Gulf of Mexico Drive is a perfectly good name
To: Longboat Key Commission
The name change for GMD, which is obviously due to the arrogance of leadership, that is being rammed down our throats is a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money. This is not OK. It is adverse to the people, adverse to business, and is adverse to the issues of most significance to people who live and work on Longboat Key. Shame, shame, shame, on all of you who are pushing this. We urge you to show some courage and oppose the name change.
Dean Kross
Longboat Key
Support for Gulf of America Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
Please change our main road on Longboat to Gulf of America Road to reflect our beautiful Gulf. It’s appropriate and due.
Thanks for your consideration.
Sunny and Rich McGrath
Longboat Key
Opposed to changing Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am upset to hear that Longboat Key is considering changing “Gulf of Mexico Drive” to “Gulf of America Drive” to appease the far-right politicians that have hijacked our country and state (temporarily) and who prefer to waste their time “solving” problems of their own making.
Here’s my request: Please make it very clear to the Longboat Key voters which commissioners vote to change the name and who feel it wise to spend my tax dollars changing signs and creating confusion and polarization unnecessarily in our community. By making this clear, we sensible voters will know who to target for removal in the next election. Thank you for considering my opinion, which I will spread as wide as I can as this issue approaches.
William Daly
Longboat Key
Gulf Of America Drive
To: Shannon and Bob Gault
Thanks much for your thoughts on this issue. This will be a lively discussion at our meeting in October!
Steve Branham
Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
Name Change for Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
Thanks for the response, Ken. I hope your post-summer season has gotten off to a fantastic start!
Henry Smith
Longboat Key
Name Change for Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Henry Smith
We have had a lot of correspondence on this subject. We have scheduled the matter for consideration at our workshop on October 20, but I’m sure it will be discussed at our 1 p.m. Commission meeting next Monday, September 8.
Ken Schneier
Mayor, Town of Longboat Key
Name Change for Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
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
I thought it was a joke- but I hear it isn’t- changing Gulf of Mexico Drive
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.
Thank you
Diane Goldberg
Longboat Key
Name Change of Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Henry Smith
Thanks Henry! Your position on this issue is noted! I expect a deep and lively discussion on the matter at our Oct 20 meeting.
Steve Branham
Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
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)
Legislation
To: Sami Araboghli
Sami – a few more thoughts on proposed bill: 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. Again, many thanks to all of you!
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Support for Gulf of America Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
Please support the GMD new designation in coordination with the naming of the Gulf Of America.
Bob and Shannon Gault
Longboat Key
Street signs
To: Longboat Key Commission
Regarding the issue of the name of what is now Gulf of Mexico Drive here is a suggestion. It is based on how the city of New York managed a street name change.
Originally called Sixth Avenue, many years ago the name was changed to Avenue of the Americas. Sometime thereafter the street signs incorporated both names and they do so currently. I would think that an advertising firm or sign designer could come up with a similar solution for GOM drive. I have been a winter visitor to LBK for many years to a timeshare unit. I hope that this suggestion might be helpful.
MJ Bell
Longboat Key
GMD Name Change
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am a resident in Fairway Bay on LBK and write to add my name to those approving the name change of the Gulf of Mexico drive to Gulf of America (GAD) drive. Thank you!
Lynn Wellings
Longboat Key
Policy Board Briefing – Agenda Information
To: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Assistant Cheryl Dexter
Cheryl, thank you for all the work you’ve put into coordinating this hiring process. I know it’s been a heavy lift on top of your regular responsibilities.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of America Drive please
To: Longboat Key Commission
Please change the local name for SR 789 To Gulf of America Drive.
Not to honor Trump or Desantis, but to make sure all maps are uniform and easy to read.
From a Sarasota Native who has lived on Longboat key longer than anyone I know (56 years) except my parents and Tommy Mayers, the brother of Michael Saunders.
Jeffrey D. Carman
Longboat Key
Name change-GMD
To: Longboat Key Commission
This is ridiculous! I certainly hope town commissioners do not succumb to the governor and state legislature. Is this really “the freedom state”? With Trump and the legislature there is no respect for history, norms and in most cases the will of the people.
