The following are actual police reports as written by Longboat Key Police Officers. They are edited for length, punctuation and to protect privacy.
Jan. 17
Citizen assist
7:11 a.m.
Officer Ramsaier was dispatched to Fair Oaks Place for a water main break. Upon arrival, Officer Ramsaier observed water pooling in the street, stemming from the front yard. Officer Ramsaier was approached by the complainant who said he called Public Works and they were responding. Officer Ramsaier followed up with Longboat Key Public Works and spoke with the complainant who said a crew was on site.
Suspicious
9:59 a.m.
Officer Van Dyke responded to town hall in reference to a suspicious person. Upon arrival, Officer Van Dyke met with a man who said he was a reporter. He advised that a man with slicked back hair, poor hygiene and a FILA shirt who entered a meeting, caused a verbal disruption and said that he was running for the Mayor of Tampa. The man then left on foot heading westbound. Officer Van Dyke then canvassed the area yielding negative results. Case clear.
Bike
12:44 p.m.
Officer Pescuma was dispatched to the 5700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive in reference to a suspicious person with an electric bike. Officer Pescuma educated the man of the town ordinance that there are not to be any self-propelled or motorized vehicles on the beach. He was not aware and moved the bike off the beach without incident, Officer Pescuma did not observe the man operating the electric bike on the beach. Case clear.
Jan. 18
Boat
12:00 p.m.
Officer Barrett received a complaint from an anonymous person who said there was a derelict vessel in the canal behind General Harris Road. The complainant also advised of a floating refrigerator, a tree and a piece of dock that were obstructing the canal as well. On Jan. 11, Officer Barrett responded by vessel and observed the derelict vessel and the debris the vessel appeared to have fallen from the boat lift during one of the hurricanes was partially submerged in the water. Officer Barrett attempted to make contact with the resident without success. The vessel had a FWC decal attached, ordering the owner to remove the vessel from the water. In addition to the FWC investigation on the vessel, Officer Barrett contacted code enforcement Officer David Woods. Code enforcement was familiar with the residence and advised that there are liens and fines associated with that residence, regrading the violations. In regard to the debris in the canal someone from Public Works Department was contacted who said she was familiar with the concern and stated that she had contacted Sarasota County to assist in removing the debris. On Saturday, Officer Barrett responded back to General Harris Road. While in the area, Officer Barrett obtained a telephone number for the man who currently lives at the residence in question from a neighbor. Officer Barrett contacted the man and he advised that he had made arrangements to remove the vessel from the canal and would work on it this upcoming week. The man was given Officer Barrett’s contact information and advised to keep him informed on the progress of the vessel. The man was also advised that leaving a derelict vessel in the water could result in a criminal investigation with the FWC and State of Florida.
Vehicle on roadway
12:20 p.m.
Officer Pescuma while on patrol, was flagged down by a man whose vehicle was disabled on the southbound lane of Gulf of Mexico Drive. The vehicle was off the roadway and not obstructing traffic. Upon making contact with the man, he said that he ran out of gas and needed assistance. Officer Pescuma then provided a courtesy transport for the man to the gas station to procure gas can and gas. Upon returning to the man’s vehicle, he was able to get the vehicle running and departed the scene without incident. Case clear.
Dog
7:13 p.m.
Officer Troyer responded to Bayport Way for a report of a loose dog walking around her residence. Upon arrival, Officer Troyer met with the complainant who said her dog was barking at the door and as she looked outside she saw a large brown dog sitting on her front porch. The complainant didn’t know what to do as she was in fear of the dog being loose. Officer Troyer checked the area, but didn’t locate any loose dogs which matched the description. As Officer Troyer w