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.
Gulf of America Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
For what it’s worth, I am in favor of the change to “Gulf of America Drive.”
Note: my wife and I are only part time residents, so I would pay less attention to my opinion than that of full-timers and long-timers.
Reasons to change:
a. There is no “Gulf of Mexico.”
b. Starting 10 years from now, keeping the name Gulf of Mexico Dr. will look like some sort of offbeat protest against the change. So, we kind of need to make the change at some point.
c. Frankly, I like the new name (not that that matters much).
Yes, it will be a pain to change addresses on many things. But, sooner or later, changing the name is the right call.
Timing?
Something else?
a. Will the next Democratic administration change it back? If so, I don’t want to get whipsawed. I think they won’t but I have thought they wouldn’t do a lot of other things, either.
b. I don’t think anyone really cares what that street is called right now and it won’t make a difference in the grand scheme of things to wait to make the change effective. Maybe pass it now, but put it into effect on, say January 1, 2029. And, if the wind changes direction, adapt.
c. What about the name “Longboat Key Drive?”
Just some thoughts. Best wishes and thank you for caring for our community.
Thomas R. Larson
Longboat Key
Name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
If a name change is eminent, I would prefer Gulf of America Drive over a route number.
Carol Peschel
Longboat Key
Road name
To: Longboat Key Commission
We live at 6201 Gulf of Mexico Dr. My husband and I are in favor of keeping the road name as Gulf of Mexico Dr. Simply for ease.
Cynthia Heit-Welch and Randall Welch
Longboat Key
Name Change of Gulf of Mexico Dr.
To: Longboat Key Commission
Town Commissioners of Longboat Key, I am the owner of 1925 Gulf of Mexico Dr., G8-304, Longboat Key. Unfortunately, I will not be in town for the public meeting on Oct. 20th to discuss the possible name change of Gulf of Mexico Dr to Gulf of America Dr. I am, therefore, writing to you to voice my opinion on the matter. I am vehemently opposed to the name change. It is an absolute waste of time, energy and money to change the name of a road that is so central to so many addresses associated with it. Thank you for your kind consideration.
Mary-Ann Ziluca
Longboat Key
Name Change to Gulf of America
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am an owner of a condo at Club Longboat. I would love to see the name change. I think that is a fantastic idea! Thanks for considering Gulf of America!
Stephanie Heyroth
Longboat Key
Investment Advisory/Finance Committee reminder
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold
I certainly can do that, but I have two members that I think are not able to come. Let’s wait and see if we have a quorum…I may need to reschedule. Have a good night.
Susan Smith
Finance Director
Town of Longboat Key
Investment Advisory/Finance Committee reminder
To: Longboat Key Finance Director Sue Smith
Yes Sue, I will be there. If you have time, I’d like to meet with you prior, just to be sure I’m ready to properly chair the meeting.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Investment Advisory/Finance Committee reminder
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold
We have our regular quarterly meeting scheduled for Friday Oct 31st at 1 p.m. I am just verifying attendance to make sure we have a quorum. Please respond to me directly at your convenience.
Susan Smith
Finance Director
Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico
To: Longboat Key Commission
This is absolutely ridiculous. To go through all of this because one person wants it, who will not be in office in a few years is terrible. Just the work of Changming addresses on everything will be a big pain for everyone. People know Gulf of Mexico Drive is Longboat! Vote no!
Larry Scofield
Longboat Key
Name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
We own a condo at Club Longboat, Gulf of Mexico Drive. We are strongly opposed to changing the name to Gulf of America Drive.
J. Roderick Heller III
Longboat Key
No name change please
To: Longboat Key Commission
The incredible waste of time and extreme inconvenience that a name-change would cause, is not warranted, please keep the name of the Gulf of Mexico.
Ronald Z. Emmerman
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive Name Change
To: Longboat Key Commission
Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of the residents of Longboat Key.
Please do not change the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive. I believe the resources necessary to make a change can be better deployed in other areas.
