of the repairs. It is anticipated to be completed sometime within the next year.
I’m sorry it’s not better news, but there are a number of places in the city that were damaged in the hurricane which we are working through as quickly and efficiently as we can.
Liz Alpert
Mayor
City of Sarasota
