Meeting agenda
To: Longboat Key Commission
Attached are the Mayor’s Notes for the June 1, 2026, Regular Meeting. The notes include the following amendments to the Consent Agenda items that were circulated yesterday and today:
• Agenda Item 5A – Amendment to the May 18 Workshop minutes (Commissioner Branham advised that he was referring to Lighthouse Point, not Sands Point (Item 5D on page 3).
• Agenda Item 5E – Amendment to the date referenced in the staff memorandum regarding the joint meeting with Sarasota County (Resolution 2026-17).
• Agenda Item 5G – Amendment to the meeting schedule and due date for the Charter Review Committee’s final report (Resolution 2026-24).
Copies will be available on the dais. With these amendments noted for the record, the items do not need to be removed from the Consent Agenda unless a Commissioner requests further discussion. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Trish Shinkle
Town Clerk
Town of Longboat Key
Wood Bridge over Creek and Bridge Destination
To: George Reenstra
Thank you for reaching out! I met with our Public Works Department onsite, and they have started the work to clean up all the ditch banks and the ditch itself. We also just met with our contractor last week about the wood bridge over the creek project. He is working up some numbers for that. As soon as we get that, we will forward your way.
As far as a memorial opportunity for the south bridge (New Pass Bridge) in Honor with Vietnam Helicopter Pilots and Crews, I did some research, and it is a little bit involved. Memorials on state roads or bridges are defined by Florida Statute. Below is my understanding of the statute:
Starts with a Formal Recommendation(s) from the local government showing support for the memorial designation. If the bridge or road is in more than one locality, it would require formal recommendations from both cities. In this case, the Town of Longboat Key and the City of Sarasota since the bridge connects the two cities.
Once Formal Recommendations are achieved, there would need to be a State Legislative sponsor (FL House or Senate).
That sponsor would then make sure to get actual formal Resolutions from both the Town and the City. Once the Resolutions are passed and obtained, the sponsor brings it to the State Legislature and the State Legislature votes on it.
Once approved, the Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) designates the bridge with a memorial marker.
So, it all starts at the local Town level with a recommendation from the Town Commission. Then, if the Town Commission supported it, that recommendation would go to the City of Sarasota to see if their elected officials support it.
Another potential option is a memorial as part of the new Broadway Street at Gulf of Mexico Drive Roundabout that the state is helping us build at the north end. I am not sure, but it may have to go through the same process because Gulf of Mexico Drive is a state road (SR 789). The upside is that it is more of a Town requested project rather than an existing bridge between two cities. But we understand that a bridge designation is strong and very meaningful.
Another idea is that the Town has historical markers in Town right-of-way or property like the one below. These are usually tied to some historical event in connection with Longboat Key, but maybe there is a connection that can be considered. These are just some initial thoughts and research. As far as the wood bridge over the creek is concerned, I will send the construction estimate once we have it in hand.
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Wood Bridge over Creek and Bridge Destination
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Since I rarely go north, the New Pass bridge is my choice. I doubt either town would object. This is above my pay grade, does Gulf of Mexico have such a designation? Sounds easier and would work for me. Can you recommend someone I can meet with and retain to act as my representative? Thanks, when I get back you, Gary and myself can grab lunch.
George Reenstra
Longboat Key
Sarasota-Manatee MPO Governing Board Meeting
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps and Assistant Town Manager Issac Brownman
Below is a brief summary of the above-referenced meeting. There was a quorum of the voting members. However, the voting members from the City of Sarasota and the Town of Longboat Key were not in attendance. The MPO will be mindful of the Commission schedules for the City and Town for next year’s May meeting to avoid conflicts. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Dave Scarpelli was introduced as the new FDOT Community Liaison with MPO.
Presentations were made by Manatee County Area Transit and Sarasota County Breeze Transit which included their quarterly updates.
