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.
Longboat Key 2025 Virtual Hurricane Program Recording
To: Longboat Key Commission, Longboat Key residents
We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced accessing the program. For your convenience, we’ve included a link to view and share the presentation, as well as a copy of the slides reviewed by Chief Dezzi attached.
Program Link: https://youtu.be/QU3kdwFdQ0Y
Additional Q&A:
Where can I get a re-entry decal?
Red resident decals are available at the following locations: Town Hall, Fire Department (North Station, 5490 GMD), Public Works Department, and Planning and Zoning Department. Green decals can be obtained at the North Fire Station (5490 GMD) or the Police Department (5460 GMD). Additional decal information: https://www.longboatkey.org/our-town/hurricane-information/re-entry-process
Can we get sandbags from the county?
Sandbags on Longboat Key are available at the Public Works Department. 10bags per household. Condominiums here on the island are able to get 30 total per complex. The town will announce when the sandbag station is open during weather events.
Feel free to email myself and or Chief Dezzi with any question you may have.
Tina Adams
Fire Administration & Communications Manager/PIO
Town of Longboat Key
LBK Letter
To: Sarah Karon, Jim Haft
Thank you for leading such a productive meeting with LBK yesterday. If your schedule allows, we would like to invite you to join the upcoming LBK North Meeting via Zoom (Thursday May 22, 11 a.m.). This will provide an opportunity to introduce you to the LBK North Reps group (28 local leaders) and dedicate some time for you to speak on the issues discussed at yesterday’s joint meeting, followed by a brief Q&A session.
We believe the LBK North Reps will be encouraged by the BOCC’s progress and ongoing support for the community center. Additionally, they will likely be interested in hearing your thoughts on improving transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and ensuring a more equitable traffic flow off the Key—particularly in helping LBK workers depart at a similar pace as beachgoers in the future.
You represented the concerns of LBK North with clarity and conviction, and we sincerely thank you for your commitment to the Manatee County residents of Longboat Key.
Maureen Merrigan
Jim Haft
Paul Hylbert
Jeff Driver
LBK North Board
Manatee grant awards
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
We will have to look into this. We need to consider Sleepy Lagoon, The Village, and Utility needs, and collectively see what qualifies.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key Public Works
Manatee grant awards
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
Following up. Please let us know how the $1.392 million just awarded by Manatee will be used for Sleepy Lagoon’s projects. I think a *very* reasonable case can be made for the priority of SL as one of LBK’s lowest lying and most adversely affected areas.
John Connolly
Longboat Key
Manatee grant awards
To: John Connolly, June Groary and Blythe Jeffers
I am including Kalee on this, as she is the Grants Coordinator. We are meeting with Manatee to discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and what options or potentials lie within.
We are also working with Manatee County Local Mitigation Workgroup to get letters of endorsement for the remailing phases, that are under design, but need Construction Funds. So far they have provided support and the next steps are to compile the grant applications to request funds once, the Hurricane Helene and Milton HMGP grant window opens. Jennifer Fehrs, the Town Engineer is leading the remaining design projects and can provide additional details on design scheduling. Infrastructure Solution Services has been selected for Bayview, De Narvaez and Juan Anasco and we are in the process on onboarding them for the remaining three streets.
For the Gulfside Beach “systematic fix”, I am assuming that you are referring to the Structural Stabilization project. This project is not grant funded outside of what is eligible from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Beach Funding process. Those funds should be available regardless of the CDBG or HMGP, depending on what passes as a budget in the State.
Kalee, has the best handle on the timing of all of the Grant schedules and we will keep everyone posted with any updates, we get.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key Public Works
Manatee grant awards
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
It is our understanding that LBK will hear about resiliency grants, etc. from Manatee County very soon— tomorrow? We would love to get an update after that in terms of where things now stand for Sleepy Lagoon’s projects.
It’s our understanding that the design work for both remaining phases (previously three remaining phases that have been regrouped— Bayview/De Narvaez/Juan Anasco and Marbury/Penfield/General Harris) are funded and underway. It is also our understanding that the start of Norton Street (re)construction has been delayed until the design grant package can be closed out.
I’m presuming that the Manatee grants won’t affect the proposed Gulfside beach “systemic fix” project, but any updates there would be appreciated as well.
Any revisions on timing for all of the above would be much appreciated. I will be down there May 12-19 if there’s any reason to meet in person.
John Connolly, June Groary and Blythe Jeffers
Longboat Key
Sitting on Harbor Sound Drive for 8 days
To: Richard Ackerman
Richard, I know that Guy reached out to the Contractor and Code Enforcement got involved as well. Hopefully, this will result in it being relocated or removed.
