St. Regis Arch
To: Editor
I have already expressed my views on this in an earlier letter. In good faith I tried to enlighten the seemingly implacable local forces of opposition that the arch should be seen rather as a virtue and not as an eyesore. It mirrors other much-loved arches past and present on other jetties, groins and piers around the world…the Cote d’Azure France, South coast of England, La Bella Italia, Australia, South Africa, and others. I’m certain some even exist and are loved right here in the United States of America.
The groin of itself is not a great beauty. It is functional at best but adorning it with the tastefully created and secure Arch adds a delightful human quirkiness. It’s whimsical which is a quality we need more of these days. Not only are lifelong memories formed in special places like this but the arch itself provides a pleasing and tasteful frame for photographers to record magical moments and family treasures. It harms no one. It’s size is proportionate, it’s not an obstacle, it’s safe and above all – it’s fun! Already it’s an established talking point and yes, it entertains and makes people of all ages feel good. Isn’t that the whole point of life – especially on a wonderful barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico?
I do so hope that our truly outstanding visionary and selfless Longboat Key city fathers and mothers come to their senses before more money is wasted and
more hearts are broken. Ladies and gentlemen –Â do not tear this inoffensive arch down! We are better than this.
Michael Williams-Jones
Longboat Key
Longboat Key Bridge height
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 height
To: Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie
Dear John: 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 height
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?Â
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. Â
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Longboat Key Bridge height
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I know you and I had spoken about the city potentially writing a letter. Just so we’re not stepping on each other’s toes, did you have any conversations with Mayor Chappie?
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Bradenton Beach — Fixed Bridge at Longboat Pass
To: James Haft
We had an all day commission meeting and medical staff put me on total rest. Tests this morning, I will copy now- but more tests today that will put me out.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Bradenton Beach — Fixed Bridge at Longboat Pass
To: James Haft
I have been in hospital for 7 days. Can you send me addresses? I only have phone which does not have them . Thanks
BJ Bishop
Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
Bradenton Beach — Fixed Bridge at Longboat Pass
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Hi BJ – No response to my latest request. Perhaps if you contacted them?
Jim Haft
Longboat Key
Bradenton Beach — Fixed Bridge at Longboat Pass
To: James Haft
The Mayor of Bradenton Beach is John R. Chappie who I have copied on your request. As always have a great day.
Terri Sanclemente
City Clerk, City of Bradenton Beach
Home Rule Hero Award
To: Longboat Key Commission
The Florida League of Cities has recognized Vice Mayor Penny Gold, Commissioner B.J. Bishop, and Town Manager Howard Tipton with the 2026 Home Rule Hero Awards for their outstanding advocacy during this year’s Legislative Session. These awards honor local leaders who champion municipal self-governance and ensure local voices are heard in statewide decision-making.
The attached news release includes full details, including remarks from the recipients reflecting on the honor and the importance of Home Rule in our community. Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition.
Tina Adams
Fire Administration & Communications Manager/PIO
Town of Longboat Key
Street light inquiry
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
See below for a neighbor’s inquiry. Is this possible for a streetlight on GMD? We live at 6225. Let me know, thanks! Sarah Also, could you please ask the Town to put a downward reflector on the street lamp just south of our houses?
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Mar Vista
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Tip- FYI- Response provided to Ms. Lopez below. Ms. Lopez’s initial correspondence was directed to the Commission & Commissioner Karon.
Allen Parsons
Planning and Zoning Director
Town of Longboat Key
Mar Vista
To: Patti Lopez
Thanks for sharing your concerns. We’ve had a team effort in the investigation and follow-up. Below are responses to your questions:
Question regarding restaurant vs. wedding venue: Mar Vista is restaurant. Internal events/groups are allowed.
Question regarding occupancy: Town Code Enforcement staff investigated the number of seats and found seating for 140 people, which included waiting area seating. The maximum # of seats allowed by prior Town approval is 169 seats.
Reports of illegal parking & vehicular related safety hazards will continue to be monitored by the Police Department and addressed accordingly. If there are specific conditions or concerns you see, please feel free to contact the Police Department non-emergency phone # 941-316-1201 or, if it’s a more urgent life-safety matter, please call 911. We appreciate you bringing any concerns to the Town.
Allen Parsons
Director Planning, Zoning & Building Department
Town of Longboat Key
Mar Vista
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.Â
 – 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
Consent 1 Item VI.7
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
Thank you for the questions regarding Consent Agenda Item VI.7 related to the U.S. 41 resurfacing and safety improvements project from Myrtle Street to General Spaatz Boulevard.
At this time, we do not anticipate additional City utility work occurring after the resurfacing project that would require the roadway to be dug up again. The current City water main replacement project along U.S. 41 is being completed first in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Once the utility work is substantially complete, the FDOT LAP project is anticipated to place the final asphalt surface layer as part of the resurfacing project. The City and FDOT have been coordinating sequencing specifically to avoid rework and future pavement cuts after resurfacing.
Yes, the resurfacing and safety improvement work is anticipated to occur on both the eastbound and westbound lanes within the project limits.
Regarding work south of Myrtle Street, the ongoing utility work associated with the water main replacement project is currently anticipated to continue through Phases 4 and 5, including areas south of Myrtle Street, with current schedules on the project website indicating activity extending into approximately June 5, 2026: https://cos-north-tamiami-trail-ac-wm-replacement.com/.
The resurfacing and milling activities associated with the FDOT LAP project are currently anticipated to begin following completion of the water main project, with construction anticipated later in Summer/Early Fall of 2027. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Nikesh Patel
Director of Public Works
City of Sarasota
Consent 1 Item VI.7
To: Sarasota City Public Works Director Nik Patel
I just spoke to Commissioner Ahearn-Koch and she has some questions on Consent 1 item VI.7. If you are able to answer her questions in writing, she will not need to pull the item. If you cannot get to it before tomorrow’s meeting, she will just pull it, if you could be prepared to talk it.
The questions are:
Is there any additional utility work that is schedule to be done on those roadways where it would make more sense to wait, as opposed to repaving now and then digging it up later?
Is this work to be done on both east and west lanes?
When is work scheduled to be done south of Myrtle?
You can reply directly to Commissioner Ahearn-Koch and just copy me.
Jennifer Jorgensen
Interim City Manager
City of Sarasota
Agenda Item IX.2
To: Sarasota City Clerk Shayla Griggs
Shayla, please think about this issue because I will turn to you with questions Monday morning.
I was surprised to see that IX.2 expected a vote whether or not to disband the Ad-Hoc Committee. I anticipated that IX.2 would be a presentation that would be background for IX.3. (Most of the public criticism of the Ad-Hoc Committee pertains to the procurement process that will be discussed in IX.3)
Questions:
When is the appropriate time to broach the subject of addressing IX.2 and IX.3 together? When we Approve the Agenda in the beginning of the meeting?
If we keep IX.2 and IX.3 separate, will public comment regarding the procurement process be in order during IX.2, or should that be held for IX.3? (There will be an argument for allowing it during IX.2 because wording in the resolution creating the Ad-Hoc Committee mentions Committee participation in the selection of the consultant.)
If we keep IX.2 and IX.3 separate, may I suggest that a motion on whether or not to disband the Ad-Hoc Committee be Continued until we’ve heard from staff on IX.3?
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
