News Briefs

+ Quiet hurricane season comes to an end
A quiet hurricane season came to an end Saturday, Nov. 30. 

The six-month Atlantic hurricane season had 13 named storms, only two of which became hurricanes.
Tropical Storm Andrea was the only storm that made landfall in the United States. The storm brought heavy rains, 40 mph winds and flooding to Longboat Key June 6, but didn’t result in major damage.

In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a more active hurricane season than usual of between 13 to 20 named storms, including seven to 11 hurricanes, and three to six major hurricanes.

The Sarasota area has experienced hurricane impacts in recent decades but hasn’t had a direct hurricane hit since 1944.

+ Water meter replacement program continues
Replacement of potable water service meters continues throughout the town this month at no cost to water customers. The replacement program will be ongoing through February. Minimal water service interruption will occur when meters are changed out. Water meters have a useful life of 10 to 15 years.

Public outreach methods for water meter replacements include utility bill inserts, a mailing, street signs in immediate work areas, door hangers and a knock on the door before an employee replaces a home’s meter.

+ Town, police department collect items for Toys for Tots
Santa Claus is coming to the town of Longboat Key.

Toys for Tots boxes are currently located at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, and the Longboat Key Police Department, 5460 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Drop off a new unwrapped toy valued at $5 or more to either location to help a needy child have a merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Meetings & agendas
Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Planning and Zoning Board Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6.

Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13.

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.