Bob Morrison
Longboat Key
No name change needed for Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
I’m disgusted at even the thought of changing the name of the street I have lived on for almost 2 decades. It’s just a street name like Main or Fruitville or University- that’s all. Why would you even consider putting a huge burden on thousands of people that would require changing our licences, our taxes, our stationery, our businesses,etc? You’re politicizing our community on an executive order- a very undemocratic decision that no one voted on, especially those affected by the name change of our Gulf.
We don’t want to be State Route 789- we aren’t rural America and it takes away our community prestige.
Please consider that the name change is extremely unpopular with the majority:
A February 2025 poll by Marquette University found that among 1,018 respondents nationwide, 71% opposed the Gulf of America renaming and 29% supported the name change.[34][35] In a February 2025 poll of 871 registered voters in Florida who were active by the University of North Florida found that 58% of overall respondents opposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, 31% supported it, 10% said they were not sure and 1% refused to answer the question.[36][37]
Again, you would be harming many by any name change, erasing history, going against the polls, and causing unnecessary stress and division in our community- that has a long admirable history,
Carol Staitman
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive name change
To: Laura Pastsuzek
Thank you for reaching out! The formal agenda and materials have not been published yet and typically are not published until the Wednesday before the meeting date. There is a chance, however, the subject may come up more informally at one of the Town Commission September meetings (8th or 22nd), but that remains to be seen. I will forward your comments to the Town Clerk so that she may add them to the record. Thank you!
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive name change
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
My husband and I would love to see the town change the name of Gulf of Mexico Dr to Gulf of America. We live on Gulf of Mexico Dr currently and we would love to see this historic change happen! Where can we find information on the meeting time on October 20? Thank you!
Laura Pastsuzek
Longboat Key
September 8 meeting agenda
To: Longboat Key Commission
Good afternoon, all! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful and refreshing summer recess.
The agenda packets for the upcoming Town Commission meetings scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, are now available on your iPads.
For your convenience, the materials may also be accessed on other devices using the links below:
1. September 8, 2025 – TCRM
2. September 8, 2025 – TCSM Budget Hearing
Please let me know if you experience any difficulties accessing the materials. We are looking forward to seeing you at Town Hall again. Thank you!
Stephanie Garcia
Town Clerk II
Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive name change
To: Longboat Key Commission
You have been receiving numerous correspondence concerning the recent action by the State Legislature regarding the required updating of maps, signage, and other references to Gulf of Mexico by State agencies. Please be advised that all such correspondence will be incorporated into the official public record and should be considered during the discussion scheduled on October 20th.
Furthermore, Fire Department Administrative Manager and Public Information Officer Tina Adams has submitted the attached documentation, which includes public comments posted on the Town’s official social media pages from the time of the initial posting through approximately 2 p.m. today (please disregard the time stamps on the reports as the vendor is located in a different time zone). We will provide future comments in the same format until the date of the meeting.
These comments will also be included in the public record associated with this agenda item. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Trish Shinkle
Town Clerk
Town of Longboat Key
Do not change Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
We live at 4234 Gulf of Mexico Drive and are hopeful that the city of Longboat Key will not change the name of this road. The cost and wasted time this would cause the residents and businesses on Gulf of Mexico Drive, in addition to the City of Longboat Key, makes zero sense. Absolutely no one was asking for this prior to the current president whipping up this distraction. I have friends across the world joking about how stupid and shallow this tantrum is, please do not add fuel to this by considering it at all. The residents of Longboat Key deserve better than this shameful political pettiness.
Lance Elson
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico road signs are being removed by FDOT
To: Longboat Key Commission
Thanks for letting me know about this workshop. Not sure what it can accomplish since voters rights are being stripped daily. I will put it on my calendar.
P.S. Congratulations on your League of Cities excellence award, I am a big admirer of your work on behalf of all of us.
