News Briefs: Longboat Key 10.22.15

+ GMD crosswalk construction slated for November

Construction of four crosswalks on Gulf of Mexico Drive to improve pedestrian traffic will begin in early November and be completed before the Christmas holiday.

On the north end, two crosswalks will be built on Gulf of Mexico Drive at Companion Way and near Banyan Club to accommodate pedestrians north and south of the Centre Shops.

On the south end, crosswalks will be built near the Diplomat Condominium Beach Resort just north of Bay Isles Road and at the Country Club Shores beach access just north of Longboat Club Road’s private entrance.

The crosswalks will have push buttons for pedestrians to activate rectangular flashing lights to let motorists know when pedestrians are crossing.

+ Beach access discussion slated for Monday

Town officials and the Bay Isles Master Association will meet 1:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in the second floor meeting room of SunTrust, 510 Bay Isles Road, to discuss the possibility of the town using the Bay Isles Beach Club, 2111 Gulf of Mexico Drive, as an access point for a mid-Key sand truck haul beach project likely to start after season.

Although the town has agreed to pay for the restoration of landscaping and other costs associated with making a truck path for the dumping of 30,000 cubic yards of sand to the beach access, Bay Isles board member George Spoll is concerned it would set precedent, and the town would request to use the access periodically for future beach projects.

Vice Mayor Terry Gans, a Bay Isles resident, said he’s hopeful the town and the community’s board can have a meaningful discussion about the possibility of using the access next week.

+ Town to celebrate sweet 60th

The town of Longboat Key and the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will host Longboat Key’s 60th anniversary on Nov. 14.

Guests will enjoy a performance by The Sarasota Jazz Project and a fireworks display. Attendees can bring their own picnic or enjoy offerings from local food trucks.

The celebration is free to the general public, and VIP seating is available in advance for $20 per person and $160 for a table of eight.

The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 14, at Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Purchase tickets at longboatkeychamber.com or 383-2466.

Meetings & Agendas

• Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2

• Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9

• Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9