Items that were voted on all passed by the Board:
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendments
Fiscal Year 2026/27 to 2030/31 Transportation Improvement Program – Note here that it was mentioned that this includes the LBK 12-ft wide multi-use trail. Jenn had noticed that it was originally not shown, in the FDOT Work Program, and worked with MPO staff on this. MPO was able to track this project down and ensure it was included for FY30.
Joint Transportation Regional Improvement Program (TRIP) Project Priority List – Note the TRIP has lost funding over the past 10-years and funding is very limited.
Advancing Organizational Safety Culture – This is an MPO endeavor and a presentation by the MPO was made for this project.
Vice Chair Mast brought up the discussion of e-bikes
She requested that this be a topic that the Board delves into.
It was mentioned that Marco Island has an e-bike ordinance that may be helpful.
The success of the City of Bradenton and City of Bradenton Beach ferry system was discussed. It was also mentioned it would be nice for Sarasota County to participate with a ferry system. Jenn’s Side note: The City of Sarasota is working with a firm named Benesch to advance the Water Transit Landside Access and Mobility Study, which will evaluate how residents and visitors will travel to and from proposed water transit dock locations, with a focus on first/last-mile connectivity, parking, curb management, transit integration, and multimodal access. The study is intended to build upon the ongoing water transit planning and conceptual dock design work currently underway. There is also a Water Transit meeting on Wednesday, June 10 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Bayfront Community Center in Sarasota to learn about proposed docking locations at Bayfront Park and Ken Thompson Park. Jenn and Charlie are both attending.
AAM/eVTOL efforts were discussed. FDOT highly supports these efforts and future of this program. There was a regional working group meeting that was held on April 24th at SRQ and this was mentioned. Jenn and Charlie had attended on behalf of the Town. Other attendees were members of FDOT, SRQ, SRQ’s consultant, and other local government entities. Discussion at the Board Meeting included that this working group is working toward a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the goal of completing that MOU within 60-days. Comp plan amendments, zoning ordinances, etc. should be evaluated by local governments to determine how they may or may not align with AAM/eVTOL. Statewide, Phase IA of the AAM is located within the I-4 corridor. Suntrax is also testing technology in support of advancing AAM/eVTOL.
Jennifer Fehrs
Town Engineer
Town of Longboat Key
Dinner request
To: Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams
Rabbi Mates tried to call but couldn’t reach you, she is copied on this email.
Would you like to join us for dinner following June 5 services? It will be casual, warm and friendly.
Services start at 5:30, and Rabbi wondered if you prefer to be “interviewed” or speak directly to the congregation? We are looking forward to having you!
Jennifer Shaw
Temple Beth Israel
Street light inquiry
To: Stephen Spotte
Mr. Spottte, please see the map and, if you can, indicate which light may need a shield. You mention a light just of you location. Those lights have been in place for 2 years now and may not be the issue, so please help us identify the potential culprit.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
Street light inquiry
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charles Mopps
Thanks so much for responding. I know the lights have been in place a couple of years, and I’ve been trying to ignore this one, but ultimately without success. I can’t identify its location from your map. However, the offending lamp is just south of our property and stands at the southern end of Sarah and Paul Karon’s front yard next door. Their address is 6225 Gulf of Mexico Drive. A photo facing south from our deck is attached. The unit looks nearly hidden and unobtrusive — until it turns on at dusk.
Actually, night sky pollution from urban and suburban lighting has become a worldwide issue, and all outdoor lightly should properly be aimed downward allowing as little illumination as possible to leak upward. Something to think about: of the approximately 9 billion people on Earth, an estimated one million of them have never seen the stars. Please stop by if you want a personal look, and thanks again.
Steve Spotte
Longboat Key
Street light inquiry
To: Longboat Key Commission
A shield has been added to that light. We hope this helps. Thanks goes out to Guy, Mark, and Mike.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
Street light inquiry
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charles Mopps
Is this possible for a streetlight on GMD? We live at 6225. Let me know, thanks! Also, could you please ask the Town to put a downward reflector on the street lamp just south of our houses? As is, it’s contributing to pollution of the night sky, not to mention shining in our eyes when we sit on the deck at night.
