News briefs

+ Code hearing dates set for May
A Tallahassee-based administrative law judge has scheduled May 3 through May 6 as hearing dates regarding an ordinance that amended parts of Longboat Key’s code.

On Oct. 20, the state’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA) ruled that an ordinance amending parts of Longboat Key’s code is both consistent and inconsistent.

Town attorney David Persson asked Judge Bram Canter to postpone the hearings while the town works to make amendments to the codes it changed, to further clarify its position with the state and avoid the administrative process that’s looming.

The Islandside Property Owners Coalition (IPOC) filed an administrative appeal July 14 challenging code changes approved by the Town Commission that benefit the approval of the Longboat Key Club’s Islandside renovation-and-expansion project.

+ Town Hall closed for the holidays
The town of Longboat Key and its various departments will be closed Friday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 27 and Friday, Dec. 31 in observance of the holidays. All departments will be open at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3.

+ Holiday garbage schedule unchanged
The town of Longboat Key’s garbage, yard waste and recycling schedule is not affected as a result of the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays.

+ Christmas tree disposal available
After the holidays, town residents may place Christmas trees curbside by 7 a.m. for normal yard-waste collection on Wednesdays. Please remove all ornaments, icicles, lights and stands first.

Please contact the Public Works Department at 316-1988 if you have any questions regarding this service.

+ Hazardous waste pickup scheduled
A household/hazardous-waste collection for barrier-island residents will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Coquina Beach bayside parking access area on Anna Maria Island.

Residents can take advantage of the collection to dispose of solvents and chemicals, batteries and technology equipment such as televisions and computers.

For information, call the Manatee County Utilities Operation Department at 798-6761.