Patricia DeChiara
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico road signs are being removed by FDOT
To: Patricia DeChiara
The signs came down before we knew FDOT was doing this. Town is having a workshop on October 20. Please come.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico road signs are being removed by FDOT
To: Longboat Key Commission
We strongly object to this incredible waste of taxpayer dollars! Is there anything we can do to stop this travesty? Are the men in power so insecure and their egos so fragile that they have to stoop to something like this? Do we absolutely have no say in this matter??
Patricia DeChiara
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
We wish as residents to register our total disagreement with any rename of Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America drive. Simply disgusting. What the hell has this world (or more specifically) this country come to. Get a grip.
Peter T E Turner
Longboat Key
Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility, and Emergency Management Policy Committee Appointment
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Do you have any suggestions for this FLC Committee [Intergogernmental Relations, Mobility and Emergency Nanagement]? Perhaps LBK encountered some of the post-Hurricane issues or roadblocks that should be improved. I’ll give this some thought as welland we can talk about other ways to strengthen FLC policies in advance of the legislative session. (FLC asks that policy recommendations be submitted by Sept. 9th).
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
2025-26 Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility, and Emergency Management Policy Committee Appointment
To: Longboat Key Town Clerk Tris Shinkle
Florida League of Cities (FLC) President Holly D. Smith has appointed you to serve on the 2025–2026 Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility, and Emergency Management Committee. A confirmation letter will be mailed to your city office. I will be your FLC staff contact person for this committee.
Attached you’ll find:
1. Committee roster – Please review your contact information and send any corrections.
2. Press release template – You may customize this to announce your appointment (replace the FLC logo with your city’s logo if desired).
Please email me at ROhara@flcities.com by 5:00 p.m. on September 9 if you wish to propose a legislative priority for consideration by the committee at the September 26th meeting. Statements should be 75 words or less and in the following format: “The Florida League of Cities supports ………”. Proposed statements must address a legislative issue of statewide concern that directly pertains to municipal services and functions.
If you don’t have an issue ready for the September meeting, you’ll have a second and final chance to submit one for the policy committee’s October 17, 2025, meeting. All proposals for October must be submitted by October 2. No new issues will be considered at the third and final meeting in December.
The September 26 committee meeting packet will be emailed to you one week before the meeting.
To RSVP for the September 26 meeting, click HERE.
Meeting schedule (all meetings are in-person only):
• Round 1 – Friday, September 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET at the Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando, FL 32819. Click HERE to book your hotel room under the League room block. The hotel room rate is $199 a night. Room block cut-off: August 29
• Round 2 – Friday, October 17, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET at the Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando, FL 32819. Click HERE to book your hotel room under the League room block. The hotel room rate is $199 a night. Room block cut-off: September 16
• Round 3 – Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET during FLC Legislative Conference at the Renaissance Orlando at Sea World, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821. The League will provide hotel room block information at a later date. The legislative priorities will be adopted during the Legislative Conference.
Orientation Opportunity
Are you a new committee member or want a refresher? Join our Policy Committee 101 Webinar on Sept. 3, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET. Register HERE. (A recording will be sent to all members.) Additionally, click HERE to view the 2025-2026 FLC Policy Committee Development Process and FAQs.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you in Orlando!
Rebecca O’Hara
Deputy General Counsel
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Bradenton Area EDC
To: Longboat Key Town Clerk Trish Shinkle
In case you missed it – I am pleased to share Sharon’s latest guest column in the Business Observer featuring the aviation ecosystem in Manatee County, our marquee sector in the Bradenton area.
What is an “aviation ecosystem”? In the Bradenton Area, it starts with available sites for businesses at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, a workforce training pipeline that goes from K-12 through technical college certification and university engineering education, and a tight collaboration of key entities with a mutual mission to support the growth of the aviation industry in Manatee County and our region.
The article is attached, and the link is below. Please reach out with any questions.
Thank you for your continued support.
