NEWS BRIEFS

+ Hogle’s name added to Police Chiefs Wall of Honor
The late Longboat Key Police Chief Al Hogle was one of three law-enforcement officers whose names were added to the Florida Police Chiefs Association Wall of Honor June 19.

The wall, which now includes 19 names, honors former retired and/or deceased FPCA members and those who made major contributions to the FPCA.

The memorial that will be placed on the wall for Hogle states:

“Recognizing him as a mild-mannered, soft-spoken leader who knew how to get the job done, while being a friend to all who knew him. He was a shining example of a true law enforcement professional.

“Recognizing his leadership as Chair of the Florida Police Association’s Legislative Committee where he worked tirelessly championing law enforcement legislative initiatives and for his many years of service on the Board of Directors.”

+ Survey: 51% favor Cortez Bridge rehab
A narrow margin of respondents to a recent Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) survey supported rehabilitation over replacement of the Cortez Bridge.

Through May 31, FDOT received approximately 850 completed surveys.
Approximately 51% of respondents favored further rehabilitation of the bridge, while 43% favored replacement of the bridge.

Of those who want the bridge to be replaced, 38% would prefer a high-level fixed bridge; 19% want a mid-level drawbridge; 33% support a low-level drawbridge; and 4% favor another option.

Just 1% of respondents were from Longboat Key. Those surveys overwhelmingly indicated support for replacing of the bridge, with 86% expressing support for replacement.

FDOT considers the Cortez Bridge “functionally obsolete,” meaning it doesn’t meet current road-design standards because of its lack of shoulders, 10-inch concrete roads separating travel lanes from the sidewalk and old-style bridge railings.

The bridge is also considered “structurally deficient,” meaning it needs a series of repairs or replacement within six years.

+ Town Hall will close for Fourth of July holiday
In observance of the Fourth of July, Town Hall and its departments will be closed Thursday, July 4. There will be no garbage collection Thursday, July 4. Collections will be picked up instead Friday, July 5. All items should be placed curbside by 7 a.m.