Change of Name
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
I am in favor of changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gulf of America Drive. Much better than Route 789!
Sally Rauch
Longboat Key
Name change
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
We would like to see the name Gulf of Mexico changed to gulf of America.
Reina Berman and Bob Krosney
Longboat Key
Want Gulf of America
I want Gulf of America for the name change. Thanks.
Marcie McGovern
Longboat Key
Renaming GMD
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I am a full-time resident of Longboat Key, residing in Fairway Bay. It is my belief that the re-naming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America pre-concludes also following suit and applying the new name to the road bisecting Longboat Key. I am strongly in favor of re-naming Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gulf of America Drive, and not Route 789. Thank you for all the good work you do on behalf of our community!
Lynn Wellings
Longboat Key
Please rename SR 789/Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
I am a person with a 100% voting record here on Longboat Key since I registered May 1987, and have lived and called Longboat Key and District 5 home since 1969…. 56 years and I am 56 years old born in Sarasota since Longboat Key has no hospital.
Christopher W. Carman
Longboat Key
GMD
To: Jack Daly
Thanks for your input, Jack. We live in interesting times.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
GMD
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
The name Gulf of Mexico Drive, like the Commission, has served us very well over the years. I recommend that the Commission, at its October meeting, decide the issue by confirming the GMD name; thereby enabling it to continue focusing on Longboat’s more important community issues.
Jack Daly
Longboat Key
Removal of signage and possible name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
In my review of Florida HB 549, which you are well aware, the Florida Governor supported President’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for federal use.
Both entities, directed name changes for the body of water, and for school boards to update their official “geographic materials”, but did not mandate the name change for road signs.
So rather than following any directive, FDOT, with your permission, decided to take down our road signs in what can only be described as a partisan, political action. So much for being impartially served!
Without doing the math, a large portion, numbering in the thousands have Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key as their address. It’s a separate conversation that we aren’t on a Key, but an Island, perhaps you should spend some time discussing that. You are dictating, for your own political …what exactly, that we will have to change our address on countless bank, brokerage, utility, credit card, service contracts, accounts, documents, trusts, charities, etc onto just about infinity these days! Then, our condominium association will have the headache and cost of doing the same with every contract and bill and vendor for the commissioner’s personal political benefit, or so you believe.
My parents bought the condominium I now own on Longboat Key in 1973. I knew as a teenager this was a place I could come to escape and rest, and I worked very hard all my adult life to be able to retire here. Please do not destroy the love I have for this beautiful place by dragging it through the vitriol that permeates America now. Can’t we have a safe space?
You are not required to change the name, please leave it alone and keep the signs in storage for saner days.
Mary Schmedeman
Longboat Key
Write Your Representative’ Website
To: Honorable Tobin Rogers “Toby” Overdorf
I serve as the at-large member of the Longboat Key Commission. I read the article by John Kennedy of the FL Capital Bureau for USA Today this morning on your House Select Committee on Property Taxes meetings for the last two days.
I can personally attest that we did drop taxes this year and have held the line on taxes regularly, even during the difficult time we experienced during COVID. Seventy-one percent of our revenue in Longboat comes from property taxes and of that number 64% of that pays for Fire, Rescue, Emergency Services and Police. Which of those services would we eliminate if property taxes are severely reduced or eliminated?
There were comments made about the salaries of elected officials in communities. Our Commission receives no salary as Commissioners. We volunteer our time and resources. Difficult to cut our salaries. There is nothing to cut.
The issue of unaffordable housing rests on developers, insurance rates (my home insurance has gone up 100% in the last three years – and our house was destroyed last year in the hurricanes. We are currently suing our insurance company for the lack of compensation from that damage) and the number of people moving to FL. Demand is high. Inventory not as high and developers and builders are reaping the benefits of this market.
Come spend some time with our staff and understand what it takes to maintain a safe community. We are still reeling from last year’s storms, but our citizens have complimented our Town for the outstanding service as we recover. Sincerely, BJ Bishop
BJ Bishop
Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
I wish to voice my opinion that I strongly oppose the proposed name change to Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Sandra Brut-Christensen
Longboat Key
Do not Change Gulf of Mexico Drive Name
To: Longboat Key Commission
As a resident of Longboat Key, I strongly object to changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico Drive. It will incur an unnecessary cost – financially to both the town as well as to residents who live along Gulf of Mexico Drive and who would have to change their address. There would also be a huge hassle factor cost for residents to have to change their address on all of their accounts. I can’t think of anything more frustrating and irritating and a complete waste of time. This change of name effort is ridiculous and totally unnecessary. Just stop!
