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Longboat Key | News

Longboat Key Fire Rescue received a grant for an extra set of protective equipment that will allow firefighters to wash equipment after every fire.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 29, 2026
Fire department receives new protective equipment thanks to grant

The 35 sets of gloves and neck protectors will allow Longboat Key Fire Rescue to wash equipment without down time.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Aerial view of Gulfside Road in September 2023.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 29, 2026
Erosion on Gulfside Road prevalent even before seawalls

Seawalls, the solution to constant erosion on a portion of Longboat Key, exacerbate the problem the town hopes to solve with a groin field, but are not the sole cause.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Albert Miano Jr. is sworn in as the newest officer of the Longboat Key Police Department Wednesday, April 15.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 28, 2026
Longboat Key Police Department swears in newest officer

Northeast native Albert Miano Jr. has two decades of law enforcement experience and is a Navy and National Guard veteran.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Raising roads in several Longboat Key neighborhoods is a priority for town leaders, but paying for the neighborhood resiliency projects is a more difficult ask than originally anticipated with a new $30 million price tag.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 27, 2026
Town forms 'steady as we go' budget as revenues uncertain

The 2027 fiscal year budget formation process continued with a strategic planning retreat meeting April 20.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The house at 501 General Harris Street has received attention from neighbors, city code enforcement, banks and courts as foreclosure of the property inches along while maintenance is lacking.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 26, 2026
Pink house draws ire from neighbors

A Longboat Key house under foreclosure with a cluttered and unkempt yard has led to frustrations from Sleepy Lagoon neighbors and $50,000 in code violations from the town.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The gazebo-style pavilion at Joan M. Durante Park just had a $138,000 facelift as the base of the structure was mostly replaced.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 24, 2026
Durante Park gazebo, boardwalk repairs complete

A gazebo repair cost $138,000, while boardwalk, overlook replacement and debris clearing totaled $329,000.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Terri Driver is a long-time volunteer with Longboat Key Turtle Watch, seen here caring for a nest in 2016.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 22, 2026
Turtle patrol walks begin on Longboat Key

The duties of Longboat Key Turtle Watch can be broken down into five verbs: patrol, mark, report, dig and educate.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
An aerial view of Coquina Beach.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 22, 2026
Coquina Beach parking egress reintroduced as idea to fix congestion

While Longboat leaders propose changes to the number of exits at the 857-space lot, county leaders aren’t sold on the idea.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Murder suspect arrested on Longboat Key
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 21, 2026
Murder suspect arrested on Longboat Key

A 44-year-old Parrish man was arrested on second-degree murder stemming from a cocaine overdose.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key officials are taking an in-depth look at tree regulations on the island, bearing in mind the effects of the 2024 hurricanes.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 21, 2026
Longboat's tree ordinance revamp moves along

The town’s Planning and Zoning Board invited subject matter experts to discuss potential improvements to the town’s tree code.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The town of Longboat Key is taking steps to condemn and demolish the house at 6541 Gulfside Road, nicknamed the Half Moon House.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 20, 2026
Town sends compliance agreement to Half Moon house owner

The town of Longboat Key proposed a June 1 deadline for repairs to avoid forced demolition.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Visioning sessions for the future of St. Armands Circle have been completed.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 20, 2026
The vision for St. Armands Circle? It depends on whom you ask.

Flooding and traffic mitigation are common goals for St. Armands residents and businesses. The outlook on density, height and merchant mix in the commercial district remains divided.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The sailboat Hula Girl is seen alongside the Longboat Pass bridge after colliding with the span on Friday, April 17.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 17, 2026
Traffic resumes after boat collision with Longboat bridge

The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene, along with police and fire-rescue personnel.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Manatee Belle can carry more than 90 passengers.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 15, 2026
Larger, air-conditioned ferry added to Manatee beach fleet

The 92-seat Manatee Belle becomes the third Gulf Islands Ferry vessel operating between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County Area Transit bus stops are unused on Longboat Key as on demand service using vehicles like the white Ford Explorer pictured are now the only public transportation options on the barrier island.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 15, 2026
On-demand public transit sees steady use on Longboat

When bus service stopped on Longboat Key, on-demand ride-hailing with public subsidies took its place.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest in Longboat Key

1
From left to right: Avery Mathis, Charlie Mathis, Michael Mathis and Jessica Mathis grin at a badge pinning ceremony where Michael Mathis was promoted to sergeant of the Longboat Key Police Department.
  • July 17, 2026
Longboat police officer promoted to sergeant
2
Alexander Fine (center) presented first responders from Longboat Key Fire Rescue with a pizza lunch last week for their efforts.
  • July 17, 2026
Longboat resident celebrates first responders with pizza party
3
About 120 people attended an evening sea turtle nest excavation on Longboat Key conducted by permitted experts.
  • July 16, 2026
Experts invite public to turtle nest dig
4
White sand beaches, boating and preserved nature are a few of the draws the barrier island of Longboat Key has to offer visitors.
  • July 16, 2026
Longboat Key named No. 9 island in U.S.
5
Logan Shaw, Wolfe Shaw, Michael Garey and Calvin Shaw, the team behind the new M & W Sweet Spot frozen treat shop on Longboat Key, showcase a variety of their offerings, including frozen custard sandwiches and drinks.
  • July 15, 2026
From frozen custard to soft serve, Longboat's treats help locals stay cool

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