Planning board requests sign help

Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board Chairwoman B.J. Webb addressed the Longboat Key Town Commission at its Thursday, May 21 regular workshop in an attempt for sign direction and help with removing what is perceived as excessive signage on Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Webb asked the commission if it was interested in using stimulus-package money to develop a comprehensive sign system that would allow for uniform signs at major locations, such as shopping centers.

Unfortunately, Town Manager Bruce St. Denis explained that stimulus money could not be used to pay for signs in the Gulf of Mexico Drive right of way, other than the welcome signs at either end of the island.

St. Denis also said the Florida Department of Transportation is moving so quickly with stimulus-fund projects, that town staff must submit a plan for new welcome signs and landscaping by next Wednesday.

The Town Commission and the town manager did agree, however, to see if the department has any flexibility in removing some of the 405 signs that are located on both sides of the Gulf of Mexico Drive right of way.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].