Two women with a cat in a stroller raise police suspicions

Friday, Oct. 6

Noisy neighbors

12:13 a.m., 2500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive  

Noise Complaint: Officers on night patrol were dispatched to a noise complaint. Upon arrival, the officers met with the complainant who said occupants of another unit were being too loud, and he had already asked them to quiet down. The officers contacted the noisy occupants, who said they would quiet down. 

Need a lift

11:38 p.m., 500 block of Lyons Lane 

Citizen Assist: An officer was flagged down by two Longboat Key residents around the 100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. The two said they were out to eat in St. Armands Circle and weren’t able to get a taxi or rideshare home because the bridge was shut down. The officer gave the two a ride back to their home. 

Saturday, Oct. 7 

Late night strollers

2:50 a.m., 600 block of Broadway Street

Suspicious Person: While on patrol, an officer saw two women walking down the street with a stroller. In it was a cat. The officer talked to the two women, who said they were walking to their friend’s boat nearby. Both were willing to give their names and dates of birth so the officer could run a search, which came up negative for wants and warrants. The officer followed the group to the nearby dock where their friend was waiting to take them to his boat via kayak.

Saturday night lights

9:01 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Citizen Assist: People on the beach with flashlights caused a caller’s concern for wildlife, prompting police dispatch. Upon arrival, the officer approached a group of fishermen using lights. The officer did not see the group committing any crime or disturbing wildlife, and the group said they would try to keep the lights to a minimum due to sea turtle season. 

Sunday, Oct. 8 

Dune dilemma 

10:45 a.m., 5200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Citizen Assist: A resident called police to report construction work destroying dune vegetation. When an officer arrived at the location, construction equipment was on scene, but no work was being done. The officer took photos and sent them to town code enforcement to make sure everything was in compliance. 

Bark, then no bark

4:08 p.m., 800 block of Broadway Street 

Suspicious Incident: Police were dispatched to investigate a caller’s complaint about dogs barking on a boat for a long time. When the officer arrived, he saw the boat moored offshore, but the dogs were no longer barking. 

Fly away

4:29 p.m., 100 block of Twin Shores Boulevard 

Animal Complaint: A reported injured pelican prompted Longboat Key police response. The responding officer located the pelican but saw no signs of distress or injuries. The bird then spread its wings and jumped into the water without struggle. 

Tuesday, Oct. 10 

Tractor troubles 

1:25 p.m., 1500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Suspicious Person: Officers on patrol observed a tractor on the sidewalk traveling faster than the 10 mph speed limit on sidewalk — regardless, vehicles are prohibited on the sidewalk. The officers attempted to tell the driver that he couldn’t drive on the sidewalk, but failed due to a language barrier. One of the officers said he would contact the head groundskeeper to spread the message.

Wednesday, Oct. 11 

Wrong color 

11:38 a.m., Gulf of Mexico Drive/Longboat Club Road 

Traffic Hazard: Longboat police officers verified an issue with a traffic signal — it was flashing amber. An officer contacted FDOT to request the signal be reset, and FDOT dispatch said someone would check out the signal. 

Thursday, Oct. 12 

Lock it back up 

9:59 p.m., 6800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Unsecure Premises: While conducting nightly business safety checks, an officer noticed an unlocked door at the back of one local business. A check of the interior proved everything else was in order and there were no signs of forced entry. The officer contacted the owner, who said he would come back to the restaurant right away to lock the door.