Hunter Judson Sr
Longboat Key
Opposed to name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
We do not agree with the idea of changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive. It would cause us great hassle with our mail having to change all of those addresses on file. And, we like the sound of Gulf of Mexico Drive better.
Jim Bakle
Longboat Key
Opposition to renaming Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
My name is John Ross. I am a property owner on Longboat Key. I am adamantly opposed to any effort to rename Gulf of Mexico Drive. At a time when we are still dealing with the aftereffects of last year’s hurricanes the last thing we need to be doing is wasting money on this ridiculous effort. Please don’t do this! In addition to wasting resources there will be many man-hours wasted implementing any change. There will be significant harm to residents required to change mailing addresses. Many of those residents are elderly and won’t understand the necessary steps to avoid missing mail, packages and medicine that is sent to them. Please don’t disrupt lives and waste money!
John A. Ross
Longboat Key
Renaming
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am an owner at Club Longboat, and I urge you to please stop this unnecessary, and money wasting project of changing the name of Gulf of Mexico! This is government waste at its worst!
If you move forward with this, I know many residents who will be voting for new management for the Longboat township!
Judy Ross
Longboat Key
Renaming
To: Longboat Key Commission
Please keep Gulf of Mexico Drive name. No need to rename. Too expensive and unnecessary! Thank you!
Kay Heller
Longboat Key
Updated Time – Local Government Day Panel
To: Debbie McDermott
No problem.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Local Government Day Panel
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out with a quick update regarding the Local Government Day lunch panel on October 22. We need to adjust the start time slightly, and the panel will now be held from 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Manatee Chamber’s Bradenton Office (222 10th St W). I apologize for the change and completely understand if this new time conflicts with any other items on your schedule. Please let me know if that’s the case, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. I will also be updating the calendar invitation to reflect the new timing.
Thank you so much for your flexibility, and we’re looking forward to having you join us for the panel!
Debbie McDermott
Member Programs Director
Manatee Chamber of Commerce
Canal Navigation Dredge Program Analysis: Follow up
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
To further clarify, does this mean that the highest valuation properties are not represented in these numbers? Is it possible to get the representative minimum, representative average, and representative maximum with the low and high end outliers included? Thank you.
Debra Williams
Vice Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Canal Navigation Dredge Program Analysis: Follow up
To: Longboat Key Vice Mayor Debra Williams
Vice Mayor Williams, I asked the Funding Consultant to help answer the question. With regard to the minimum and maximum categories, they first eliminated some of the outliers. For example on the low end there were some parcels that have little to no taxable value due to additional exemptions (i.e. disability, etc.). Once the outliers were eliminated (from both the min and max end, if any) they then calculated a representative minimum and maximum based on the 10 – 15 lowest values and 10 – 15 highest values for each category (customer class and direct/non-direct). The average values also excluded the outliers.
I hope this helps answer the question, if there is additional information you need, please ask and I will do my best to get you the answer.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key Public Works
Canal Navigation Dredge Program Analysis: Follow up
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
Can you please provide some clarity and additional data on the attached power point slides? Do the “representative minimum” and “representative maximum” represent the actual lowest valuation and highest taxable values, respectively? Additionally, can we get a range of costs for the representative median? This would present a clearer picture of how the taxes will be distributed across properties.
Debra Williams
Vice Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Canal Navigation Dredge Program Analysis
To: Longboat Key Commission
Based on some feedback at the last commission meeting, Charlie Mopps and the canal program team put together additional information below and attached:
Below is the Total Valuation for canal fronting properties (Direct Access) and the same for the no direct access properties (2025 Values). Also, below is the total number of slips based on current information. Attached are examples of Representative Cost Slides that would be used during Public Outreach, for reference.
Tara Hollis, Principal Consultant, Willdan Financial Services
1. Total valuation of both the Non-Direct Access and Direct Access properties as well as the resulting Ad Valorem and Non-Ad Valorem Assessments. (Based on July 2025 data from property assessors’ offices. Includes only Real Property.)
2. Approximate number of docks/slips on the island. Note: This is the original number we have been working with since last year.