Stephen Spotte
Longboat Key
Property tax reform
To: Longboat Key Commission
The Florida League shared this morning that the Governor will be calling a special session for property tax reform for 6/1-3. The idea is that the Governor holds the veto pen over budget approvals during this timeframe which maximizes his leverage.
It was shared the Gov is proposing $250k for homesteaded properties. 5% cap for non homesteaded properties. Now the Gov is including schools in his proposal which is also new. FLC estimates the impacts to be $12b-$15b statewide. All breaking news and more details to follow.
Howard Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Town of Longboat Key Officials Receive 2026 Home Rule Hero Awards
To: Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager
Thank you Chief. The Commission really gets all the credit.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Town of Longboat Key Officials Receive 2026 Home Rule Hero Awards
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Congratulations on being recognized for the Home Rule Hero Award!
Russ Mager
Police Chief
Town of Longboat Key
Town of Longboat Key Officials Receive 2026 Home Rule Hero Awards
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
Upcoming City Commission Schedule
To: Sarasota City Commission
Attached for your reference is a tentative schedule of upcoming City Commission items and public hearings which includes advertising deadlines and agenda submission deadlines.
Please let me know if any questions, concerns or changes are needed.
Reminder – the deadline for submitting agenda requests and backup material into peak for the July 6, 2026 meeting is Thursday, June 18 by 3 p.m.
Lori Rivers
Deputy City Clerk
City of Sarasota
Thanks!
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Upcoming City Commission Schedule
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
I will speak to the Transportation and Planning teams and Ms. Friling about the request and get back to you.
Jennifer Jorgensen
Interim City Manager
City of Sarasota
Upcoming City Commission Schedule
To: Sarasota City Interim Manager Jennifer Jorgensen
Hope you are having a lovely holiday weekend. Now that we are on break, I started to read some important items that I put off until I had more time. One of those items is the Transportation Chapter and the proposed changes for this chapter. This is a 500-ish page document that is as dense as they get. I will need to read through this carefully and have the opportunity to meet with members of the community, staff, and others.
My request is to not place it on the July Agenda schedule or even the August Agenda Schedule – please, please, please. I am trying to help with over scheduling our meetings and a flag raised in my mind when I started to dig into this and have discussions about it. While I will be able to finish reading this over “the break,” I will need time to schedule meetings and have important discussions with folks, many who are away some portion of the summer. This is a large and important document, I do hope you can accommodate this request. Thank you for your consideration.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Upcoming City Commission Schedule
To: Sarasota Interim City Manager Jennifer Jorgensen
For your reference.
Shayla Griggs
City Clerk
City of Sarasota
Upcoming Palm Ave Board Discussion on The Well Development
To: Rob Chelseth
Thanks for the email and invitation. I have copied the City attorney, Mr. Polzak, on this email to advise. I am not sure which path this project is going to take and so will defer to the attorney for advice on my ability to participate in meetings. He will reach out to us with a response.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Upcoming Palm Ave Board Discussion on The Well Development
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
I hope you’re doing well and your campaign makes good progress. You may recall we met at your Laurel Park meet and greet a couple of weeks ago when we shared the Morgan Bentley letter regarding the proposed development ‘The Well.’
Several members from South Palm Avenue condominium board of directors will hold a Zoom conference call next Tuesday at 4:00 PM to further discuss the proposed development, The Well, and its potential impact on our neighborhood.
I wanted to share two requests for your consideration:
You are cordially invited to join the meeting virtually to share your perspective and provide any updates regarding the status of The Well application currently under review by the DRC.
Alternatively, if your schedule does not permit attendance, I would greatly appreciate any updates you can provide before next Tuesday’s meeting so that I may share them with board members from our neighboring condominium associations.
Thank you for your continued attention to and support on this important matter.
Rob Chelseth
Sarasota
