- July 15, 2026
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The town of Longboat Key confirmed that roadways have reopened as of 11 p.m.
Genevieve Judge, supervisor of the Sarasota Police Department's Public Information Office, noted that SPD is assisting with the Longboat Key Police Department's investigation per the departments' memorandum of understanding.
She confirmed the drivers of each vehicle involved in the collision were the only individuals in the cars. Officials have not yet confirmed their status.
In a 9 p.m. press release, the town of Longboat Key confirmed Gulf of Mexico Drive remains closed to through traffic in both directions near the 6600 block. Officials anticipate it will remain closed until approximately 11 p.m. as the investigation continues.
The Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit is assisting with the investigation and detailed in a social media update that the accident was a head-on collision involving two vehicles. The collision occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. earlier this evening.
First responders took both drivers to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton with "serious injuries," according to the update.
The town asks motorists north of the crash scene to access the mainland via Bradenton Beach and to the south via St. Armands Circle.
The town of Longboat Key announced in a 7:30 p.m. release that police are investigating a "major" two-vehicle accident on Gulf of Mexico Drive and anticipate the road will remain closed for an extended time period during the investigation.
The road is an arterial road for the island, which can only access the mainland via bridges on the north and south ends.
As of 7:45 p.m., Google Maps showed a road closure near Longboat Bay Charters with an anticipated closure until 10:30 p.m. The town says a traffic homicide investigator is on the scene in the 6600 block, just south of Reclinata Drive.
The town urges motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes where possible. Officials plan to offer updates on reopening the road as they are available.
