Public Works looks to past and future of storm management

Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps appeared as the Rotary Club's latest guest speaker, giving insights into how the department operates.

By Dana Kampa
| 5:00 a.m. January 13, 2026

Rotary Club of Longboat Key President Terri Driver presents awards to members Ellen Greenberger, Carol Erker and Belinda Bauer for not only contributing their hours, but also offering financial support to the Rotary's mission over the years. Driver presented the awards at their Jan. 6 meeting, which featured guest speaker Charlie Mopps from Public Works.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key got a quick start to 2026, hosting a community clean-up and its first bimonthly meeting within the first 10 days of the year.

Rotarians invited Public Works Director Charlie Mopps to speak at their Jan. 6 meeting.

Mopps shared insights into how Public Works employees have continued to use the knowledge gained from the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton to further the smart development of Longboat Key, especially when it comes to protecting key infrastructure.

He applauded newfound recognition of how essential Public Works staff members are in the "first push" response to emergencies. After all, they serve key roles in getting utilities up and running again. Before the town could safely let people return to the island, they needed to ensure fuel was available, main roadways were clear and toilets could flush.

Rotary Club of Longboat Key President Terri Driver welcomed several guests to the Jan. 7 meeting, including speaker Charlie Mopps, director of the Town of Longboat Key Public Works department, and Mary Schmidt, visiting from the Rotary Club of Bradenton.

He said proper planning is more important than ever as storms trend toward being more frequent and severe.

Mopps broke down the responsibilities of the 22 team members working in his department, outlining a range of duties that may surprise some residents. They tackle everything from beach management to solid waste contract management to overseeing 18 miles of town-owned public streets.

Management of these coastal barrier island beaches is no small task, especially considering the key has 13 public beach access points.

Public Works must manage its resources carefully to align with the community's goals for being relatively fiscally conservative and planning appropriately for the long term, Mopps said. But, it also can't lose sight of its overall mission to "vigorously maintain and preserve Longboat Key's status as a premier residential and visitor destination" through "exceptional service," he quoted.

"I think we provide it," Mopps said.

Attendees also briefly heard from guest Mary Schmidt with the Rotary Club of Bradenton. The neighboring club is soon turning 100 years old. As part of the celebration, the club is hosting a comedy night fundraiser on Feb. 15 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. Visit BradentonRotary.org for event details.

The Longboat club typically meets at 5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at All Angels Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road.

The Jan. 20 meeting is set to feature guest speakers from Goodwill Manasota Veterans Services. Visit LongboatKeyRotary.org for more.

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.