Ellen Kelley
Manager of Investor Engagement
Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation
New SBEP Director
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Mr. Woodworth thank you for your real-time comments and observation About Ryan. The family has found time together this weekend and we are engaged in that full speed ahead next week. I’ll be able to give you a chat and talk with you better.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Longboat Key
District one
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Management Board
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
I’m reaching out to you both as I just finished a Sarasota Bay Estuary Management Board meeting today. A member of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee is always invited to attend these meetings and today I did so. The Policy Board will soon have a tough decision to make on who follows Dave Tomasko as SBEP Director.
There is no replacing Dave, of course. I know Ryan Gandy is one of the finalists for that position and, while I do not pretend to influence anyone’s decision, his presentation today on SBEP’s 5 Year Restoration Plan gave me a chance to think about where we’re headed.
The term “continuity” popped into mind as he went over the program’s goals and priorities. The plan is in place to improve and move forward. Ryan’s knowledge in this area gave me comfort that things will accelerate, not slow down.
I do not know Ryan well, but we have done a few “Eyes on Seagrass” surveys, with me providing the boat and the SBEP staff doing most of the data collection. When maneuvering from spot to spot, Ryan offers quiet advice. He knows the survey areas and tides better than I do, giving input while letting me be the captain. He leads quietly, often with just a suggestion. It’s just something I’ve noticed and always appreciated.
Sometimes, before CAC meetings, Ryan and I will talk about fishing. I think finding that common thread between PhD and “man on the street” is a good quality to have. I get easily distracted by graphs, endless data, and acronyms. If someone can break that down or make it relatable, it helps. Ryan has that ability. So there’s my $0.02. No one has twisted my arm or asked for my opinion. I got your emails from the SBEP website.
Woody Woodworth
CAC Secretary
Street light
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
Thank you Commissioner Coffin, I will forward to Public Works to get it on the schedule to check it out. Welcome back!
Isaac Brownman
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Street light
To: Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
Isaac, I noticed last night on my walk that the streetlight at Sloop and GMD is very weak.
Gary Coffin
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive Name Change
To: Longboat Key Commission
Unfortunately we will not be in Longboat Key to attend the October 20 meeting. We would like to add our absolute disgust at the possibility of a name change for The Gulf of Mexico Drive, this change is purely political and should not be forced upon the residents, we strongly oppose this change and hope a solution can be found to address this travesty.
The repercussions of a name change will be very disruptive for all residents in many ways ie: new address labels, notification of address change to overseas family, banking, insurance companies, drivers license, many other areas. The disruption outcome would be mind boggling, it is unconscionable. Please be sure our feelings are conveyed.
Jenifer Sunter
Longboat Key
Gulf of Mexico Drive name change
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Just looking for some clarity on the road name issue as we return from Summer. I understood FDOT had determined SR 789 was the official name of GMD and any other designation was the Town’s prerogative. Gulf of Mexico Drive has been our choice for many years. I also understood that recent federal and State pronouncements have changed the name of the body of water known as Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America, but that no such directives address or impact street names or other descriptors on land.
If this is true, why has FDOT removed GMD signage from Longboat Key correctly designating the road as Gulf of Mexico Drive before the Town has addressed the issue? The name was accurate when those signs were first posted and remains accurate today. If we have not received an answer to this question from FDOT, please try to get one before our meeting next week.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Opposition to Renaming Gulf of Mexico Drive
To: Longboat Key Commission
I am writing to reiterate my strong and unequivocal opposition to the proposed renaming of Gulf of Mexico Drive under HB 575b and HB 549. This change is not only unnecessary — it is harmful. It would impose a significant and needless burden on thousands of residents, many of whom are elderly, forcing them to change their addresses, update countless legal and financial records, and endure the confusion and stress that such a disruption inevitably brings.
Our main thoroughfare is the lifeline of Longboat Key. It should remain a symbol of unity and stability, not become a political statement. Renaming it to align with partisan ideology risks dividing our community and tethering our identity to the shifting tides of political agendas. That is not what Longboat Key stands for.
If, despite these concerns, the Commission proceeds with a name change, I urge you to choose a neutral, enduring name that will stand the test of time and remain free from political controversy. There is no requirement that the street name match the adjacent body of water — now called the Gulf of America. A simple, dignified alternative such as Gulf Drive preserves the familiarity of the current name, avoids political entanglement, and protects residents from further upheaval.