Martha Lynne Kenerson
Longboat Key
Name change of Gulf of Mexico Dr.
To: Longboat Key Commission
My wife and I oppose any commission action to change the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gulf of America Drive. Such a legal change would lead to unnecessary work for thousands of Longboat citizens: changes to drivers licenses, passports, wills, house titles, voter registrations, mailing addresses, social security, medicare etc. Please vote not to change. Perhaps a sign at either end of Longboat “You are now proceeding on Gulf of Mexico Drive alongside the Gulf of America. Have a nice day!” would do the trick..whatever that may be.
Janet and Andy Hartman
Longboat Key
GMD name change objection
To: Longboat Key Commission
I would like to register my opposition to renaming Gulf of Mexico Drive. It seems like a silly and pointless gesture. There is no rational reason to change historic name at this point.
Charles Rozier
Longboat Key
GMD
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am writing to ask you to please not change the name of our road from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. There are so many legal documents that will have to be changed along changing our address with friends, doctors, and other people/ companies that we use our address for. I’m sure there are other ways to handle this situation. Perhaps just use Rt. 789 or Gulf of America/Mexico on signs?
It’s ridiculous that we have to rearrange all our documents, mail, etc. because someone decided to change the name of the body of water that has been there for so long. I hope you will take these things into consideration. Everyone I know feels the same way.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Donna Troendle
Longboat Key
Change of name to Gulf of America
To: Longboat Key Commission
Really? All the hassles this will bring to hundreds of people for no reason! Come to your senses and keep the name “Gulf of Mexico Drive!” Enough is enough!
Thanks for being reasonable thinkers,
Elaine Boyer
Longboat Key
GMD name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
I strongly oppose the name change. A needless waste of taxpayers money to change signs, maps etc, a source of confusion, and an insult to our neighbors to the South.
Helena Rozier
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
Please keep the name of our beautiful thoroughfare that we have all enjoyed for so long, please leave it!
Irene Vassilaros
Longboat Key
Opposition to GMD name change and new signage
To: Longboat Key Commission
I understand that the FDOT has taken down street signs on the signal masts. I understand that the road is still known at Gulf of Mexico Drive by the US Post Office.
I would like to express my opinion that the Town does nothing in regards to replacing the signs along Gulf of Mexico Drive. It is fine with me if the FDOT wants to put up a sign that says State Road 789.
Julie Hansen
Longboat Key
Do not change name of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
I must believe that there are far more important issues to discuss and vote on than changing the name of our main road on Longboat Key.
It will be costly, disruptive and terribly inconvenient – especially for many of the elderly who inhabit our fine island. Please do not continue to feed the ego of a president who acts on a whim and pushes his own personal agenda above common sense and the wishes of the general population. Please vote ‘No’ to changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Katie Felicelli
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
As a resident of Longboat Key, I would like to voice my opposition to any proposals to changing the name of GMD. It would result in significant inconvenience, confusion and expense for the residents with a Gulf of Mexico address. Furthermore, there has not been a groundswell among locals for such an action, but rather has been handed down from above. As a citizen, registered voter and resident of Longboat Key, I am urging the Commission to reject this proposal.
Lemuel Seabrook III
Longboat Key
Change of GMD
To: Longboat Key Commission
Please do not change the name of GMD, I live on that street and it would be a huge burden for me. I assume it would also cost a great amount.
Linda Klein
Longboat Key
GOM change
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I support changing the name of our main Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gulf of America. I love the name change but if it’s not tolerated by the left, then I support Gulf Drive. It’s neutral, but not as beautiful as Gulf of America.
Karin Graham
Longboat Key
GOM Name Change
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Howard, Changing the name from Gulf of Mexico Dr is the dumbest idea I’ve heard in a long time.
Tom Watson
Longboat Key
No name change
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Please leave it as Gulf of Mexico Drive, do not change the name to Gulf of the America Drive, or State Road 789.
Andrew Vac
Longboat Key
Opposed to Changing of name of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
We have been on Longboat Key for almost 20 years. We have owned a residence on LBK for more than 10 years. It has come to our attention that the commission is discussing and considering the changing the name of Gulf Of Mexico Drive to Gulf of America Drive.