Parcel Type Docks/Slips
Residential/Commercial/Condo/Etc. 1,800
Marina Dry Slips 194
Marina Wet Slips 291
Total 2,285
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Change of name
To: Longboat Key Commission
I strongly oppose the changing of the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive! I have been a property owner for forty six years and do not want this change!
Geraldine Kriser
Longboat Key
Do not change the name
To: Longboat Key Commission
With the greatest of respect, please do not change the name of Gulf of Mexico Dr. We have been property owners on LBK for 30 years and are very comfortable with the name as it is.
Bruce & Karen Etherington
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
We live at Gulf of Mexico Drive. We feel strongly that the street name should not be changed. It would cost significant time and resources to change all legal documents to that address and it would set a bad precedent. Respect the name, leave it alone.
David Kantor
Teena Kantor
Harriet Memitz
Longboat Key
Just say no to road sign change
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am 100 percent against the name change of Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key. As a resident of over 12 years this would require undue hardship and expense to modify multiple legal documents including trusts, wills, deed, bank accounts, credit cards, utility bills, driver’s license, insurance, car registration to name a few. We could go thru all those changes and expense and then have it changed back to Gulf of Mexico under a new administration whether it be in the state or federal government. If signs need to be displayed then the nonpartisan thing to do would be to use State Road 789. Thank you.
Debbie Shapiro
Longboat Key
Gulf of America Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
Gulf of Mexico properly changed to Gulf of America, makes all kind of sense, very rational! Therefore, it follows to change road name to Gulf of America! Naming road after America, that’s great, the best name. attractive for business as well. Naming 789 sounds like rural, no real destination comes to mind.I believe it’s awesome for LBK!
Mike Cichon
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive rename
To: Mr. and Mrs. Rosen
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts on the Gulf of Mexico Drive naming issue. I know the entire Commission appreciates hearing from Longboat Key folks on this matter. As you may know, the Commission will be discussing this matter on October 20 at Town Hall. You are both welcome to attend that day to observe or to share your thoughts in person.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive rename
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold
Please see the attached letter from my wife and I concerning the pending discussion of changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Robert Rosen
Longboat Key
Street name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am a full time resident. My family has owned property on LBK for over 40 years. I am writing to urge you not to change the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive. I have thought long and hard about the pros and cons of this issue and I cannot seem to come up with one pro. There are, however, several cons:
98% of the world still think of the gulf as the Gulf of Mexico.
Taxpayers will bear the cost of making the change. Surely there are better uses for employee time and our taxpayer resources.
This will be a huge burden on all residents. Residents will have to change addresses on home titles, driver license and registration, insurance, banking accounts and records, loans, social security, checks, financial documents, all doctor records, all bills along with stationery and address stamps. Businesses will have to change all of their signage, and printed material. This will be costly and time consuming for all. Additionally, there is a large portion of the population on LBK that is older and many seniors are not computer savvy which will result in making these changes all the more difficult and time consuming for them.
You all have been elected to serve the best interests of our community. This project surely does not seem to be in any way in the best interest of residents of LBK. If you can provide a positive reason for this change, I would welcome hearing from you.
Marjorie Davis
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Dr to Gulf of America
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
This is why we should change Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gulf of America Drive.
During WWII Longboat Key was used by the U.S. Army Air Force based out Sarasota as a bombing and gunnery training range for American fighter pilots. American Pilots flying P-40 Warhawks and P-52 Mustangs used Longboat Key as their training grounds. In 1943 alone, two crashes on Longboat Key killed five American pilots.
For God’s sake, can we at least think about the men and women who fought and died for America and on this beautiful island. Let’s all come together no matter what party you are affiliated with, let’s come together and show respect for them and name it Gulf of America Dr. It sounds a lot better than Gulf of Mexico and SR 789.
And on another note, don’t be surprised if we leave it named Gulf of Mexico Dr. even though the Gulf has been officially renamed Gulf of America, that the state may withhold funding for future LBK projects.
