Private vs Public: Not All Streets Equal When it Comes to Debris

Date:

STEVE REID
Editor & Publisher
sreid@lbknews.com

Some Longboat Key residents who live on private roads want more representation for their taxation when it comes to debris removal.
At last week’s Longboat Key Town Commission meeting, some property owners expressed frustration that the debris on private roads will not be removed at least according to the Town’s current reading of the rules.
According to the town, state law and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines are clear that the town will only be reimbursed for costs of debris removal on public streets and roadways, but not on any private roads.
“I see the private golf courses are piling up all their debris on Gulf of Mexico Drive. I’m assuming the town’s going to pick that up. I’m assuming that’s because the private golf course pays taxes. We pay taxes too. Whatever agreements you made or whatever happens with FEMA really is irrelevant unless you’re going to lower our taxes for the lower services we’ve received. That goes for anyone who lives on a private road,” said resident Christopher Lauren.
Lauren continued in saying that its simply not fair that you don’t receive a service