News Briefs

+ Key property value rises confirmed
For the second consecutive year, Longboat Key property values are on the rise.

Key-wide, Town Budget Analyst Sandi Henley reported Tuesday that the property appraiser offices in Manatee and Sarasota counties are reporting a 5.5% increase in island property values.

Town staff expected only a 3% increase in property values this year.

In Sarasota County, Property Appraiser Bill Furst reported a 2014 Longboat Key tax roll of $3,579,862,920, compared with a 2013 taxable value certified tax roll of $3,400,782,934, for a 5.27% increase.

In Manatee County, Property Appraiser Charles Hackney reported a 2014 town tax roll of $1,376,559,92, compared to a 2013 taxable value certified tax roll of $1,297,409,359, for a 6.1% increase.

Both counties revealed official assessed taxable values Tuesday.

+ Commission approves zoning changes
The Longboat Key Town Commission unanimously approved on second reading Monday at a special meeting zoning changes for two Key commercial properties.

Victor Levine has tried to sell his commercial property at 5440 Gulf of Mexico Drive for 15 years. First America Bank has also tried to sell the commercial property at 521 Broadway in the Longbeach Village.

Both properties are vacant, and both owners had difficulty selling because of their commercial zoning.

To solve their problems, the property owners sought and the commission approved Monday, two ordinances that rezone the properties to residential status.

Levine hopes to put four single-family homes on his property, while First America Bank plans to build two homes on its property.

Land-use consultant Peter Dailey represented both property owners at the meeting.

Voters approved two referenda questions in November 2012 that allowed both properties to change from commercial to residential use with up to six dwelling units per acre. However, in 2013, the Florida Legislature passed a bill that nixed the referendum process statewide and rendered any referendum passed on or after June 1, 2011, moot.

The Legislature passed a bill in its most recent session, excluding Longboat Key from the ban. Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill into law last week, which reinstates the charter provision about density.

Meetings & agendas
Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, July 7

Police Officers’ Retirement System Board Meeting — 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug 20

General Employees’ Retirement System Board Meeting — 10:30 a.m. Wed., Aug. 20

Firefighters’ Retirement System Board Meeting — 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug 27

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.