Mark Burke
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive potential name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
I wish to express our extreme disappointment in the consideration of a name change for Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Regardless of which entity pays for the change, it is an egregious waste of taxpayer funds, especially considering every road sign along the road was recently replaced. Doesn’t this money have far better uses? Feeding hungry children would top my list, but if it’s already earmarked for FDOT projects, as I assume it is – how about fixing potholes, installing better lighting, and especially creating safer bike lanes and pedestrian crossings?
The Gulf of Mexico has existed for hundreds of years, and catering to the whim of whomever sits in the Oval Office at any given time is frivolous, and wasteful of time and resources. And let’s not forget the less visible but still significant costs to businesses and individuals in updating websites, signage, shipping labels, letterhead, etc. What will happen to mail that arrives with “Gulf of Mexico Drive” as the street address? Will it still be delivered, or will it be returned to sender? Again – a vast waste of time, energy and resources.
Please stand up for the heritage of our beautiful area, fiscal responsibility, and world history and geography.
Amy and Chris Thompson
Longboat Key
Pictures from Commissioner Bishop
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
The Team went out and checked the drain. The drain was not blocked, however the contractor conducting repairs to the seawall at the residence where the structure drains to, removed the backflow device. The lunar tides forced water up the pipe and through the drain. Hopefully the repairs to the seawall will be complete soon and the backflow device will be reinstalled.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
Pictures from Commissioner Bishop
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
Sir, Tip sent this yesterday and the Marks are looking into it today. There is a full moon and according to Mark R. there was also a king tide at the time of the pics.
Charles Mopps
Public Works Director
Town of Longboat Key
Pictures from Commissioner Bishop
To: Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps
Charlie, please see attached. These two came in on Sunday 10/5 at 9:40 am and 12:01 pm, respectively. Not sure what tides were, but you might have team check backflow valve and respond to commissioner.
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive possible name change
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold
We understand that the Longboat Key Commissioners are soon to be considering changing the name of our street address from “Gulf of Mexico Drive” to “Gulf of America Drive”. We reside in a condo on Gulf of Mexico Drive that we have owned for nineteen years and own a second condo at the same condo association property.
From experience we know that changing a mailing address is a time-consuming and, at times, frustrating process. The address needs to be changed officially with the United States Post Office, credit card companies, financial institutions, healthcare providers, the Social Security office organization memberships, licenses (drivers, fishing, boating), permits, passes, among many other entities. Voter registration information updates are necessary. Deeds, trusts, mortgage papers, and other documents are impacted. Friends and families must be contacted about the new address. Businesses will incur expenses to notify customers and providers about the address change. Often there is some glitch about the changes and confusion about the present address. Because this address change will be so subtle, there is more likelihood that some issues will develop about the identity of the correct address.
The street address change is being proposed because the President of the United States unilaterally decided to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico, which got its name almost 700 years ago. We have no control over what the federal government chooses to do, but our community does have the opportunity to maintain the street name if it wishes to do so. And, if it was a relatively simple edict that resulted in the change of the name of the Gulf, it’s possible that the next President will change the name back. Would this mean the Longboat Key Town Commission would decide to rename the street the “Gulf of Mexico Drive” again?
We suggest that, at the present time, the street name “Gulf of Mexico Drive” be maintained. The inconvenience, time, energy, and expenses to change are just not worth the bother and expenses right now. If future federal government leaders decide that the Gulf of America should be kept as the permanent name “Gulf of Mexico”, perhaps then the street name change could be revisited at that time. Thank you for your dedication and service to Longboat Key.
Wendy & Ross Borg
Longboat Key
Renaming of Gulf of Mexico Dr. — A vote No!
To: Longboat Key Commission
I understand the town of Longboat Key is carefully considering the renaming of Gulf of Mexico Dr. to Gulf of America Dr. As fairly new year-round residents, I am reaching out to express our strong disapproval of that idea. In the spirit of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it…”, we do not think it’s wise to change the name of the street to reflect the whims of one politician. Additionally, I can only imagine the burden this renaming event will place on the town of Longboat Key, as well as to residents (in having to update their driver’s licenses and mailing addresses, purchase new address labels and stationary, etc.). There are surely more meaningful projects deserving of our resources and attention, such as continued post-hurricane recovery, and also future storm resiliency and infrastructure. We strongly object to any Gulf of Mexico Dr. renaming efforts.
