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.
GMD name change
To Editor:
Experiencing President Trump’s second term and his bevy of executive orders has become very problematic for me. Changing “ Gulf of Mexico’s “ name to “ Gulf Of America “ on January 20, 2024 is Trump’s way of rewriting history. Changing the name of DOD, “Department of Defense” to “Department Of War” sends a bellicose signal to our foes, Russia, China and North Korea, all nuclear powers, and I am sure worries our allies. There is a lobbying effort out there that Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize. I see his efforts to stop the war in Ukraine or his efforts to stop the war in Gaza have been met with no results. Now on Longboat Key the Town wants to change our main thoroughfare to Gulf of America Drive. What an incredibly absurd idea! Already Gulf of Mexico Drive signs have been taken down. My partner Marci and I have been unhoused for 11 months since Sept. 25, 2024 Hurricane Helene and just returned Aug. 16, 2025. It is so great to be back in our condo. I love Longboat Key, the Tennis Center, the people, the beach, and island living. The fact that the Town of LBK is even considering renaming Gulf of Mexico Drive is absurd and an incredible waste of Taxpayer’s money. I have seen there will be a meeting to discuss this name change on October 20. However, I don’t see where the meeting is being held,
time of the meeting, and if it is a public meeting. If public it should be on Zoom as well so that taxpayers who are not yet back on LBK can attend and will have a right to speak their piece. This potential name change will effect full time residents, snowbirds, part time residents, businesses and LBK town faculties and will effect the Manatee County portion of LBK as well.
Robert Dreyfus,
Longboat Key
Thank You
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
On behalf of our Public Safety team, thank you for your thoughtful gesture in providing lunch today. Both Police and Fire personnel greatly appreciated your kindness and recognition of the work they do each day. Your support was especially meaningful on this day of remembrance, as we honor the sacrifices made on 9/11.
Tina Adams
Fire Administration & Communications Manager/PIO
Town of Longboat Key
Thor Guard Lightning Alerts May Be Heard Locally
To: Longboat Key Commission, Longboat Key Employees
We wanted to inform you that the Town received a notice yesterday from Manatee County about a new early lightning prediction system called Thor Guard. This system has been installed at Coquina Beach and Manatee Public Beach, as well as in several park and pool locations.
Due to the audible horn alerts generated by this system, our field staff might occasionally hear these signals within the Town. Additionally, employees answering the phones may receive calls from community members inquiring about the sounds. Please be aware that these signals are specifically for lightning detection and not for tornadoes, flooding, or other severe weather conditions.
The system operates daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here are the signals to be aware of, if heard:
– One long blast indicates that lightning has been detected, and it is advised to seek shelter immediately.
– Three short blasts signify that the all-clear has been given.
Our team will be working on sharing this information with the community as well. Have a great day!
Tina Adams
Fire Administration & Communications Manager/PIO
Town of Longboat Key
Urgent Support Needed: Bradenton Area EDC Contract Renewal with Manatee County
To: EDC Board Members
As you know, the Bradenton Area EDC has an annual contract with Manatee County Government that is essential to our ability to serve the community and advance our mission of driving economic growth. The renewal of this contract is scheduled for the next Board of County Commissioners’ meeting, Tuesday, September 16th. We have been advised that the approval may be at risk.
Your support is critical at this pivotal moment. We are asking each of you to demonstrate your commitment in one or both of the following ways:
Attend the meeting in person on Tuesday to visibly show support for the EDC’s continued partnership with the County.
Send an email to each County Commissioner urging them to approve the renewal of the contract. A message from you as a community leader will carry great weight.
This contract provides the resources that enable us to attract new investment, create jobs, and strengthen the economic vitality of Manatee County. Your voices, as respected business and community leaders, will underscore the importance of this partnership and the value it delivers to the County.
For your convenience, we have attached a sample letter of support as well as the email addresses of all Manatee County commissioners.
Thank you in advance for taking action and for your continued commitment to the EDC and to the long-term prosperity of our region.
