In Brief

+ Road paving ahead of schedule
While the 4.5-mile Gulf of Mexico Drive repaving project has an estimated completion date of July, project public information officer Darren Alfonso said lane closures are not expected beyond May 23. The work is already ahead of schedule; with only medians and right turn lanes left for repaving.

For more information about the repaving project, contact Alfonso at 813-767-9532 or e-mail him at [email protected]. Updates and information about the project can also be found at www.mySR789.com.

+ Wastewater line needs attention
The Longboat Key Town Commission agreed to transfer $100,000 from its utility contingency fund at its Monday, May 4 regular meeting to pay for the replacement of 150 linear feet of an 8-inch clay-and-cast-iron wastewater line that needs immediate attention under Dream Island Road. The pipe needs to be replaced by a contractor as soon as possible to prevent road failure and wastewater overflow.

+ Town accepts stimulus money
The Longboat Key Town Commission agreed to accept a $500,000 federal grant awarded to the town as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 at its Monday, May 4 regular meeting.

By accepting the money, which the town must use for enhancements of Gulf of Mexico Drive, the town agrees to handle all future maintenance costs associated with the project. The money may also be used to construct new welcome signs at both ends of the island.

+ Amendments sail through reading
The Longboat Key Town Commission approved on first reading and public hearing Monday, May 4 two charter amendments, one of which allows properties on the Key to voluntarily rebuild, and the other approves the distribution of 250 tourism units.

Voters overwhelmingly approved both measures last March by a more than 70% margin. The ordinances will now be forwarded to the Monday, June 1 regular meeting for a second reading and adoption.

+ Meetings & Agendas
• Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, May 11.
• Sign Code Public Discussion Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 12.
All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.