If you would like to further discuss, or if we can provide any additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your ongoing efforts on behalf of LBK residents.
Renee Dillon & Phil Johnson
Longboat Key
No to name change of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
I live on Longboat Key full time at Harbourside Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228.
I do not want the road name to change away from Gulf of Mexico Drive. It would be expensive and difficult.
Margaret Sanchez
Longboat Key
Turn Lane Project
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Below is a link to access the revised plans which include the median changes. Julie is printing out a hard copy as well for your use and information. The plans will be here at Public Works, unless you would like us to drop them off at Town Hall.
Jennifer Fehrs
Town Engineer Public Works
Town of Longboat Key
Sea level rise and wastewater treatment – is there reason for concern?
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
Last night, we reached Full Moon status. The first full moon of October is known as the Harvest Moon, which gets my vote as one of the least impressive albums Neil Young came out with. But I digress. A Full Moon means that the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in alignment, with the Moon on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun. During a New Moon, the Earth, Sun, and Moon are also in alignment, but the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. In both situations, the gravitational pull of the Moon is aligned with that of the Sun, which makes high tides higher and low tides lower. These tides are called Spring tides. The term “spring” does not refer to one of the four seasons, but instead to a tide that “springs” forward with great strength.
As we transition from Full to New Moons, we enter what is called a Waning Moon phase. During those days, the Moon’s gravitational pull is at an angle (up to 90 degrees) to that of the Sun, and so we have lower high tides and higher low tides. These are called Neap Tides. The etymology of the word Neap traces back to the Old English word “nep” as in “nipped in the bud” or a tide that is not as strong as it could have been. As we transition from New to Full Moons, this is called the Waxing Moon phase.
Below is a picture of the tide stage this morning, which I noted to be high enough to give the approach to my community’s kayak launch an upward slope. But note as well that the recorded tide level (the red line) is about 11 inches higher than the predicted level (the blue line). This phenomenon has been repeated all along our coast for most of the last few months. The first inclination of many people, seeing this, is that the wind might have caused more water to pile up on the shoreline. But look at the bottom of the page, and you can see that the winds are about 14 knots out of the Northeast, which would tend to blow water away from our coast, not onto it.
So what’s going on here? Well, I put an earlier version of this phenomenon out on LinkedIn and got nearly 10,000 views. I got a response from Matthew Goolsby, who is a PE and Certified Floodplain Manager and is the Director of Stormwater for the City of Clearwater. Matthew stated that “The difference comes from the fact that the NOAA tide predictions are based only on astronomical cycles and tied to the fixed 1983-2001 tide datum epoch.”
In other words, the blue line represents what the combination of Earth and Sun, and Moon would create, in terms of tides, based on what the sea level would have been 20 to 40 years ago. In contrast, the red line represents what the combination of Earth and Sun, and Moon is creating right now, with the higher water levels that we are seeing with two to four decades of additional sea level rise. Based on our own estimates, 20 to 40 years of sea level rise would give you 6 to 12 inches of sea level rise. The difference between predicted and recorded tides shown above is about 11 inches.
Why does this matter? Well, we are concerned about the concept of coastal squeeze, wherein mangroves that cannot migrate “upslope” due to seawalls might sort of drown in place over the next few decades. Mangroves live in the intertidal zone, and if the tide creeps up higher along a gently sloping shoreline, these features might persist over the next few decades by new trees finding a new home at higher elevations. But if the mangroves are next to a seawall, they won’t be able to migrate upslope. A couple of years ago, the TBEP paid for a study that suggested that in those locations, we might lose our mangrove forests by the year 2070. And since most of our bay’s shoreline has seawalls or rip rap or similar features, we may not have many mangroves along our shoreline a couple of decades from now. Unless we recognize the issue, and act accordingly.