I am including Code Enforcement to provide any updates they can provide.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key Public Works
Sitting on Harbor Sound Drive for 8 days
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
I have been a faithful full-time resident of Longboat Key since 2014. This year I attended the Citizens Academy, and was most impressed learning how our city is governed and operates. I am very happy living in Longboat Key.
Question: Would any of you expect that an oversize underground utility truck could be parked in front of your house for 10 days, partially blocking traffic, and presenting a continuing eyesore to neighborhood residents? As the Mayor kindly informed you, that has been the case in front of my house at 1660 Harbor Sound Drive.
What would you do?
I called the underground utility services company twice in recent days. The recorded message told me to state my issue and leave a number and I would be called shortly. I have been waiting for days for a return call.
When I told our excellent Mayor of my plight, he said he would see what he could do. I certainly appreciate both his contacting the Director plus whatever you are able to do to resolve this problem. To me, it should not be intractable to solve.
I was told that the truck was part of a project being conducted by FPL on behalf of St Regis. Two Mondays ago (ten days) many men spent the day digging underground to replace what I was told is a cable connection. When they left that evening with their truck parked 20 feet from my property, I assumed the job would be finished the next day. Nobody has returned since that day, and nobody has provided me with any information regarding the truck.
Can work such as the type I have described be done on Longboat Key without a government department knowing about it and granting permission?
Should I anticipate the truck remaining in its parked position indefinitely?
Have any of you gentlemen been able to speak to a knowledgeable official with the underground utilities company, FPL, or the Saint Regis hotel?
It’s now 12:44 PM on Wednesday, May 7 and the truck and six street cones surrounding the truck remain in position…as unsightly and annoying as ever.
This is by no means an emergency, but I would appreciate a definitive response of any kind today if possible.
Richard Ackerman
Longboat Key
Sitting on Harbor Sound for 8 days.
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
Gentlemen: This truck has been sitting at the same location in the Harbour Section with no activity for over a week. A driver said it related to an issue at the St. Regis with no further information. Do you know its purpose and if it can be moved off this neighborhood street? Thanks.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Harbourside Drive permit
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
Here’s the follow up to this pool cage permit request.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Harbourside Drive permit
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I just got off the phone with Mrs. English and explained that after my plan review I found that they did not design her cage structure to meet barrier island standards.
This permit came in a week ago, FYI. The contractor will have to submit corrected plans with the correct design otherwise would structurally fail. I am reaching out to the contractor as well. Let me know if you need any other information. Have a great day.
Patti Fige
Building Official
Town of Longboat Key
Harbourside Drive permit
To: Longboat Key Building Official Patti Fige
Would you please review and advise the permit holder (and let us know the outcome)?
Thank you Patti.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Harbourside Drive permit
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Could you please ask appropriate staff to contact Patty English to update her regarding her permit request?
Steve Branham
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Harbourside Drive permit
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
Hello We have been waiting on approval for our permit since early March.
We are the owners and trying to get information regarding our permit application with Lightening Aluminum.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Patty English
Longboat Key
Suncoast Waterkeeper Weekly Review
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
Good afternoon. Thank you for inquiring about the elevated enterococci levels in Palma Sola. Pia noted on the data sheet that horses were about 100 feet away in the water when she collected the sample on an incoming tide last week.
Through several rounds of microbial source tracking, we have found that horses contribute to enterococci levels. We recently repeated LuminUltra’s qPCR microbial source tracking methods for the third time. Dave suggested this lab and that we include a Bacteroidetes assay. Sampling was conducted during a low outgoing tide, where enterococci concentrations were recorded at 144 per 100 mL. Most targets did not contain DNA in the sample. The targets that were present were at levels below the threshold for quantification. However, the same was not true last April and July.
April 2024 & July 2024: No human DNA was detected. However, Horse DNA was detected and quantified in both the liquid and sediment samples.
April 10, 2025: No horse, dog, or human DNA was detected. However, avian DNA and general Bacteroidetes (GenBac3) were present in the liquid sample at levels too low to quantify. GenBac3 was present and quantified in the sediment sample only.
Although the lab couldn’t provide a precise measurement of bacteroidetes in the liquid sample, they did detect their presence. This means these potential indicator bacteria were present in the liquid, even if the amount was too low to quantify accurately. Bacteroidetes were found in high enough quantities to be quantified in the sediment sample.
The avian marker was also found in the liquid sample, but at a level below the lab’s Limit of Quantification (LOQ). So while they could confirm it was there, the concentration was too low for them to give a reliable numerical value.
We also examined the April 10 sample for dog, human, and horse DNA, but all were undetected.
These findings suggest that while horses are a frequent source of bacteria, they are not always present where we dip our hands into the bay to collect the sample. That is because the variability of enterococci levels in water has been reported over relatively short spatial scales. We also know that qPCR results do not correlate with the cultured results. So while horse markers were not present in the 50 mL MST sample, they might have been present in our 100 mL enterococci sample. We recognize that there are other potential contributing sources, including birds. However, due to the overall low concentrations of MST markers on April 10, it’s impossible to determine each species’ relative contribution to overall contamination for that day at that specific location. Furthermore, a scientifically robust method for quantifying this relative contribution might not be viable with the data provided by LuminUltra.
