Longboat keeps an eye on floating attraction

With a waterslide, trampolines, rope swings and more, a colorful new arrival off Longboat Key’s north end is rapidly becoming a hit with boaters and beachgoers.

Though not in the city limits, the floating entertainment spot, owned by Ed Toro of Fun Life Entertainment, has the attention of town residents and officials, too.

North end resident and former town Commissioner Pat Zunz said she is open to the attraction’s presence, noting that people appear to be enjoying it. And it’s better than another, less welcome, alternative, she said.

“I don’t see it as a problem,” Zunz said. “Far more objectionable is having 40 or 50 boats out there blasting music.”

Assistant Town Manager Mike Hein said as long as it is in operation near the Key, staff will work to ensure Toro is in compliance with Florida business and safety standards. The town’s police were told by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office that the attraction is in state waters and meets U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission criteria, according to an email from Town Manager Dave Bullock.

Gene Jaleski, a north end resident and former commissioner, said he’s concerned it will attract unwanted attention and the crowds that go along with it.

“It will destroy our lifestyle,” Jaleski said of Longboat’s typically quiet, laid-back aethestic. “If we don’t do anything about it, we’ll be like Bradenton Beach.”

Since late June, Toro has anchored his floating site Wednesdays through Sundays between Greer Island, also known as Beer Can Island, and Jewfish Key. He plans to continue through the summer.

“We decided to anchor here, and it’s been a great success,” Toro said, noting that the playground has been frequented by families, local kayak tours and passing charters. “We’ve had nothing but positive feedback.”

The playground costs $15 per person per hour to use, Toro said, adding no one under 6 is allowed. Participants (or guardians) must sign a waiver before using it.

Toro acknowledged that, while the structure is easily accessible by boat, patrons traveling to the location by foot face a challenge. To get to the spot, customers must trek through the mangrove-covered sliver of land that connects Greer to Longboat. However, Toro sees the remote location as a positive aspect because it prevents the structure from becoming crowded.

The area is already something of a focal point for the island. Over Memorial Day weekend, Key police made 11 alcohol-related arrests, issued more than 60 warnings for boating violations and wrote more than 50 parking tickets. According to Zunz, it’s a problem that was muted over the four-day July 4 weekend.

“I think the police were very well prepared and did a terrific job,” Zunz said.

The numbers reflect Zunz’s statement. During the Independence Day weekend, Key police issued six parking tickets, gave three verbal warnings for alcohol violations and 13 verbal warnings for boating violations.

After Memorial Day, Police Chief Pete Cumming said he would station additional officers at the north end during the July 4 holiday. Also, one of the Key’s two marine patrol units was under repairs during the Memorial Day weekend while both were operational for the July 4 holiday. 

Zunz said the action police officers took over Memorial Day reduced the impact of partiers during the most recent holiday, especially in terms of parking.

“I think the people got the message that you just can’t come here and leave your car wherever you want to,” Zunz said.