Also, about half of the outfalls from storm drains we surveyed a few years ago are likely to be fully submerged on high tides sometime between the years 2055 and 2065 – Director’s Note: Sea level rise – SBEP values compared to FDEP estimates and their implications – Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Basically, it will be harder in the future to drain runoff from rain events off our streets, as our stormwater pipes could be filled with seawater, making it harder to drain water off our streets when it rains on a high tide. Again, we could get a head start on this problem by recognizing it as a potential problem, and planning on how to respond to it.
Well, here’s another reason to be concerned about climate change and accelerated rates of sea level rise – saltwater intrusion into our wastewater collection systems. Recently, the cities of St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach have been faced with an incredibly difficult problem – St. Pete Beach in violation of the sewage contract over saltwater intrusion. Basically, the City of St. Pete Beach has older wastewater collection system features that are now filling with saline groundwater. The issue of infiltration of sewage collection systems with groundwater is a big issue for many or our local governments, and the main reason why the City of Bradenton has had overflows at its main wastewater treatment plant.
In St. Pete Beach, the low-lying land around Pass-a-Grille is experiencing saltwater intrusion into the water table. This is not just an event driven by last year’s hurricanes, as the chloride levels (most of the salt in seawater is sodium and chloride) have quadrupled over the past six years, and exceeded criteria four years ago. Why is chloride in wastewater collection systems a problem? For a number of reasons: 1) chloride can cause problems for the machinery for the wastewater treatment system, 2) elevated chloride can cause problems for the bacteria that are used to decompose organic matter in the wastewater treatment system, and 3) high chloride can cause a problem when used for reclaimed water. And since the St. Pete wastewater treatment plant does not treat effluent to Grizzle-Figg standards for nutrient removal, it cannot discharge effluent into the bay, thus reclaimed water systems are the default disposal option.
The City of St. Pete Beach relies upon the City of St. Pete to treat the effluent that they transport from their barrier island communities. That effluent is now out of compliance with the wastewater treatment contract between the two cities, which could leave the City of St. Pete Beach without a destination for its wastewater if it compromises St. Pete’s wastewater plant. This has the City of St. Pete Beach considering a building moratorium.
You can ignore climate change, but it is unlikely that climate change will ignore you. This community has faced the problems of water quality degradation and nutrient pollution directly. Will we do the same for climate change? Or will we just bide our time and only react to new situations when they become impossible to ignore, which is what the City of St. Pete Beach is now facing?
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
August Tourism Numbers from Visit Sarasota County
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
I’ve been thinking about your request of looking for monthly tourism information to share at your various meetings. I love this idea and think it will be beneficial for all.
We send the below each month. What other kind of information would you like to see. I know some folks like to look at bed tax collections by area – and that information is available on the tax collector website, although I do think they are usually a few months behind as to when they share / upload. So that intel may not match up with the same month we’re sharing.
What would be some other helpful information you’d like to see monthly? We were thinking we could send a quarterly recap on campaigns, and content / PR crafted specifically for LBK.
Let me know if that works – or if you can think of anything else.
Erin Duggan
President/CEO
Visit Sarasota
August Tourism Numbers from Visit Sarasota County
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
The commencement of October signals the start of our new fiscal year at Visit Sarasota County!
We also extend an invitation to our upcoming Indicators and Insight summit, taking place November 18th at The Carlisle Inn; click here for more details.
(In addition to handing out the Haley Hall of Fame Awards, we’ll also hear from Nicole Porter, VP of Political Affairs with the U.S. Travel Association.).
Below, we present our August tourism data, illustrating a sustained increase in average daily rate, which boosts visitor expenditures, despite a slight drop in visitor numbers and occupancy.
August numbers comparing 2025 to 2024:
Visitors were 118,100 compared to 124,000 in 2024
Visitor direct expenditures were $96,431,000 compared to $89,007,300 in 2024
Lodging occupancy was 49.8% compared to 48.0% in 2024
Lodging average room rate was $237.97 compared to $225.04 in 2024
There were 199,700 room nights sold compared to 202,300 in 2024
As always, we welcome your questions and feedback, and our team remains committed to supporting the community.
Erin Duggan
President/CEO
Visit Sarasota County