Sharon Hillstrom
President & CEO
Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation
Charlie Kirk Longboat Key homeowner
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Sarah Karon
My name is Jesse Scheckner and I’m a reporter with Florida Politics. Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated yesterday, owned a home in Longboat Key, and I’m reaching out to local officials to see whether they had any interactions with him for a story I’m putting together. Did you ever meet Mr. Kirk? And if so, what was your impression of him?
Jesse Scheckner
South Florida Reporter
Charlie Kirk Longboat Key homeowner
To: Jesse Scheckner
I have not met Mr. Kirk, what a tragic loss for his family and the USA. Thank you for your efforts, sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Pizza Lunch Tomorrow in Honor of 9/11 Heroes
To: Longboat Key Commission, Longboat Key Police Department
As many of you know, Commissioner Gary Coffin proudly served as a firefighter and has long been a strong supporter of both the Police and Fire Departments. In recognition of tomorrow’s remembrance of 9/11 and to honor the heroes of that day, Commissioner Coffin has kindly arranged for pizza to be provided for our team.
We extend our gratitude to Commissioner Coffin for his generosity and continued support. Please enjoy this meal together as we pause to reflect and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Frank Rubino
Deputy Chief of Police
Longboat Key Police Department
Pizza Lunch Tomorrow in Honor of 9/11 Heroes
To: Longboat Key Deputy Police Chief Frank Rubino
This is a wonderful idea. I hope this recognition can become an annual Town event.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Jim Whitman passes
To: Maureen Merrigan
Dr. Whitman was the reliable presence in the front row of every Town Commission meeting during the 8 years I have served there. When he did not appear this past Monday, I hoped he had finally allowed himself a vacation but learned the very sad news last night. If a community were to invent the perfect gadfly—in the best sense of word– it would be Jim. He represented Sleepy Lagoon and the entire Town with grace and humor. I think he was the only member of the public to sing to the Commission—something about paving paradise and putting up a parking lot.
Jim was critical when he thought it necessary and thankful when he thought it appropriate. While we sometimes disagreed, his purpose was always genuine and intended for the betterment of Longboat Key. He will be missed.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Jim Whitman passes
To: Longboat Key Town Clerk Trish Shinkle
Thank you for your kind words about Jim Whitman. I know he always had the best interests of Longboat Key at heart. He will be missed.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Jim Whitman passes
To: Longboat Key Commission
Well said, Mr. Mayor. Jim was always laser-focused on our community’s strong values and high standards. I will miss his presence and keep his memory as motivation in the Sleepy Lagoon resiliency projects ahead.
Sarah Karon
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Jim Whitman passes
To: Sleepy Lagoon Homeowners Association
I heard today from Deborah Di Carlo that her husband, Jim Whitman, passed away on Sunday. He had been diagnosed in May with very aggressive Stage 4 prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones.
Jim was an outsized presence in Sleepy Lagoon and on Longboat Key. His record of civic engagement was legendary— he attended every town meeting and we all benefited from his willingness to analyze issues, ask hard questions and take town officials to task, as well as from his comprehensive reporting to this group about those that affected Sleepy Lagoon in particular.
“Dr. Jim” was a longtime psychiatrist and an enthusiastic amateur musician— a number of us enjoyed seeing him perform at the annual LBK Lawn Party. He and Deborah have lived on Norton Street for 20+ years.
Our thoughts are with Deborah and the rest of their extended family. We will provide any updated information as it becomes available.
John (and Pat, Marie and Larry)
Longboat Key
July Tourism Data Update & Invite to Annual Visit Sarasota County Indicators
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
We are pleased to share with you the latest tourism data and statistics for the month of July. This report is designed to provide valuable insights into visitor trends, and key performance indicators that influence our local economy and planning efforts.
As leaders across Sarasota County, your awareness of tourism activity plays a vital role in shaping strategic decisions and supporting sustainable growth. We hope you find this information useful and informative as you continue your important work serving our communities.
