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.
Gratitude for Town Staff and permitting process
To: Editor
I hope you can include this on your Editorial Page. Counterbalancing the less than supportive narrative lately, below would be in order:
I am grateful for all the exceptional effort personally and professionally put forth by the competent staff at The Town of Longboat Key Planning, Building and Zoning Department.
The permitting process for storm associated damage has been a challenge for all concerned including the additional implementation of a new software program in an effort to streamline the process.
Asking for assistance, town planning officials have exceeded all expectations to help us with the new system that would have caused a delay for our contractor who is lifting/leveling units in Gulfshore.
Patti Fige helped expedite the process and Neal Mazzei and staff have done a great job in helping Gulfshore Shareholders move forward.
Kathy Rylander
Longboat Key
Comcast box at Sabal Cove
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
Charlie, Please provide photos of what you’re looking for. We may or may not be able to move it. Thank you.
Kevin Murphy
Comcast
Comcast box at Sabal Cove
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
You helped my neighbors and me in Sabal Cove last Summer determine that an equipment box on Harbourside Drive at our South entrance belonged to Comcast. We are now trying to replant that entrance area and would like to ask Comcast to move the box behind our entrance signs or further down the street. Can you suggest someone there for us to contact (now that you know them so well!). Thanks.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Property Assessments
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Your are welcome and I hope you find it useful as we all move forward with our budgeting processes.
Mark Short
Mayor
City of Anna Maria
Checking in regarding Longboat Manatee
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Good morning Charlie, the appraiser has advised we should have the report in three weeks.
Peter Morrow | Property Acquisition Division Manager
Manatee County Government
Property Management Department
Checking in regarding Longboat Manatee
To: Manatee County Commissioner Charlie Bishop
I hope you had a good holiday weekend. When you have a moment this week, can you let me know the current status of the County’s appraisal for 6920 Gulf of Mexico Drive? Just want to know what the timing looks like going forward.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Outrageous noise from Jewfish Sandbar
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
The marine police were out there in force this weekend for long hours, and their efforts did prove helpful in controlling some of the worst offenders. We thank them for their work. But since they can’t be there 24/7, I think it would be very helpful if the Town posted some signs on the sandbar and Greer that say something to the effect of:
I realize that FWC approval would be necessary for signage, but I think there’s a way to get approval without creating a “boating restricted area”. If you and the commissioners approve, I would be happy to work with Maggie & staff on this issue.
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Outrageous noise from Jewfish Sandbar
To: Longboat Key Police chief Frank Rubino
Just to manage expectations, Memorial Day is usually the busiest weekend (especially for boating). Aqua Palooza on the south end, Jewfish Key sandbar, heavy beach traffic, and all without a cloud in the sky. Any beach and/or waterfront community on a long holiday weekend with perfect weather is going to have these impacts and there are very real limits to just how much the Town can control, including parking at the privately owned Chiles property.
Frank, I was at Mar Vista for dinner on Saturday and our patrol boat came by around 8 pm and it was great to seem them out on extended hours. Appreciate the operational plans that Police, Fire, and Public Works had for this holiday weekend. We’ll meet to debrief on how we can do better in the future as we think about the July 4th weekend.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Outrageous noise from Jewfish Sandbar
To: Jim Haft
It has been an exceptionally busy weekend so far. In anticipation of the holiday weekend, staffing levels have been increased, and our team has been actively engaged. Today, we have more than doubled the staffing, ensuring that we have four marine officers patrolling the waters and four officers stationed on land. The marine patrol will focus on the northern end. Rest assured, those who fail to comply with the noise ordinance after receiving a warning will be cited.
Frank Rubino
Interim Chief of Police
Longboat Key Police Department
Outrageous noise from Jewfish Sandbar
To: Longboat Key Commission
Though you do great work for our island I am so aggrieved at the horrible loud concussive music coming from boats partying off of the sandbar at Jewfish Key that has been the torment for years and getting worse. Nothing seems to work to relieve this agony. What has been done has not worked and this neighborhood has been suffering. Obviously the police presence does nothing. Why? The excuse that there is not enough marine coverage is dismaying. Then get more. We are a marine community. As I’m writing my strong house is shaking.
Ann Roth
Longboat Key
Chiles Parking Lot
To: Longboat Key Commission
I have reviewed the concerns expressed by others in our Northend neighborhoods regarding beachgoers using the Chiles parking lot this past weekend. I’ve not noticed this before and agree with others that it is likely to recur on summer holiday weekends. I’d just like to offer a different perspective on this: as far as I know, these visitors were generally peaceful, enjoying the time spent with us, hopefully appreciative of the opportunity to visit the beach, which is taken for granted by us who live on the Key. Perhaps we could be a bit more understanding and tolerant of these few episodes, in celebration of the Summer Holidays. Thanks for listening.