We learned much from this investigation and have enough data to request additional funding for a more robust sampling effort. However, we know enough to say that horses contribute to high levels of contamination and may be why our monitoring location does not meet state standards for Class III waters (see our 2024 report). Over the years, we have observed that when the horses are not present at the shoreline, the concentration of enterococci is reliably low. When horses are present, 9 times out of 10, the enterococci concentrations will exceed 70/100mL. As a result, we recommend a sign warning people about swimming in that area. Please let me know your questions, comments, or suggestions.
Abbey Tyrna
Executive Director
Suncoast Waterkeeper
Suncoast Waterkeeper Sampling Results for April 29
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
On April 29, the enterococci survey was carried out during an incoming high tide, between 2.4 ft to 2.68 ft. Thick wrack on the shore was recorded at Longboat Key Bayfront Park. Horses were present at Palma Sola Bay 100 feet away during sample collection.
The results for sites sampled in Manatee County are as follows:
Longboat Key Bayfront Park (bay side): 41 #/100 mL
Town of Longboat Key Boat Ramp: Undetected
Herb Dolan Park: 10 #/100 mL
Palma Sola Causeway North: 2755 #/100 mL
Braden River: 20 #/100 mL
Palmetto Bridge: 10 #/100 mL
Emerson Point: 41 #/100 mL
Terra Ceia Bay: 160 #/100 mL
Any count exceeding 71 is considered unsafe for swimming, indicating a potential health concern. The standard for enterococci in Class II and Class III Marine waters is “MPN or MF counts shall not exceed a monthly geometric mean of 35 nor exceed the Ten Percent Threshold Value (TPTV) of 130 in 10% or more of the samples during any 30-day period. Monthly geometric means shall be based on a minimum of 10 samples taken over a 30-day period,” (62-302.500 F.A.C.). The two Longboat Key sites are located in Class II waters (https://geodata.dep.state.fl.us/datasets/FDEP::surface-water-class-boundaries-areas/explore?location=27.336358%2C-82.433979%2C10.00)
We are committed to bringing these critical issues to your attention and believe your active involvement is crucial. The official reports for this week’s sampling activities, courtesy of Benchmark Enviroanalytical, are attached to this email. We want to encourage you to direct all questions, suggestions for additional analysis, and feedback to Dr. Abbey Tyrna at Executivedirector@suncoastwaterkeeper.org and Pia Ronquillo-See at waterquality@suncoastwaterkeeper.org. Your input is invaluable in our collective efforts to address these water quality issues.
2024 Year-End Analysis
We analyzed our enterococci data from January to December 2024 using the Florida Department of Health’s Water Quality Categories for Healthy Beaches and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Surface Water Quality Standards. Suncoast Waterkeeper applies the stricter Healthy Beaches criteria to determine whether areas are safe for swimming. Specifically, water quality results in the “Good” and “Moderate” categories are deemed “swimmable.” The percentage of swimmable weeks over the past year was calculated based on weekly enterococci results at our 11 monitored sites. We also examined and discussed trends, seasonal changes, and the impacts of unprecedented weather events on the number of swimmable weeks throughout 2024.
Additionally, we evaluated the enterococci results against the Ten Percent Threshold Value (TPTV) of 130 MPN per 100 milliliters of water, as specified in Chapter 62-302 of the Florida Administrative Code for Class II and Class III water categories. The TPTV is clearly defined in the Florida State Statutes (62-303.320 and 62-303.420) and is determined using confidence intervals of a binomial distribution.
We hope this year-end analysis benefits you; you can view and share our story map here: 2024 Review: Fecal Indicator Bacteria on the Suncoast. As always, please reach out with any questions, comments, suggestions, or concerns.
Abbey Tyrna
Executive Director
Suncoast Waterkeeper
LBK / Live Local Act
To: Longboat Key Commission
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
Harbourside Drive permit
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
Thank you very much. We appreciate your help.
Sincerely,
Patty English, Longboat Key
Harbourside Drive permit
To: Patty English
Thank you for your email. I have asked the Town Manager to look into this issue. You should hear from the town staff soon. They can update you about the current status of your permit.