For the record: We oppose the change because it will create a hardship to us for a variety of reasons. Many of our established personal and business contacts, including clients much printed materials, including checks will require change. That will necessitate a great deal of unneeded and unnecessary effort on our part and many of the accounts we deal with.
We chose Longboat Key as a quiet and uncomplicated place to be at this time in our lives. We prefer to keep things simple and the way they are. Appreciate your considering our feelings. Thank you!
Gary Eisenberg and Barbara Eisenberg
Longboat Key
Street Name
To: Longboat Key Commission
Please keep our street name Gulf of Mexico Drive do not change on a political whim. Honor our town founders and our neighbors to the south the name was well chosen. The name has served us well for a very long time. we do not need the conflict. Thank you.
Mary Ellen Cawley
Longboat Key
GMD
To: Longboat Key Commission
As a long-time resident of Longboat Key, I would like to encourage you to vote ‘No’ on changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Considering the cost involved, I am sure that there are more critical improvements to send the money on. Please consider the cascading expenses that will be incurred.
J Veronica Biggins
Longboat Key
GMD Name change
To: Ray Rajewski
By action earlier this year of the federal and Florida governments, the name of the body of water abutting Longboat Key to the west has been renamed, “Gulf of America”. No official action has been taken to rename any other feature, natural or manmade. When an LBK resident asked that we explore renaming GMD as Gulf of America Drive, the Town asked the FDOT for their position, as GMD is a State road. FDOT responded that the only name for GMD recognized by the State is S.R. 789 and that any local name for the road is exclusively the right and domain of Longboat Key, meaning the Town Commission. None of the above is disputed.
Since July, we have had several hundred pieces of correspondence and contacts on social media on this issue. As a consequence, we have placed the matter on the 1 pm, Monday, October 20 Town Commission Workshop for discussion. Any interested party is welcome to express their views on this subject at that meeting. Having said that, note that space at Town Hall is limited, the meeting will available to log in live on-line, and every opinion submitted to the Town by the date of the meeting will be a part of the meeting record and considered by the Commission.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
GMD Name change
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
It might be helpful to have someone explain who is responsible and why the change of name of GMD is happening
Ray Rajewski
Longboat Key
Status Update: Windward Bay Condos Berm
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
This is provided as a follow up to questions about the landscaping berm at Windward Bay. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Windward Bay Condos Berm
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Following-up on questions raised at yesterday’s Commission meeting regarding a berm feature along the frontage of Windward Bay Condominiums (4888 GMD). This effort, by the condominium, was brought to staff’s attention initially as a concern for the lack of silt fencing associated with fill being brought in. Staff placed a Stop Work Order on the project & required the installation of silt fencing and the submission of a Minor Work Authorization application to ensure that the replacement of much of the former landscaped hedge, with a raised landscaping bed, met Town requirements for drainage, utilities and retention of emergency access. After review by staff, the Minor Work Authorization was approved on Sept. 19th.
Allen Parsons
Director Planning, Zoning & Building Department
Town of Longboat Key
Change of name
To: Longboat Key Commission
What good does it do changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Dr. to Gulf America Dr. As I see, that is totally nonsense. The only thing that will be accomplished is wasting taxpayer money.
Whether Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of America, or Gulf of Jack Sparrow, it makes no difference.
David J. Vargas
Longboat Key
Permit Fees
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Thanks Tip. That is helpful. I went on-line to see what fees are and had a hard time finding that info easily on our site and info on fee waivers was not easily found easier so perhaps we could take a look at our site. Most individuals (not contractors) are not as familiar with this process as the professional community.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Permit Fees
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Good morning Commissioner. In response to your questions around how we will handle permits (including sub permits) relating to storm damages as we approach and pass the 12/31 deadline, here is Allen’s response:
We rely on an applicant to identify, with their permit submittal, whether their permit is associated with storm damage. If an applicant does not indicate that on their application a fee is assessed. We have had a number of situations where this information was not included with the initial permit application, but was later identified and we have issued refunds in those cases.
With regard to the 12/31 deadline, the fee waiver will be applicable to permit applications received on or prior to that date. We do have ‘master’ building & alteration permits that include mechanical, electrical & plumbing sub-contractors/trades. That’s probably the best bet for someone who will be applying for a permit that will included those sub-contractors.