Here are the numbers comparing 2025 to 2024:
Visitors were 143,700 compared to 149,800 in 2024
Visitor direct expenditures were $132,395,200 compared to $141,012,900 in 2024
Lodging occupancy was 59.8% compared to 58.8% in 2024
Lodging average room rate was $284.31 compared to $260.48 in 2024
There were 242,300 room nights sold compared to 247,100 in 2024
I’d also like to take this opportunity to invite you to our Annual Indicators and Insights Summit, November 18th, 8AM, where we’ll come together to celebrate the successes of the past year and share exciting plans for the road ahead. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect, reflect on what we’ve accomplished, and explore how we can continue to work together to shape the future of our industry.
We’re thrilled to welcome a very special guest, Nicole Porter, Vice President of Political Affairs, from U.S. Travel Association, to share valuable insights and national perspectives that you won’t want to miss. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or if you’d like to discuss anything further.
Erin Duggan
President/CEO
Visit Sarasota County
September 11th
To: Longboat Key Employees
It has been 24 years since that fateful morning on September 11, 2001. 2,977 people woke up and were just going about their normal routines for the day, only the day would be anything but normal. That morning took their lives and changed ours forever. It also changed the global landscape.
Our amazing Public Works team has, once again, placed an American flag for each of the people we lost that day along GMD and it is a stark reminder for all of us of the price that was paid. Today, we remember the mothers and fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters that we lost. We remember the first responders who rushed towards danger to save others. We also remember the resolve that we felt that day, how united we all were, and the pride that we had in being American.
Today, almost a quarter of a century later, our country and the world continue to change. However, we can never forget the events of that day and the sacrifice that was made in the name of freedom. I ask that we pause and pray for those we lost and those that were injured. Lastly, let’s remember the solidarity and unity we felt that day and have that bring us a little closer together. God Bless America!
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
501 Bay Isles Road
Notice of SRQ Airport Community Update Meeting
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
The Town invites you to attend the SRQ Airport Community Update Meeting to be held in the Town Commission Chamber at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, on October 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The program will include a presentation by Lionel A. Guilbert, C.M., Senior Vice President of Operations and Public Safety for Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, followed by a question-and-answer session. This meeting will provide important updates regarding airport operations, as well as an opportunity for residents to engage directly with airport leadership.
We hope you will attend!
Savannah Cobb
Executive Assistant
Town of Longboat Key
9/11 remembrance
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
Good morning, Commissioner. Public Works is in fact placing the flags to help us all pause and remember the events of that fateful day and I will pass along your gratitude for their efforts. Every day they make us proud! We must never forget!
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
9/11 remembrance
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Howard, please convey my sincere thanks and respect to those who work to place our nation’s flag all along Gulf of Mexico Drive here on Longboat Key in remembrance of the anniversary of that horrific attack on our beloved country. Thousands were lost and they will always be remembered if we are diligent in our efforts to do so. Specifically, our crew from the Public Works Department is out in force this morning making us proud. Theirs is noble work and very much appreciated!
Steve Branham
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Jim Whitman
To: Longboat Key Town Clerk Trish Shinkle
Oh dear. This is very sad news. Thank you for sharing it.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Jim Whitman
To: Longboat Key Town Clerk Trish Shinkle
What an absolute shock and total loss to our community. Jim was the model citizen, as his opinions were always voiced in person, at every meeting, with concern, and in many times, passion. I considered him a friend personally and professionally.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Testimony to maintain name of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
Thank you for considering my testimony regarding the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key. I strongly support keeping the road’s name as – Gulf of Mexico Drive. I have known of this road (which runs through the entire of key) as Gulf of Mexico Drive for over 60 years. I have been visiting Longboat Key since I was a young girl. I feel it is confusing to suddenly change the name of a very familiar road. Not to mention a wasted cost for the town to change all the signage – and for residents and businesses to have to change their addresses. Not to mention, I am hoping that in the future leaders in our Federal government will return to calling the body of water at issue – Gulf of Mexico. I have not and will not ever refer to this body of water as Gulf of America – as I do not agree with a President having the power to decide and dictate his ideas in the way that our current President has done. This is a decision that I believe deserved voting support from local residents before any name change could be implemented.
