The Longboat Key Town Commission to discuss renaming Gulf of Mexico Drive at a workshop at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20.
Nearly seven decades after the Town of Longboat Key officially named its signature roadway Gulf of Mexico Drive, the road’s name is now under the spotlight — not because of local preference, but due to sweeping changes at the state and federal levels.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14172, titled “Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness,” directing that the U.S. Continental Shelf region formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America. In response, Florida lawmakers passed House Bill 549, which Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law, mandating that all state agencies adopt the new “Gulf of America” terminology in official materials and signage.
As a result, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) notified Longboat Key officials that it would be removing all signage referencing “Gulf of Mexico Drive” from within the State Road 789 (SR 789) right-of-way — the state’s official designation for the 10-mile stretch that runs the length of Longboat Key. Unless the Town chooses a new local road name, FDOT says it will only reinstall signage using the state road number, not the existing name.
This development now leaves the Longboat Key Town Commission with a critical decision at a Monday meeting:
• Maintain the longstanding Gulf of Mexico Drive name and potentially lose state-installed signage;
• Rename the road to comply with state standards and retain coordinated signage support; or
• Postpone a decision for further discussion and public input.
History and Significance
Gulf of Mexico Drive was adopted as the local name for SR 789 on September 16, 1957, replacing the former name John Ringling Boulevard. Before settling on its current moniker, the Town Commission had considered Longboat Parkway. Today, the name is deeply ingrained in the identity of the island, associated with over 5,100 residential and business addresses, multiple resorts, and a vibrant local tourism industry.
Only six FDOT street name signs were recently removed — underscoring how well-established the name has become in local knowledge and infrastructure.
Potential Impacts of a Name Change
A name change could ripple through nearly every aspect of the community:
• Property Owners: Roughly 5,140 addresses would be impacted, split between Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Owners would need to update official records, mail, insurance documents, and potentially property deeds.
• Businesses and Resorts: Local resorts, particularly those that use “Gulf of Mexico Drive” in their branding and guest materials, have expressed concern. Managers cite the need to revise advertising, licenses, vendor accounts, and guest communications. Some fear the process could take “years” and significant expense.
• Residents: While the USPS has assured the Town that address changes would be automatic and mail delivery unaffected, residents would still need to update driver’s licenses, voter registrations, and notify banks, service providers, and others. Affected individuals would not need to file change-of-address forms.
• Town Operations: Town databases — including utilities, emergency services, and dispatch systems — can adapt to a new name relatively easily. However, the Town would need to spend approximately $1,680 to replace 12 vinyl overlays on its illuminated road signs.
Maintaining State Relationships
FDOT has been a critical infrastructure and emergency partner for the Town, with projects totaling more than $13 million in recent and upcoming investments, including:
• $6M for the Broadway Roundabout and Complete Street Project
• $2.6M for the Country Club Shores Turn Lane
• Over $5M for resurfacing SR 789 in Sarasota County in FY2027
• Additional work planned for the Manatee County side
The state agency also assisted in post-hurricane recovery and is planning a $136 million bridge project across Sarasota Bay. Town staff emphasize the importance of maintaining strong ties with FDOT, especially in light of future funding and cooperative projects.
Name Suggestions and Community Input
Suggested alternatives include:
• Gulf of America Drive (to align with federal/state naming)
• Longboat Key Drive or Parkway (originally proposed in 1956)
• Veteran’s Drive
• Gulf Drive (used on neighboring Anna Maria Island)
No formal public survey has been conducted, but the Town has received mixed voluntary feedback from residents and stakeholders. Some support a change; others are firmly opposed.
A Special Commission Meeting has been scheduled immediately following the Monday, Oct. 20 workshop, to vote on a potential name change, if a consensus is reached. A prepared resolution, 2025-31, awaits the Town’s decision, with a blank placeholder for a new name should the Commission decide to proceed.
Next Steps
The Commission will consider the following options:
1. Take No Action – The name Gulf of Mexico Drive remains in local use, but state signage will reference only SR 789, and the Town may need to install and maintain its own signage at its own cost.
2. Rename the Road – Adopt a new name via resolution. The Town would coordinate with USPS, FDOT, emergency services, and property owners to implement the change.
3. Postpone Decision – Allow further time for discussion, community input, and evaluation of impacts.
Conclusion
The debate over Gulf of Mexico Drive is more than a naming issue — it’s a reflection of evolving political decisions, community identity, and practical realities. As the Town Commission weighs its options, Longboat Key finds itself at a literal and figurative crossroads: preserve tradition or adapt to new mandates.
The final decision could shape the Town’s identity for decades to come.
