Officers, community connect over coffee at new social event

By Dana Kampa
| 4:00 p.m. April 28, 2026

Jodene Moneuse shares a smile with Longboat Key Police Sergeant Lee Smith while Hagan Lyssy looks on at the first "Cops, Cars & Coffee" social event on April 25 at Whitney Plaza.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

As part of its latest outreach efforts, the Longboat Key Police Department invited residents to bring and chat about their interesting rides for a "Cops, Cars and Coffee" themed meetup.

This is the first time Longboat Key has hosted this type of social event. The department shifted the original date to not force car enthusiasts to choose between it and the "Century of Cars" anniversary celebration held earlier this year.

Officer Simon Maple explained that they wanted to host the event as part of their broader community education outreach. The department offered the latest on its biking safety and turtle season campaigns while also answering any questions visitors had.

The inaugural event had an estimated 60 people stopping by to chat and support their favorite local morning brew spots. Car owners showed up too, filling most of the Whitney Plaza parking lot with classics to new releases.

Ellen and Hans Kirkegaard, who brought their 1986 Mercedes, said they were glad for an opportunity to connect with other collectors and enthusiasts.

"I bought it in the year 2000, and I've never regretted buying it," Hans said. "I grew up with the convertible my parents had. So, when I got to my 30s, instead of getting a motorcycle, I got a convertible of my own."

Based on the high interest, Maple said the department may turn it into a regular tradition.

From left, Bob Bourque, Howard Tipton, Russ Mager, Gary Coffin, Dexter Nazareno, Simon Maple, Sean Butler and Lee Smith.

Longboaters brought out everything from 2025 cars to classics like this Camaro 350 at the island's first Cops, Cars and Coffee meetup April 25 at Whitney Plaza.

Ellen and Hans Kirkegaard share the background on their 1986 Mercedes with Longboat Key Police officer Simon Maple at the island's first Cops, Cars and Coffee meetup April 25 at Whitney Plaza.

While plenty of classic cars were on display, so were some newer models, including this 2025 Hyundai sports car in the signature "performance blue" color.

Owner Artem Esayan said he has been a longtime fan of the Hyundai brand, and the wait for the car was worth it. He enjoys connecting with fellow car enthusiasts at local meetups, and he was glad to see something introduced closer to home with the Longboat Key event.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Sheila Loccisano greets Noel Ladd at the Cops, Cars and Coffee meetup. Ladd brought his Porsche 911 S Cabriolet 23, which he has in "adventuring green."

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.