News Briefs

+ Randy Thompson receives Officer of the Year honor
Longboat Key Police Sgt. Randy Thompson was named the department’s Officer of the Year for the third time. 

Thompson, a Key police officer for 20 years, was honored for a Dec. 12 incident in which he restrained a suspect who was threatening several neighbors with a gun in the 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

When the suspect began to back his way into his home, Thompson holstered his weapon and engaged the suspect physically, preventing the suspect from entering the home. Thompson was then able to restrain the suspect. 

Backup officers, whom Thompson called before engaging the suspect, stated the suspect had a gun on him and guns inside his home. 

“Sergeant Thompson’s quick action and willingness to place himself in harm’s way prevented the situation from escalating further,” wrote Deputy Police Chief Frank Rubino in a Feb. 27 nomination letter to the Venice-based Sons of the American Revolution. 

The organization honored Thompson along with officers of the year in other area departments. Thompson was also named the department’s Officer of the Year in 2007 and 2009.

+ Officer Lee Smith receives letter of commendation
Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming issued a commendation to Officer Lee Smith April 17 for his work during the past year to ensure the Key is secure.

Cumming praised Smith’s “outstanding work” during the past year in his commendation letter, noting that Smith was called upon to assist with a threat assessment for the town. Smith also compiled important data for the assignment.

“You assumed the role as a team leader and worked tirelessly until the job was complete,” Cumming wrote. “You have become a role model for others in the department and officers like you make Longboat Key a safer place to work and live. The safety of our residents is of utmost concern and your continued efforts are greatly appreciated.”

Smith joined the Longboat Key Police Department in November 2012.

+ Longboat Library begins summer hours in May
 The Longboat Key Library’s summer hours begin May 1 and run through Nov. 1. During this time, the library, 555 Bay Isles Road, will be open 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. New books, CDs and DVDs will continue to be added to the inventory. For information, call 383-2011.

Those interesting in training to become a volunteer at the library this summer can call 383-2011 or stop by the library.

Meetings & agendas
Urban Land Institute Implementation Advisory Committee — 2 p.m. Thursday, May 1.

Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, May 5.

Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting — 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 8.

Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, May 12.

Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Monday, May 19.

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.