Anyway, thank you for considering my testimony in favor of keeping Gulf of Mexico Drive as is.
Sarah Goldblat
Longboat Key
FDOT Removing “Gulf of Mexico” Road Signs on SR 789; Local Name Remains Unchanged
To: Sophia Jacob
I hope this email finds you well. The Town has received your recommendation regarding State Road 789, and we would like to invite you to attend the Town Commission Regular Workshop on October 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. This workshop provides an opportunity for the public to speak and have their voices heard.
If you are unable to attend but would still like to share your input, you may submit written comments by mail or email. All written comments received will be included in the agenda packet and distributed to the Commissioners. Please send comments to:
Mail: Town of Longboat Key, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228
Email: Commission@longboatkey.org
Please note that the Town Code does not permit acceptance of anonymous correspondence.
We appreciate your engagement and look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Tina Adams
Fire Administration & Communications Manager/PIO
Town of Longboat Key
FDOT Removing “Gulf of Mexico” Road Signs on SR 789; Local Name Remains Unchanged
To: Longboat Key Town Clerk Trish Shinkle
The name Gulf of Mexico dates back to the1500s. Do not change the road name because POTUS doesn’t understand history. When we have sane people running the government the name will be returned to GoM.
Jacob Pollack
Longboat Key
Testimony regarding the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
Thank you very much for considering my testimony regarding the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive, which is attached and also embedded below in this email.
Abigail Roth
Longboat Key
Testimony regarding the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
Thank you so much for considering my testimony regarding the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key. I strongly support keeping the road’s name as is: Gulf of Mexico Drive. I, like so many others, have known of this road, which as you know runs through the entire key, as Gulf of Mexico Drive for decades—over 55 years in my case. There are numerous reasons to maintain the name.
Practically speaking, it is confusing to change the name. So many people know it by its current name and directions are embedded far and wide using that name. It would be disruptive and expensive for all the signage on the road and giving directions to the road to have to be changed, and for every person and business with property on that road to have to change their address and all the references to their address.
Additionally, there is a strong chance that in several years new leadership at the Federal level will return to calling the body of water at issue the Gulf of Mexico. If and when that happens, it will make no sense to have this major road called Gulf of America Drive. This will require another name change—upending things again and being a waste of money again for the town, businesses, and residents. We should avoid changing names based on the current political mood.
A name change also risks driving away tourism. I know many people who already are hesitant to travel to Florida and spend money in Florida based on concerns about the state’s policies. Maintaining the status quo avoids antagonizing potential tourists from visiting Longboat Key.
I also philosophically disagree with the name change. I say this as someone who spent over a decade working for the federal government and cares deeply about our country. Again, thank you for considering my testimony and for your service to the community.
Abigail Roth
Longboat Key
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Memorial Dedication for Erin Craft and Jazmin Catano
To: Longboat Key Commission
On behalf of Angel Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, we invite you to join us for a memorial dedication ceremony on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Honorable R.B. “Chips” Shore Historical Courtroom located inside the Historic Courthouse at 1115 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we will dedicate two spaces of our Violence Protection Division in honor of Erin Craft and Jazmin Catano, former Clerk & Comptroller team members. Both Erin and Jazmin tragically lost their lives to domestic violence.
This ceremony will include brief remarks from speakers including Clerk Angel Colonneso and Erin Craft’s mother, Tiffany Tompkins. We will also offer time for attendees who wish to speak in memory of Erin and Jazmin an opportunity to share a few words. A reception with light bites and beverages will take place immediately following the ceremony.
We hope you will join us in remembering Erin and Jazmin and reaffirming our shared commitment to supporting survivors and raising awareness. Please RSVP by replying all to this email.