Jim Haft
Longboat Key
Illegal Parking…Childs lot next to Whitney Plaza
To: Paul Hylbert
Thank you, Paul. We’ll look forward to learnings once this holiday weekend wraps up, which will enable future planning for July 4 and Labor Day. Managing traffic and expectations will be key.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Parking
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Yesterday was obviously a record day for beachgoers on the north end of LBK, and after walking this morning, the Town did a great job of cleaning up parking lots and picking up trash.
One interesting and concerning situation developed last night with traffic backups going north off LBK lasting until at least 11 p.m. when we went to bed. Not sure what the bottleneck was, but when I walked the dog at 9:15 it was backed up to Whitney condo’s and stayed backed up for at least the next couple of hours……..maybe more boat traffic keeping the bridge going up, maybe Cocina traffic with people enjoying the beautiful evening, maybe Cortex Bridge?
I would also add that what we saw this weekend is likely to repeat itself over July 4th and Labor Day. With the growth of Manatee County, which will only accelerate with 10,000 new homes just in the Cortez/75th street corridor, we will need to find ways to manage what will be significantly more pressure on our LBK beaches as well as on the water all around Longboat Pass, Jewfish Key, and out into the Gulf.
Paul Hylbert
Longboat Key
Illegal Parking…Childs lot next to Whitney Plaza
To: Cathy Ross
Thank you for writing in, Cathy. I’ve heard from other North End neighbors (included here) as well. I’m cc-ing LBK Police Chief Rubino and Town Manager Tipton, perhaps they will have some more details to share. It’s true: the parking lot is private.
Chief, we’re hoping folks are parking safely and legally. Thank you and your officers for managing the situation. Please fill us in on any advice you have for neighbors as to what is allowed, when they should call your team, etc.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Illegal Parking…Childs lot next to Whitney Plaza
To: Longboat Key Commission
Over 80 cars are parked in the lot by Cedar St off of Gulf of Mexico drive close to the Broadway entrance to the beach. Broadway and Firehouse Rd are at capacity! I was told this is illegal parking so I called the police and I am emailing pictures for your records. The police informed me this is a private parking lot so they cannot do anything. Please stop this as it will hurt our wildlife and ruin our beaches!
Cathy Ross
Longboat Key
LBK Rotary meeting June 3
To: Longboat Key Rotary President Terri Driver
I’ll plan to be there in person. Just let us know where and when.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Rotary meeting June 3
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I’m connecting you to arrange details for Tip’s visit (in person) for the Rotary meeting June 3 at 5 p.m. I will plan to join you on Zoom.
Terri, brief info on me per your request: I’m a first-term District 5 Commissioner for Longboat Key and the board president of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County as well as an advisory board member (former president) of WUSF Public Media. I came up in the newspaper business (Chicago, Minneapolis) and pivoted into 30 years of nonprofit fundraising, grantmaking and volunteer leadership in MN before moving to Longboat Key in 2014.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Rotary meeting June 3
To: Longboat Key Rotary President Terri Driver
Thank you Terri and I’ll be there at 4:30 p.m. Savannah’s working on a couple of slides and will share the updated video link on our website.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Rotary meeting June 3
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
We are looking forward to you and Sarah speaking at our LBK Rotary Club on June 3rd, 2025, 5 p.m. about the “Complete The Green” initiative.
We also welcome any other information you or Sarah might want to provide about Town Happenings, such as how is the permitting process going?, what’s up with the round about at Broadway?, what’s going on with the trees that were cut down along Bay Isles Rd?, etc.
We meet at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Rd, just down the road from Town Hall.
We usually have 10 minutes of Rotary preamble (just like the Commission Meetings), 30 minute presentation by you and Sarah, 15 minutes Q&A, and 5 minutes final wrap-up.
Tip, we should try to meet in person at 4:30-4:45pm, June 3rd, 2025, to work out the logistics of presenting in person and on Zoom. Basically, we will be using my computer as camera and microphone for you to present to Zoom participants, along with a projector for in-person view.
If you want, you can provide a Power Point Presentation, and we can connect that my computer for either you to advance.
Sarah, if you have a PPT, that is very easy to share via zoom and will be projected on a wall next to Tip for presentation. I will provide the Zoom invite on Sunday, June 1st, 2025. I hope all of this information is helpful. Please feel free to call me if you need additional details.
Terri Driver
Public Image Chair, and President Elect
Rotary of LBK
LBK Rotary meeting June 3
To: Longboat Key Rotary President Terri Driver
I’ll plan to be there in person. Just let us know where and when.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Rotary meeting June 3
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I’m connecting you to arrange details for Tip’s visit (in person) for the Rotary meeting June 3 at 5 p.m. I will plan to join you on Zoom.
Terri, brief info on me per your request: I’m a first-term District 5 Commissioner for Longboat Key and the board president of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County as well as an advisory board member (former president) of WUSF Public Media. I came up in the newspaper business (Chicago, Minneapolis) and pivoted into 30 years of nonprofit fundraising, grantmaking and volunteer leadership in MN before moving to Longboat Key in 2014.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Illegal Parking…Childs lot next to Whitney Plaza
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
Thank you for your message and for including me in this important conversation. I also appreciate hearing from our North End neighbors, who continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to the area’s safety. You are correct—the parking lot in question is privately owned; therefore, enforcement on that property is limited unless the owner has taken specific steps to properly post signs that enable them to have violators towed.