The team will work to push this information out to both our contractor community and our residents so that those who are working to repair/rebuild can still take advantage of the fee waivers.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Road Name Change
To: Longboat Key Commission
It seems unnecessary to change the name of the road “Gulf of Mexico Drive” nor to take it off of the road signs. Using road numbers only can be very confusing to drivers as well as being a bland description that Gulf of Mexico Drive has come to reflect. It is not necessary for it to reflect the change of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
Daniel and Sylvia Hennessy
Longboat Key
Resiliency of Retail – St Armands
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
This sounds like an interesting meeting, but the notice is too late for me to attend. Maybe someone else could go?
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Resiliency of Retail – St Armands
To: Longboat Key Commission
FYI – please see the two emails below regarding an event tomorrow from 5-7 p.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum. The event appears to be sponsored by the Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and one of the speaker’s topics is “resiliency and retail in St. Armands”.
Chris Gogglia
St. Armands Residents Association
Sarasota
Resiliency of Retail – St Armands
To: Philip DiMaria
Thank you very much for reaching out, and I hope to continue to communicate with you. I would like to clarify our Association’s stance on commercial development on St. Armands Circle as follows:
Our positions are based on member feedback in our Annual Member Survey (i.e. they are not just the Association’s positions or the Board’s positions… they are the positions of the residents and residential property owners on St. Armands Key)
A few years ago, as documented on our website, our focus was on preserving the protections of the city’s Coastal Islands Overlay District, and not on resisting commercial development
It is my belief that residents would like to see a successful and revitalized St. Armands Circle, and are interested in exploring options that do not involve the significant loosening of regulations and a resulting increase in density or traffic.
I’d also like to mention that there are many additional St. Armands stakeholders that I believe should be included in any discussion about the future of St. Armands Circle. These include the Lido Key Residents Association (LKRA), the Lido Shores Property Owners Association (LSPOA), the St. Armands Circle (Merchants) Association (SACA), and the Town of Longboat Key.
I am forwarding your email to our 11-person Board of Directors and to representatives of the other stakeholders listed above. It looks like your event is tomorrow, but perhaps some of our board members or the others will be able to attend.
Chris Goglia
President St. Armands Residents Association
Sarasota
Resiliency of Retail – St Armands
To: Board Members of the St. Armands Residents Association
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Philip DiMaria, and I wanted to reach out ahead of an upcoming event: https://aiagulfcoastchapter.wildapricot.org/event-6038138 where I’ll be speaking on the topic of resiliency and retail in St. Armands, particularly in light of the challenges and lessons from last year’s storm season.
I’ve become aware of the Association’s longstanding and thoughtful stance on resisting commercial development, as outlined on your website. I want to assure you that my approach to this discussion will be intellectually honest, grounded in best practices, and respectful of our community’s values and history. My intent is not to advocate for any specific agenda, but rather to explore strategies that support the long-term viability and resilience of retail on the Circle.
I simply wanted to provide a heads-up and extend my respect for the work your board continues to do in maintaining the character and integrity of St. Armands. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or thoughts.
Philip DiMaria
Sarasota
Changing name of Gulf of Mexico Dr.
To: Longboat Key Commission
With all due respect, changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Dr. is utterly heartbreaking! I have lived here for 20 years and my parents before me lived here back in the 70’s. I have been coming to Islands West since I was a young woman, and to think coming over the bridge to a road with another name seems very unnecessary and sad. Tradition should take precedent!
Please do not let this happen to Longboat Key. Gulf of Mexico Dr. is Gulf of Mexico Dr. and no one should change that name!
Joyce Hicks
Longboat Key
Renaming Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
I ask as a resident of Longboat Key, that you do not rename Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gulf of America Drive. It would be such a huge inconvenience for the residents that have their current address as Gulf of Mexico Drive. So many items would have to changed such as Drive’s License, mailing address, passports, social security card, voter registration card, to name a few. This seems like a huge undertaking for so many people over something rather insignificant as renaming Gulf of Mexico drive. Thank you for your consideration to this matter.
Sheryl Ruark
Longboat Key
Changing name of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Town Commission
Like many others, I also strongly support maintaining the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive. I believe the name has been in place since 1957– 68 years. I have known and loved Longboat Key for over 40 years, and now live here full time since 2016.
This change will be expensive and disruptive to individuals and the business community. Surely, the dollars spent could be utilized in other places, as we still have lingering problems post hurricanes of last year.
I will be in attendance at the Oct. 20 meeting. I hope you will give serious consideration to keeping the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Elizabeth LaFrance
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
Gulf of America Drive seems appropriate to me. Or Longboat Drive.
