News Briefs

+ Former manager pleads not guilty
Former Sand Cay Manager Judy Paul has pleaded not guilty on charges of first-degree grand theft in the amount of $100,000 or more and a scheme to defraud in the amount of $50,000 or more. Paul is accused of stealing more than $216,000 and allegedly depositing more than 50 unauthorized checks, funneling the majority into a personal account.

A jury trial has been scheduled for Monday, Nov. 5.

+ Commission moves zoning changes forward
The Longboat Key Town Commission voted 6-1 Monday, June 4 on first reading to move forward with changes to the town’s zoning code recommended by the Planning & Zoning Board in May. The changes eliminate the requirement that the commission issue findings of fact and clarify uses of certain districts and aspects of the planning process.

Commissioner Hal Lenobel voted against the changes.

+ Town Hall braces for summer storms
The town will hold a public outreach meeting about hurricane season from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, June 15, at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. Officials from the police, fire rescue and Public Works departments will have information about how to prepare for hurricane season and flood awareness and will also have new county flood-insurance rate maps. For information, contact James Linkogle at 316-1988.

Meetings & Agendas
• Code Enforcement Board meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, June 11
• Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting — 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 14
• Planning & Zoning Board meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 19

WEEKLY PUBLIX PROGRESS REPORT
Publix continues to reach new heights, weekly, as concrete masonry blocks are stacked higher in the construction of the new store’s walls.

The store closed in April and is scheduled to re-open in December. The store’s closure during hurricane season prompted Public Works Director Juan Florensa to remind residents during the Monday, June 4 Longboat Key Town Commission meeting that, as a result, they might have to alter their plans for buying emergency supplies. At the meeting, Florensa also accepted a proclamation designating June Flood and Hurricane Awareness Month.