Barbara L. Owsianka
Executive Associate to the Clerk
Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Possible issue for the Emergency Management Policy Committee
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold
Thank you so much for bringing this issue to my attention! I’m sharing this with Allison Payne so that she can notify the FAST committee League’s legislative policy committees are limited to addressing issues of state legislation, rather than federal, so the FAST committee is the appropriate forum to address this. Allison is cc’d above in case you’d like to reach out to her about the next FAST committee meeting.
I’m sorry you’ll miss the first meeting, but I look forward to seeing you in October.
Rebecca O’Hara
Deputy General Counsel
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Possible issue for the Emergency Management Policy Committee
To: Florida League of Cities Deputy General Counsel Rebecca O’Hara
I was happy to see you are going to be staffing FLC’s Intergovernmental, Transportation and Emergency Management Policy Committee this year.
I am writing to suggest that the Committee consider some new legislation that is being crafted by Florida Congressman Greg Steube.
The concept, described in a staff memo below, would alleviate some of the distressing FEMA procurement requirements, causing unnecessary backlogs and delays. Since so many Florida cities have been impacted by this, it is probably worth reaching out to Congress Steube’s team in advance of the September Policy meeting to see if this would be a good fit for our Committee’s emergency management discussion.
This memo was originally sent to Commissioner BJ Bishop of the Town of Longboat Key by the Congressman’s national Security Advisor, Sam Araboghli, and subsequently shared with our Town Commission. Here is a copy…
… Wondering if you and your team at Florida League of Cities could take a look at legislation that Congressman Steube is considering introducing.
Congressman Steube has been working on legislation to reform FEMA procurement methods, and specifically the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) process. The intent of this bill is to streamline such procurement methods as it relates to using qualifications (QBS) as a primary factor, or pricing. As I’m sure you’re aware, some states (including Florida) have qualifications as the primary factor, while FEMA relies on pricing. This can lead to many municipalities encountering difficulty using federal funds (as disbursed through their state’s respective emergency management department) where state’s procurement policies are at odds with federal regulations.
Ultimately, this bill would fix this issue by allowing local governments to use CMARs utilizing QBS procurement methods. This bill would also increase the simplified procedure rate from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, aimed at reducing potential backlogs in FEMA audit reviews.
We’d very much welcome your team’s support and input on this bill before we introduce. Please let me know if you may have any questions or concerns. Thanks!
Sami Araboghli
National Security Advisor
Office of Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)
I do hope this information will be of interest to the Committee and to FLC’s Federal action team. Unfortunately, I will be traveling and unable to make the September policy meeting, but do plan attend all other meetings of the group and the December conference.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of America Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
It’s important that the Commissioners vote for Gulf of Mexico Drive to be changed to Gulf of America Drive.
The last thing we need is:
to have maps refer to our main road as State Road 789,
to have signs on our road identifying it as State Road 789.
Will those who live on Gulf of Mexico Drive have their driver’s license, which is a State issued document, as well as county property tax records convert to State Road 789? Please vote to change the name to Gulf of America.
Joseph J. McElmeel
Longboat Key
A road by any other name
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
I believe that changing the name of an internationally recognized body of water requires international approval. Just because a politician says so, doesn’t make it true. If you travel outside the US, Google maps still uses Gulf of Mexico, as do eight billion people.
It seems some political whims can be very expensive and require huge amounts of other people’s time and effort, just to have to do it all over again in three years.
Gene Jaleski
Longboat Key
All is transient
To: Longboat Key Commission
Given that we have had single term presidents in recent history, renaming GMD to GAD may be fleeting. Is there any federal mandate that GMD be renamed? If so, then what about the name of the road that parallels the Gulf on Anna Maria? Must it also be renamed?