Warren Wyatt
Longboat Key
Strongly oppose the renaming of State Rd 789 Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
We and I are vehemently against the renaming of Gulf of Mexico Dr. Gulf of Mexico Drive was named in 1957 2 years after the town of Longboat Key was Incorporated. For 68 years.
7,505+ people
3,939 households
9,774 housing units
2,221 live with an address of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Homeowners in LBK have a median annual property tax bill of approximately $9,274 3x higher than the national median. There isn’t a bigger waste of time and our tax paying dollars!
This is a purposeful pot stirring, distracting change to a peace Haven for all of us that dwell and live and own property there and by the way, pay our taxes.
This is a time burden
This is a money burden
This is just another distraction to what really needs to be done to help our key and keeping the peace on the island.
Argument: “but Google changed the Gulf of Mexico name to the Gulf of America…”
Answer: Like everything this is gonna be temporary. It’s just a simple bowing down to the brass above for technology benefits, with Google, a major corporation.
My family, The Roth’s have visited and lived in LBK for 51years.
We have proudly owned at the Players Club for 7years
Progressed to homesteaded at Lands End for the last 29years
Currently, my partner and I have purchased land now on North Shore Drive, and plan to also homestead.
I honestly cannot think of a bigger derogation and insult to my father who love this island died, served this island, and whose ashes reside now in the Gulf of Mexico for the last 17.5yrs.
Please, for the peace and good of the island. Keep 789 what was founded to be and remains to always live in all of our hearts as GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE. And get back to real work, real progress, and meaningful debate and change.
Kerry Roth
Longboat Key
Gulf of America Drive” issue
To: Longboat Key Commission
We are Florida residents who live on Gulf of Mexico Drive. We are writing to express our concern about the possible change of our address from “Gulf of Mexico Drive” to “Gulf of America Drive.”
Such a change would entail a great deal of work on the part of every resident to change their address on dozens of records, from Medicare and Social Security to bank accounts, credit cards, legal documents and all avenues of correspondence by mail. Moreover, in addition to causing personal hardship, such a change will cause considerable public expenditure, as well. I would greatly appreciate your consideration of these concerns, as I believe that they suggest that this change cannot be justified.
Donald and Susan Ullmann
Longboat Key
Blocking view of canal
To: Longboat Key Commission
We live at Bogey lane and our neighbors directly to our left if you are facing the canal have remodeled the home and put in new fencing/vegetation. The fence is black and see through, which is fine-many neighbors on both sides of our canal have this type of fencing. The quesiton I have is in regards to planting trees along that fence that are now impeding our view of the canal that we have always enjoyed for 16 years. None of the other fences in our canal have anything planted in front of them so I was wondering if there is any kind of rule in regards to this?
Kimberly Dellosso
Longboat Key
Road name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
This whole situation is absurd. Do not change the name! It is a pain to change personal addresses and not necessary! The Gulf of Mexico will always be the Gulf of Mexico as far as I am concerned. Why does it have to change?
Susan Donn
Longboat Key
Change GOM
To: Longboat Key Commission
Please vote “no” to changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Dr to America. This would cause so much work and inconvenience for many of the citizens on LBK, as well as the expense of changing all the signs. Wouldn’t your time and our tax dollars be better spent elsewhere?
Suzanne Snyder
Longboat Key
Temporary Coffee Kiosk at 3172 GMD
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Following-up on questions raised at yesterday’s Commission meeting regarding the operation of a mobile coffee kiosk at the site of the former Turtle Coffee Bar (3172 GMD). A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) was approved for the temporary commercial activity of limited food and beverage sales.
The temporary commercial activity was requested by the owners of the commercial building that housed the Turtle Coffee Bar & is associated with hurricane recovery efforts ongoing in the Town. The TUP will be limited to 6-months duration, with renewals required every 90-days, from date of issuance.
The TUP was granted with the following conditions:
The operator is required to maintain applicable licensing and business insurance.
The property owner is required to comply with all ordinances regarding solid waste disposal and must provide the mobile food truck vendor access to solid waste collection on the subject property.
The property owner is required to ensure that the mobile food truck vendor meets all applicable federal, state and local ordinances, rules and codes.
Selling or distributing alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Placing temporary signs, banners, or other prohibited attention-getting devices in or alongside the public right-of-way or across roadways.