We want to ensure that all residents and visitors park safely and respectfully in the surrounding area. On public property, we actively issue citations for vehicles parked illegally; this includes violations such as blocking driveways, parking in no-parking zones, and obstructing traffic flow.
For the holiday weekend, we have increased our staffing levels to better manage the increased activity across the island. Despite these efforts, it has been extremely busy, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and continued communication. Here are a few helpful guidelines for residents:
If vehicles are parked illegally on public roadways (e.g., blocking driveways, fire hydrants, or creating traffic hazards), please call our non-emergency number at 941-316-1201, and we will send an officer to investigate.
If vehicles are parked improperly or without authorization on private property, the property owner or manager must initiate enforcement action, such as posting appropriate signage or requesting towing services. For ongoing issues, feel free to share photos or detailed observations with us; we’ll work to coordinate a response where appropriate.
We’re always happy to speak with residents directly, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or would like to discuss any specific concerns further. Thank you once again for your ongoing support in keeping Longboat Key safe.
Frank Rubino
Interim Chief of Police
Town of Longboat Key
Illegal Parking…Childs lot next to Whitney Plaza
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Thank you for writing in, Cathy. I’ve heard from other North End neighbors (included here) as well. I’m cc-ing LBK Police Chief Rubino and Town Manager Tipton, perhaps they will have some more details to share. It’s true: the parking lot is private.
Chief, we’re hoping folks are parking safely and legally. Thank you and your officers for managing the situation. Please fill us in on any advice you have for neighbors as to what is allowed, when they should call your team, etc.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Illegal Parking…Childs lot next to Whitney Plaza
To: Longboat Key Commission
Over 80 cars are parked in the lot by Cedar St off of Gulf of Mexico drive close to the broadway entrance to the beach. Broadway and Firehouse Rd are at capacity! I was told this is illegal parking so I called the police and I am emailing pictures for your records. The police informed me this is a private parking lot so they cannot do anything. Please stop this as it will hurt our wildlife and ruin our beaches!
Cathy Ross
Longboat Key
Current Town Grants
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Kalee, the successful acquisition and implementation of our detailed projects is a testament to your dedication to making our town a Primier Community. Your roll is vital to the progress of our town, even though your efforts often go unseen by the public. Please know your efforts are deeply appreciated and recognized by us. Its people like you that make Longboat a better place for all of us.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Current Town Grants
To: Longboat Key Commission
During this week’s budget workshop, there was a question around how effective our Grants Coordinator has been since she started in July of 2023 (not 2024 as I stated on Monday). As you can see, Kalee has applied for $25.7 million in grants and has received $7.68 million. In addition to writing the grants and working them through various processes at the county, state or federal levels, she also manages all of the grants. This means that she’s working with the departments on implementation, ensuring that all grant requirements are being met, and also is responsible for all of the grant reporting (back to the granting agencies) which can be quite an undertaking and can last for years. In her spare time she has started a grant coordinator network of area local governments and is also part of our communications team.
Kalee’s total compensation package is approximately $125,000/year which includes both wages and benefits. In 22 months, she has cost the Town $230,000 or about 3% of the grant amount she has secured. Put another way, she has brought in grant revenue that is 33 times her cost to the Town. I have worked with grants folks in the past and would put in a minimum of 10 times their annual salary and a stretch goal of 20 times their annual compensation. Kalee is at 33 times. By any metric I’m familiar with, as a one-person shop, she has performed in an outstanding manner and I thank the Commission for the opportunity to bring this type of resource in-house.
Additionally, as to workspace considerations since that was also a brief discussion point on Monday, when Kalee was hired it was with the understanding that she would work from home as well as the office, which allows her to share office space with our Payroll Coordinator who works remotely most days. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Howard Tipton
Town Manager, Town of Longboat Key
Current Town Grants
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
For forwarding to the Commission, attached is our grant tracker. In the grant world, they define the award amount a little differently than us accountants. So that there is no confusion, I added a column at the very far right which is the actual grant dollars, removing the Town match. The Status column also provides items in progress and submitted waiting approval. As you can see this is very impressive. Let me know if you have any questions.
Sue Smith
Finance Director, Town of Longboat Key
Outrageous noise from Sandbar
To: Longboat Key Commission
Though u do great work for our island I am so aggrieved at the horrible loud concussive music coming from boats partying off of the sandbar at Jewfish Key that has been the torment for years and getting worse. Nothing seems to work to relieve this agony. What has been done has not worked and this neighborhood has been suffering. Obviously, the police presence does nothing. WHY?? The excuse that there is not enough marine coverage is dismaying. Then get more. We’re a marine community. As I’m writing my strong house is shaking.
Ann Roth
Longboat Key