Gene Jaleski
Longboat Key
Not able access portal
To: Andrew Litvin
I mentioned to Allen Pardons, Head of Planning and Zoning, your issue regarding permits granted on your Beach Place property that had not been approved by you. He was not familiar with the problem but will look into it.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Not able access portal
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
I cannot locate the four unauthorized permits due to accessing the website. If needed I can provide this week. The town has a record of the 4 permits.
Andrew Litvin
Longboat Key
Renaming Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
While not a resident of LBK, my wife and I do own property on GMD. If the name is changed will all the property deeds along the Drive have to be changed to match the new name? That seems to be an unfair expense for the owners and for the town and county administrative staffers. As mentioned, the next Administration may restore the current name in three years. Then we would have the additional expense of restoring the original name. I recommend the town not change the name. Allow FDOT to designate it as SR789. Thank you for considering this comment.
Richard Shaw
Longboat Key
GOM Drive Rename Suggestion
To: Janice Van Dyck
To be clear, the decision to re-name GMD or not rests with the Town Commission. The issue has not yet been discussed, no less decided. The first formal conversation on the matter has been scheduled for our October 20 workshop. Hope to see you there.
Ken Schneier
Mayor, Town of Longboat Key
GOM Drive Rename Suggestion
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
I understand the push to rename Gulf of America Drive as well as I understand the practical cost and resistance. I understand your latest communication to tell us that it will, regardless, be renamed in the near future.
I believe the lowest cost and trouble for the town and its residents would be to rename the road Gulf Drive.
(1) Residents could continue receiving mail however it is addressed with no confusion. Gulf of Mexico Drive would be read Gulf Drive. If the two words are not removed, minimal confusion would result in delivery to Gulf Drive in 34228.
(2) The town would have minimal adjustments to make now, and if future governmental authorities change it back to Gulf of Mexico in a few years’ time.
Low cost, low confusion, no political position. I believe that’s the most practical answer.
Thank you for all you do to make LBK a great place.
Janice Van Dyck
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
I couldn’t agree more. Not only would renaming GMD be a silly waste of time and money, but it introduces unnecessary and divisive partisan politics to our island where the vast majority of our issues are non-partisan.
I would note the Gulf of Mexico was named by the Spaniards in the 1600s who, after all, discovered it. Keeping the GMD name doesn’t make us any less patriotic but it does send a message to Tallahassee to keep their nose out of our local affairs.
James G. Haft
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive rename
To: Longboat Key Commission
I never heard of anything so needlessly divisive and just plain dumb. This is going to be not only expensive but also a problem for those of us who have a Gulf of Mexico Drive address. We are going to have to change all of our addresses on all our accounts, starting with our checkbooks. And what happens when the next politician comes in and decides to change it back. I have always been against changing street names – whether it’s for democrats or republicans- and maybe this is the time to stop that practice. I can’t be at the meeting, but do want my voice heard via this email.
Diane Goldberg
Longboat Key
Gulf of America
To: Longboat Key Commission
Please direct change of signs, literature, etc., to show Gulf of America to replace Gulf of Mexico.
James “Jim” Quinn
Longboat Key
Name for Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Henry Smith
Thank you for weighing in. The naming issue will be addressed at the 10/20 commission meeting.
Debra Williams
Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
Name for Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Debra Williams
Please log our opposition to changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Our magnificent Town should not even consider imposing the resulting burden on taxpayers and burden on homeowners with Gulf of Mexico Drive addresses. Thank you for your service to our paradise.
Henry and Donna Rae Smith
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive name change
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Thank you for all the work that you do on the Town Commission. I have loved LBK for a long time. My husband and I own a condo (we do not rent out our unit) at Gulf of Mexico Drive, and we oppose changing the street’s name. Beginning in 1984, various members of my family, including my parents, have owned property on Gulf of Mexico Drive, and the name always has had a special meaning for us. The name is part of Longboat Key’s history. We do not think that the name should be changed based on political considerations of those who do not have a stake in that history.
We appreciate your consideration of this letter, and we would be happy to provide any further information that may be of use to you.