Signs must be permanently affixed to or painted on the mobile food truck.
An A-frame menu board up to nine square feet is permitted to be placed by the mobile operation and within the vending area. An operation is allowed to display this sign only during hours of operations, otherwise the board shall be removed.
Allen Parsons
Director Planning, Zoning & Building Department, Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of America Drive Name Change
To: Longboat Key Commission
Please support the adoption of “Gulf of America”. We need to show pride in our country.
Philip & Nanette Alsop
Longboat Key
Gulf of America Drive Name Change
To: Longboat Key Commission
In my opinion, it is not a good use of the island’s financial resources. In addition, it places a burden on people whose address is Gulf of Mexico Drive to change their address… on credit cards, with organizations, on bank accounts and checks, etc. Many of these residents are, most likely, senior citizens who do not need that kind of hassle. I know that I would not be pleased to have to do that. Thank you for listening.
Thalia Dorwick
Longboat Key
Yes to change our street to Gulf of America Drive
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I vote Yes to change our street to Gulf of America Drive.
Michael Schmidt
Longboat Key
Name change of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
Please do not change the name of our Gulf of Mexico Drive.
There are many reasons to keep the name……first and foremost is the cost of making a change.
Thanks for all you do,
John Bradbury
Longboat Key
In opposition to changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
We live at 4125 Gulf of Mexico Drive (La Firenza Condominium Association, Inc.) and are writing this letter in opposition to the potential name change of the roadway.
First, as a practical matter, are we going to change the road’s name again if the next president renames the Gulf back to the Gulf of Mexico?
Let’s not get into a silly political cycle.
Second, on a more fundamental level, changing the name of the road would result in a massive time requirement and financial expense to those of us who live on Gulf of Mexico Drive. This isn’t just a case of changing our address on FPL’s next bill nor of changing our driver’s license on its renewal.
We would have to redo our legal documents: wills and all estate documentation, health proxies, partnerships, insurance policies – the list goes on. Many of these changes would require the expense of lawyers and accountants to implement.
Apart from the financial costs, we don’t even want to think about the hours that would be required.
Further, given the demographics of Longboat, there are a fair number of residents who simply will not be able to make the needed changes at this stage of their lives.
For these reasons, we respectfully request that the Town Commission reject any thought of changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Jonathan and Kristina Berg
Longboat Key
Name Change for Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am strongly against changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive. We have been residents since 1997. I hope the voice of the community is heard. Thank you for serving the community.
Arleen Klein
Longboat Key
Name change of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
My husband and I oppose any commission action to change the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gulf of America Drive. Such a legal change would lead to unnecessary work for thousands of Longboat citizens: changes to driver’s licenses, passports, wills, house titles, voter registrations, mailing addresses, social security, Medicare etc. Please vote not to change.
Lori and Gary Brochin
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
Here we are on the cusp of celebrating the 70th birthday of the formal establishment of Longboat Key and we have to deal with the divisiveness of our nation that has now crept its way onto our island (I am sorry to say in more ways than one). It threatens to change the name of the very thoroughfare that carries us and all of our visitors to and frough along our beautiful island.
I remember when I first came here as a kid 70 years ago and for all the years since what a pleasure it was to travel up and down Gulf of Mexico Drive and revel in the very sound of its name.
To change it now under the pressures that we now face would be a travesty and an act of total capitulation of which we should not be proud.
Long live Gulf of Mexico Drive and Happy 70th Birthday to Longboat Key!
Richard B. Perlman
Sandhamn Place
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
As a permanent resident of Longboat Key, I am vehemently opposed to a permanent name change of Gulf of Mexico Drive. The name change to the body of water previously known as the Gulf of Mexico was a political stunt that could likely be changed again if and when there is a party/administration change in Washington.
If in fact the City of Longboat Key is legally bound by the state of FL to rename “Gulf of Mexico Drive” to something else, I suggest you simply call it State Road 789.
I along with several friends and acqaintances will be compelled to consider relocation out of LBK if our residence has a “Gulf of America” address. Thank you for your consideration.
Russ Madonia
Longboat Key
No name change for Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am deeply opposed to the idea of changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico Drive. Such a shift would create a burden for everyone who lives or does business on GMD, costing precious time and financial resources to change everything, legally and personally, that we have attached to our current address.
Thank you for the hard work you do on our behalf and the careful consideration you give to so many difficult issues.
Frances Fergusson
Longboat Key