This is a moment to put the well-being of your constituents first. Stability, unity, and respect for the people you serve must outweigh any political pressure or symbolic gesture. I urge you to reject this unnecessary renaming — or at the very least, adopt a name that is neutral, familiar, and unifying. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your service to our community.
Barbara C. Woods
Longboat Key
Delray Beach Community Insights Trip – Prep and Agenda
To: Sarasota City Commission
We’re just under a week away from our informative Delray Beach Community Insights Trip. Please find below important details about the upcoming trip starting on Wednesday, September 10th and running through Friday morning, September 12th:
• Agenda: We are excited to share the lineup of community leaders and speakers for our program next week. Please find the agenda attached for your review.
Arrival: We look forward to welcoming you to the Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort on Wednesday, September 10. Our registration table will be in the lobby 4:00–6:00 PM—where you can pick up your program binder and agenda. The welcome reception will start at 6pm followed by dinner at 7pm.
• Dress: Comfortable business casual. On Thursday we’ll be on our feet for a historic Main Street walk and the Morikami garden tour, you’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Parking: Valet is included in your registration. Tell the valet you’re with the Sarasota Chamber group. Gratuities for the valet are not included and will be at your own discretion.
• Hotel:
Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort
10 North Ocean Boulevard
Delray Beach, FL 33483
(866) 994-8599
• Travel time: About 3 hours, 30 minutes from downtown Sarasota (traffic dependent). For most times of the day, Alligator Alley is the most direct and fastest route.
For any questions, please reach out to Marlon Brown or Heather Kasten. We’ve built a tight, well-planned itinerary and look forward to learning about Delray Beach, Florida next week.
Wishing each of you safe travels to Delray Beach and we look forward to a productive and informative program.
Liliana Torres
Executive Assistant
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Ringling speeding
Thank you Mitchell for your feedback per the Ringling Bridge and speeding, it is very helpful to have your input. I’ve copied the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and Chief of Police on this email as well.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Ringling Bridge
To: Mitchell Warner
I am writing you regarding the issue of using radar detectors for all those vehicles that are speeding over the Ringling Bridge. I fully support having any means to catch the cars and motorcycles that disturb the surrounding communities and cause probable harm to pedestrians and other motorists in the area. If there is anything I can contribute to this cause I will be involved. Thank you for your support.
Mitchell Warner
Sarasota
Sewer drains and culverts
To: Christine Kitts
Thank you, Ms. Kitts, and please thank Matthew for me for caring about other children and suggesting a way to protect them. I am sharing Matthew’s ideas with the City Manager and Director of Public Works.
Debbie Trice
Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Sewer drains and culverts
To: Sarasota City Commission
To whom it may concern, Hi there my name is Christine Kitts. I am emailing to inform you of a story that may benefit from shining some light onto the matter. This is in regards to Zaria, the 5-year-old girl that was swept in the storm drain while playing near a culvert in Sarasota County. This incident occurred right down the street from my son’s Matthew’s school, The Achievement Center. To give some insight Matthew is a very smart 11-year-old with Asperger’s a form of Autism, speech and language impairment and chromosomal abnormality so he has his share of struggles as you can imagine. When Matthew got wind of the incident he started talking to me on the way home back to Northport about how deeply sorry he was that this has happened and how he doesn’t want it to happen again, he started to mention on how these storm drains should have what resembles a steel fence like structure to block entry of small children and animals. He was deeply passionate about getting this out and has even went as far as drawing up his vision on paper and writing a heartfelt message to Zaria’s family. I felt as his mom and at times his voice obligated to share his ideas and heart to the community in hopes of maybe preventing another incident like this one. Coming from a child that was nonverbal at a time for me this was huge. Attached you will find his drawings and idea for the drains and the culvert and his note. If you have any questions or you think this may be something positive to share with the community please feel free to email or call me. Thank you for taking the time to read this through, have a great day!
Christine Kitts
Sarasota
