News Briefs

+ Manatee County rejects funding requests
The Manatee County Board of Commissioners rejected two town requests for grants to the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) at its Tuesday, May 15 special meeting.

The town sought $100,000 for its marine patrol, which the commission rejected because it supplants funding for an existing program.

The town also submitted an application for $5,000 for Longboat Key Fire Rescue hours on the water, which WCIND’s executive director deemed ineligible for funds.

The commission approved a total $797,108 in WCIND grants, including a $1,500 grant for Longboat Key Fire Rescue new equipment.

Last year, the commission approved a one-time grant of $30,000 for the town’s marine patrol — less than half of the $76,500 the town sought. The grant came from the county’s contingency fund rather than WCIND funds.

+ Crosswalk, beach discussions rescheduled
The Longboat Key Town Commission will not discuss the feasibility of installing additional crosswalks on Gulf of Mexico Drive or the Longboat Pass Inlet Management Plan at its 5 p.m. Thursday, May 24 workshop, which was rescheduled because of a public memorial service for Longboat Key Police Chief Albert “Al” Hogle. The discussions will take place at a later date.

+ Town Hall to close for Memorial Day
Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, and other town buildings will be closed Monday, May 28, for the Memorial Day holiday and will re-open at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 29. The alternate pickup day for garbage, recyclables and other wastes will be Tuesday, May 29.

+ Town receives four applications for committee
The town received four applications for its five-seat Community Center Advisory Committee by the May 21 deadline. Applicants are Bob Gault, Larry Grossman, Beverly Shapiro and Madelyn Spoll. The Longboat Key Town Commission will discuss the committee at its 5 p.m. May 24 workshop.

+ Below-average season for hurricanes predicted
Hurricane season begins June 1, and forecasters predict that this year’s season will be less active than usual. The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project predicts four hurricanes and 10 named storms. Seasons between 1981 and 2010 have averaged 6.5 hurricanes and 12 named storms.

Meetings & Agendas
• Longboat Key Town Commission regular workshop — 5 p.m. Thursday, May 24
• Longboat Key Town Commission regular meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, June 4
• Code Enforcement Board meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, June 11
• Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting — 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 14