The following are actual police reports as written by Longboat Key Police Officers. They are edited for length, punctuation and to protect privacy.
March 17
Parking citation
6:59 p.m.
Officer Nazareno was dispatched to North Shore Road for an anonymous parking complaint of a gray Jeep parked in the beach area. Upon Officer Nazareno’s arrival, he observed the gray Jeep Wrangler parked approximately one-quarter mile in the beach area. Officer Nazareno made contact with the driver of the vehicle, identified by his German passport and driver’s license. The man stated he did not see the ‘No Parking’ signs for the beach area. The man was advised that a sign is posted at the beach entrance which states no vehicles at the beach area. The man was issued a parking citation for violating Longboat Key parking ordinance. The man was escorted off the beach without incident.
March 18
Citizen assist
2:05 a.m.
Officer Macniven responded to the 300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive in response to a disabled vehicle in the roadway. Upon the officer’s arrival, he met with the complainant who stated their rental car has run out of fuel. The complainant said he has contacted the rental agency and they are sending a tow company. Officer Macniven stood by until the tow company arrived on scene and put fuel into the vehicle. Vehicle removed from the roadway. Case clear.
Noise complaint
7:40 a.m.
Officer Montfort responded to the 6300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive in response to a noise complaint. It was reported that saws were being run during the noise ordinance. Officer Montfort arrived at the residence at 8 a.m. and did not observe any saws running, however he did observe several workers doing construction. None of the workers spoke English and one of the workers gave the officer his cell phone to talk with the foreman of the construction company. Officer Montfort advised the foreman of the noise ordinance. Officer Montfort then returned to service without incident, case clear.
Traffic hazard
12:01 p.m.
Officer Montfort while on patrol on Harbourside Drive, observed a civilian paving crew, sending vehicles down the wrong lane of traffic with oncoming vehicles. Officer Montfort greeted the supervisor and explained that they were directing traffic onto oncoming traffic. Officer Montfort also explained that the lanes needed to be divided by cones, with proper flaggers. The supervisor agreed to open the roadway until more cones and employees arrived at the site. Case clear.
March 19
Citizen assist
10:22 a.m.
Officer Montfort was dispatched to Bayfront Park for a lock out of a bathroom. Officer Montfort arrived at the park and proceeded to the bathroom here he observed the bathroom door’s deadbolt engaged. Sgt. Cooper and Officer Montfort were unable to ascertain a keyholder and requested the fire department to the scene to access the key box. The fire department arrived on scene and retrieved the key. The door was opened and it was confirmed no one was inside. Case clear.
Citizen assist
12:14 p.m.
Officer Hodo and Sgt. Cooper were dispatched to a large hold on the beach. When officers arrived, the hole was being filled in by some children, nothing further. Case clear.
March 21
Suspicious vehicle
5:43 a.m.
Officer Nagell and Officer Tillman responded to the area of Longboat Harbor for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The caller who did not want to meet, advised dispatch that a U-Haul truck driven by an unknown man, was in the area. Upon arriving the entrance of the complex, Officer Nagell observed the vehicle exiting the complex. Officer Tillman and Officer Nagell made contact with the driver who was a delivery driver for the Sarasota Herald newspaper. The driver advised that his normal vehicle had mechanical issues and he rented the U-Haul to deliver papers. Case clear, nothing further.
Welfare check
9:49 p.m.
Officer Macniven responded to Bayou Circle for the report of a welfare check on a homeowner. Upon arrival, Officer Macniven knocked on the front door and the homeowner answered the door. Officer Macniven explained that the complainant was concerned for his welfare because she received three missed called from him tonight. When she tried to return the calls, she got his voice mail both times. The homeowner stated he was fine and had turned off his phone to let it charge. The homeowner looked well and did not need any assistance. Officer Macniven called the complainant back and let her know that the man was okay.
March 22
Noise complaint
7:43 a.m.
Officer Montfort responded to Cedar Street for a noise complaint. Officer Montfort arrived at the residene and observed a dumpster delivery vehicle unloading a dumpster. Officer Montfort made contact with the operator who was advised of the town ordinance. The man stated that he was from out of the area and did not know about the noise ordinance. The man was sent o his way with a verbal warning.
Suspicious person
10:55 p.m.
Officer Tillman responded to the Longboat Pass Bridge for a suspicious person report. The complainant said the suspicious person was fishing from the bridge. Upon arrival, Officer Tillman observed several people fishing from the bridge, but were not fishing on the span where fishing is not allowed. The fisherman closest to the bridge tender were advised of the fishing area permitted. Case clear.
March 24
Citizen dispute
12:51 p.m.
Officer Hodo responded to Jungle Queen Way in reference to a disturbance. Officers arrived and discovered that there was a verbal disagreement with another vehicle. The complainant stated that a truck was in front of her telling her to stop for the garbage and she was not paying attention to the road traffic. The complainant stated that the driver yelled some profane language at her she called the police to make a report. Officers noted that no crime had occurred. No further investigation. Case clear.
Citizen assist
9:39 p.m.
Officer Nagell responded to St. Judes Drive for a request to ensure that the occupants of a residence had vacated the premises. The caller advised that she was told two subjects that had been evicted had not left the location and were there now. Upon our arrival, officers checked the residence which was secured and appeared vacant. A neighbor advised that the two had left several days ago. Officer Nagell informed the complainant who thanked officers for checking. Case clear.
March 25
Noise complaint
7:59 a.m.
Officer Connors while on patrol in the area of Palm Drive, observed heavy construction equipment being operated on the parking lot construction project prior to the Longboat Key hours pertaining to noise. Officer Connors spoke to the foreman, advised him of the complaint and informed him of the construction house pertaining to town ordinance. The work was immediately halted until time permitted.