Car left running raises suspicions, prompting Longboat Police investigation

Friday, Oct. 13 

Safety first 

1 p.m., Jewfish Key

Boating Citation: Two officers on marine patrol watched a boat zoom by, creating excessive wake in a “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” zone. Neither of the two people on the boat were wearing life jackets. The officers flashed the lights on the marine patrol vessel and caught up to the vessel in question. The operator of the vessel was unable to show the proper registration, and the vessel did not have registration numbers on the port side. The officers then issued a citation for not wearing the proper personal flotation devices, but let the boaters off with warnings for the other violations. 

Sunday, Oct. 15 

Unable to assist 

12:23 p.m., 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Noise Complaints: An anonymous complaint reported a generator running that was causing excessive noise. A Longboat Key officer was dispatched to the call, but did not investigate due to a Florida State Statute regarding anonymous code violations. 

Wrong button

7:53 p.m., 700 block of Broadway Street 

Abandoned 911 Call: A reported disturbance called for prompt response from the Longboat Key Police Department. Upon arrival, the officer called the number that had originally called 911. As it turns out, she accidentally pressed the “emergency call” button on her smartphone. 

Monday, Oct. 16 

Roadside assistance 

3:58 p.m., 500 block of Bayport Way

Citizen Assist: While on patrol, an officer noticed a vehicle parked in a right-turn lane and partially obstructing traffic on Gulf of Mexico Drive. The officer approached the driver and had him move the vehicle to Bayport Way, and offered a courtesy ride to the gas station. After returning from the gas station, the driver was able to start the vehicle again. 

Complete cooperation 

8:09 p.m., 500 block of Outrigger Lane 

Noise Complaints: An officer responded to a noise complaint, and made contact with the alleged offender. He agreed to keep the noise down for the rest of the night. 

Wednesday, Oct. 18 

Burning the midnight oil 

7:36 a.m., 2300 block of Harbourside Drive 

Suspicious Vehicle: Dispatch sent LBKPD officers to a reported suspicious vehicle that had been left running in a residential driveway since the previous night. At the residence, the officer met with the owner of the vehicle and advised that the car was running. He said he came home late the night before and had items to carry into the house. While he had intended to turn off the vehicle, he forgot. He apologized for any inconvenience. 

Noncompliant construction 

7 p.m., 3500 block of Bayou Circle

Noise Complaints: A Longboat Key officer followed up on a reported noise complaint about after-hours construction. The construction crew was actively working when the officer arrived on scene, two hours after the island’s construction cut-off time. The general contractor on-site was allegedly unaware of the noise ordinance and stopped working and received a warning issued by the officer. 

Thursday, Oct. 19 

News of the night  

3:32 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway

Suspicious Vehicle: While on routine patrol, an officer noticed a vehicle parked outside of a building that had long been closed for the day. As the officer pulled behind the vehicle, it started to quickly drive away. The officer switched on the patrol car’s emergency lights and stopped the vehicle. When the officer approached the driver, he said he was delivering newspapers to the location. Newspapers were observed in plain view in the back of the van.