Steve Branham
Commissioner , Town of Longboat Key
Conversation pertain to policy change for the illumination of the Ringling Bridge
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
My name is Mark Spiegel. We briefly spoke at the Tiger Bay meeting today. I want to follow-up with you regarding the FDOT’s recent policy change concerning the illumination of the Ringling Bridge. Below you will find a copy of the petition that has been circulating throughout the city. Thus far we have over 330 signatures with comments. I would be happy to include you on the distribution list to receive the weekly report of the comments made regarding this concern. There are quite a number of residents of Longboat key who have participated by making comments on this petition. As you may or may not be aware, our request is not to restart the program that allows organizations and causes to commemorate using their particular color scheme. What we are asking for is that the FDOT allow the bridge’s daily default illumination to go back to the professionally designed Aqua Blue color that everyone liked and appreciated. The color that was designed specifically to enhance the architecture and the environment of the bridge. The color that has been iconic to the character of the city for all its residents and guests that visit Sarasota and its islands. The Red, White and Blue should be reserved for the appropriate National holidays.
I have had a productive conversation with Mr. L K Nandam, District 1 Director FDOT. He expressed his understanding and willingness to consider this request by somehow fitting it into the State policy. He seemed to indicate that city officials might enhance the sway to get this request through. It would be extremely helpful, if you concur with this request, for Mr. Nandam to receive a call from you. I have had a few conversations with the Mayor Alpert, who has stated she agrees with the petition. She indicated to me that she also would be calling Mr. Nandam about this request.
As a representative of Longboat Key, your calling Mr. Nandam on the matter will certainly make a big impression and hopefully enhance the possibility of having this change instituted.
I am happy to discuss this further with you and welcome the opportunity to schedule a call or meeting with you.
“The John Ringling Causeway Bridge is more than just a structure to convey traffic from one side of Sarasota Bay to the other. It is an architectural landmark that defines the beauty and identity of Sarasota. The original Aqua Blue lighting is a specifically customized color that was intentionally developed by local lighting designers to compliment the bridge’s aesthetics, enhance the surrounding coastal environment and maintain the serene and sophisticated ambiance that makes Sarasota unique.
Recently, the default lighting has been changed to Red, White and Blue, a color scheme that, while patriotic, does not align with the bridge’s architectural design features, intended aesthetics, or Sarasota’s distinctive character. While we fully support the use of special colors for national holidays, we believe the default lighting should remain true to its original artistic intent.
We also believe that by using the Red, White and Blue illumination as a daily feature, diminishes the specialness of our patriotic national holidays when the Red White and Blue stands out as a noticeable special event.
Our request:
We respectfully ask the Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Sarasota to:
1. Reinstate Aqua Blue as the default lighting color for the Ringling Bridge.
2. Continue to allow temporary color changes for special occasions such as national holidays.
By restoring the Aqua Blue lighting, Sarasota can preserve the beauty of its skyline, uphold the artistic vision behind the bridge’s design and maintain the charm that residents and visitors have cherished for years.
We urge the FDOT and City officials to take action and honor the architectural integrity of one of Sarasota’s most iconic landmarks.
What do you think?”
Mark Spiegel
Longboat Key
Florida Main Street Application
To: Sarasota City Commission
Since 1985, Florida Main Street has offered technical assistance to Main Street programs across the state. The program is a part of a network of 48 nationally recognized programs throughout the country. Florida Main Street is administered by Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State. The program is affiliated with the National Main Street Center and utilizes the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach® which offers a framework for community-based revitalization initiatives.
A copy of the application can be requested by contacting either katherine.beck@dos.fl.gov or garrett.walsh@dos.fl.gov Completed applications must be received by September 2, 2025, no later than 5 p.m. EST.
Communities interested in the Florida Main Street program are encouraged to attend the Preservation on Main Street (POMS24) conference July 14-18, 2025, in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Registration and additional information will be available soon at : https://www.preservationonmainstreet.com/
Former Main Street communities can be reorganized without utilizing the application process. Contact me for details if you are interested in reestablishing a former program.
Katherine Beck | State Coordinator
Florida Main Street
Florida Department of State
Potential Parking Structures
To: Sarasota City Public Works Director Doug Jeffcoat
Looking through Property Appraiser’s map, I identified these City-owned properties that I believe should be investigated for potential parking structures.
None of them is ideal, but they might be better than some of the sites under consideration. The out-of-the-way locations may become more viable with a circulator tram and WayFinding.
Here’s my list:
1055 North Orange: vacant 82,000 sq.ft. north of FPL on west side of Orange; split into 2 parcels by RR tracks, southern parcel appears to be inaccessible. Not as far off the beaten path as one would assume; located diagonally across Orange from WBTT.
1500 10th Street: two adjacent parcels totaling 50,000 sq.ft. on the south side of 10th between Lemon and Orange used as a stormwater reservoir. Highly visible and readily accessible location if City handles stormwater differently.
950 Cocoanut: small, highly-visible 9,000 sq.ft. vacant lot on southeast corner of 10th and Cocoanut. Perhaps it can provide parking for employees of the businesses opening nearby.
I hope to hear that one or more is usable for structured parking.
Debbie Trice
Commissioner
City of Sarasota