Barbara Milano Keenan
Alan Rosenblatt
Longboat Key
Rep. Steube / Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures
To: Office of Rep. Steube Sami Araboghli
I have had conversation with Allison and Casey at FLC. Their initial response was positive, but they wanted to review carefully. I will follow up with them Monday. As President of the Manasota League of Cities I will hopefully get the towns in Manatee and Sarasota on board as well. Again, thanks to you, Greg and staff for this legislation.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
Rep. Steube / Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Thank you for the support! We’re glad to promote these needed reforms. Do you know if your colleagues at FLC would be supportive also? We’d love to have them as an endorsing group. The National Association of Counties have just given their endorsement as well. Please let me know if there’s anything you may need from us. Thanks!
Sami Araboghli
National Security Advisor
Office of Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)
Rep. Steube / Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures
To: Office of Rep. Steube Sami Araboghli
We are thrilled and so appreciative of this proposed legislation. Please thank Greg and staff for this bill. It will be a great benefit to us when dealing with storm damages and issues. Let me know how I can help move this thru Congress.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Rep. Steube / Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
We can discuss on our call today, but this bill would be favorable for LBK. Often, we must complete a Benefit Cost Analysis to support projects where FEMA questioned the selection of premium service or qualification over lowest cost contracts. Increasing the simplified procurement rate will also lessen the chances for being selected for an audit which is good for all involved.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Rep. Steube / Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Greg Steube’s office just sent me this legislation he is contemplating moving forward. Can you take a look and give me any thoughts you may have?
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Rep. Steube / Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act
To: Office of Rep. Steube Sami Araboghli
Sami Thank you for sending this. We will review and get back to you. Thank Rep. Steube for me.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Rep. Steube / Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Hope you’re doing well! Wondering if you and your team at Florida League of Cities could take a look at legislation that Congressman Steube is considering introducing.
Congressman Steube has been working on legislation to reform FEMA procurement methods, and specifically the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) process. The intent of this bill is to streamline such procurement methods as it relates to using qualifications (QBS) as a primary factor, or pricing. As I’m sure you’re aware, some states (including Florida) have qualifications as the primary factor, while FEMA relies on pricing. This can lead to many municipalities encountering difficulty using federal funds (as disbursed through their state’s respective emergency management department) where state’s procurement policies are at odds with federal regulations.
Ultimately, this bill would fix this issue by allowing local governments to use CMARs utilizing QBS procurement methods. This bill would also increase the simplified procedure rate from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, aimed at reducing potential backlogs in FEMA audit reviews.
We’d very much welcome your team’s support and input on this bill before we introduce. Please let me know if you may have any questions or concerns. Thanks!
Sami Araboghli
National Security Advisor
Office of Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)
Proposed change in budget
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
For the last several years, and in response to previous concerns the Policy Board raised about SBEP’s financial management, we have been receiving quarterly accounting reviews from an outside firm. This is in addition to the external audit that we complete each year. As you know, the results of our external financial and programmatic audits have given us the highest marks over the past several years, and all of our audits (since 2020) are available for review by the public on our website – Financial and Public Records | Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.
SBEP has had over five consecutive years of “clean” financial audits under our current staff. In addition, the quarterly accounting reviews typically find zero issues with our bookkeeping, and any minor errors that have been found would have been discovered through our annual financial audit, which is a much more extensive and in-depth review.
We are therefore planning to discontinue our quarterly accounting reviews as of FY26. The cost is not a large percentage of our budget; however, we don’t want to waste any funds on services that are redundant and have not demonstrated their value. In 2022, we were paying $880 per quarter ($3,520/yr), but the costs have increased so that the proposed renewal rate has now reached $1,315 per quarter ($5,260/yr) for FY26.
Under the SBEP’s Operating Manual, we do not have to ask permission to adjust funding for a non-mandatory budget item of this amount. However, we felt it important that the SBEP’s Policy Board was informed of this decision. If you have any questions or concerns about SBEP taking this action, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
