News Briefs

+ Code Enforcement hears parking case
The Longboat Key Code Enforcement Board voted to establish grounds for a repeat violation of the town’s off-street parking codes after hearing a case involving a Country Club Shores homeowner.

Code Enforcement Officer Heidi Micale told the board at its Monday, May 14 meeting, that she received five phone calls between June 2011 and March 2012 about vehicles parked improperly in an area next to owner Stephen Roche’s home on the 500 block of Ranger Lane. In each instance, Roche brought the property into compliance after Micale notified him of the violation.

The order will make subsequent violations subject to fines of up to $500 per day of noncompliance.

+ FPL to clear tree branches, limbs
FPL will perform line clearing in Longboat Key neighborhoods in the next few weeks, according to a May 3 letter sent to residents. The letter states that some branches and tree limbs can cause safety hazards or power outages by brushing against or falling on power lines.

FPL requests that residents allow contractors access to trees near power lines on their properties. Residents should not attempt to trim any trees or vegetation growing on or near power lines. For information, contact Vegetation Management at 866-274-9098.

+ Crosswalks, beach project on agenda
The Longboat Key Town Commission will be discussing the feasibility of installing additional crosswalks on Gulf of Mexico Drive with Florida Department of Transportation representatives at its May 24 workshop. The most recent discussion of additional crosswalks was prompted by the Jan. 27 death of Jo Schatterman, who died while attempting to cross Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The commission will also discuss the Longboat Pass Inlet Management Plan. Town Manager David Bullock will provide an update about a meeting between town, Manatee County and Florida Department of Environmental Protection officials, as well as the permitting of structures for the north end.

+ Town Commission, Sarasota County to meet
The Longboat Key Town Commission and the Sarasota County Commission have scheduled a joint meeting from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, in the Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. The town commission will consider items for discussion at its Thursday, May 24, workshop.

During the six-day operation, which ended Saturday, May 12, suspects arrived at the house expecting to meet a child as young as 8.