In Brief

+ Pipeline project to continue until fall
The $3.5 million pipeline upsizing project along Gulf of Mexico Drive from Bay Isles Road south to the end of the Key is moving quickly and efficiently, according to town engineer Anne Ross.

Miles of old asbestos cement water-main pipe is being replaced on the east side of the state highway. Ross said the contractor has installed a total of 6,900 linear feet of pipe. Approximately 18,000 linear feet of pipe is being replaced in total. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour in the construction zone during this project, which is expected to be complete in September.

For questions about traffic detours or the water pipeline project, contact the Longboat Key Public Works Department at 316-1988 or visit www.longboatkey.org for daily updates on the project.

+ Most properties now in compliance
The Public Works Department reported this week that only 38 Longboat Key properties are not in compliance with the town’s ordinance that requires backflow-prevention devices to be in place. Twenty-five of the non-compliant properties have had the water turned off for safety measures.
The department, which is currently performing its annual inspection of the devices at no cost to property owners, says that there are now 3,309 installed backflow-prevention devices on the island.

+ PIC to hold cellular debate
The Longboat Key Public Interest Committee will hold a cellular communications forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, at the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
A variety of panelists will discuss the current status of wireless capability on the island and the potential approaches to address any cellular deficiencies.
The forum is free and open to the public.

+ Correction
In an Our Town in the March 11 issue of The Longboat Observer, we incorrectly stated that the BP Longboat Key is looking for someone to adopt the cat that resides near the business. BP owner Nazeela Rahman-Shaw said they take care of the cat and do not wish it to be adopted.