News Briefs

+ 2011 Atlantic hurricane season comes to a close
The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season ended Nov. 30 with a total of 19 named storms, seven of which became hurricanes and three of which became major hurricanes. Hurricane Irene was the sole hurricane to strike the United States. None of this year’s storms directly threatened Longboat Key, although town officials monitored multiple tropical disturbances throughout the season.

+ Town wants joint meeting with Manatee County
Mayor Jim Brown has requested a joint meeting between the Longboat Key Town Commission and Manatee County Board of Commissioners to discuss the Inlet Management Plan for Longboat Pass. The town and county jointly funded the $125,000 Longboat Pass Inlet Management Study, which includes recommendations for long-term solutions for beach issues. The tentative date for the meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 31.

+ Mote cares for turtle from Portugal
Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital received Tuesday, Nov. 29 an endangered sea turtle that stranded in the Netherlands and was rehabilitated in Portugal. The Kemp’s ridley is nicknamed Johnny Vasco de Gama and flew to Miami before being driven by car to Mote. The turtle will receive a checkup and a temporary home at Mote before he is medically cleared for release in Southwest Florida.

+ Design 2000 collects toys for Mama Mia
Design 2000, 6840 Gulf of Mexico Drive, is collecting toys for the Jim Russo Prison Ministry Mama Mia Train, which distributes holiday gifts to children whose parents are incarcerated. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the salon by Monday, Dec. 5. For information, call 387-9807.

Meetings & agendas
• Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5
• Police Officers’ Pension Board Meeting — 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6
• General Employees’ Pension Board Meeting — 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6
• Firefighters’ Pension Board Meeting — 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6
• Zoning Board of Appeals — 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8
All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.