Lauren Tronstad | Archive

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Lauren Tronstad is the Longboat Key news reporter for the Observer. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 2021. Before moving to Florida, she worked for the Columbia Daily Tribune.

Recent Stories

By Lauren Tronstad
June 27, 2023

Home health care agency continues 28 years of growth, success

Sarasota-based Take Care Home Health started with one office and four employees. It has grown into a multimillion-dollar business with multiple locations and nearly 400 employees.

By Lauren Tronstad
June 13, 2023

Longboat police anchor 'runaway sailboat'

A sailboat owner reported a missing vessel but marine patrol was able to re-anchor it. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

By Lauren Tronstad
June 12, 2023

Longboat Key town center stage gets finishing touches

The stage is expected to be fully complete within the next two months.

By Lauren Tronstad
June 9, 2023

Town encourages improved recycling habits with stickers

Recycling bin stickers were provided to the town by Waste Management and detail what can and can't be recycled.

By Lauren Tronstad
June 7, 2023

Longboat property values hit another record with $8.33B in value estimates

The town will receive certified property values on July 1.

By Lauren Tronstad
June 7, 2023

Longboat preps for hurricane season, with Sanibel as cautionary tale

The town's 21st Annual Disaster Preparedness Seminar was June 1, kicking off the official start of the 2023 hurricane season.

By Lauren Tronstad
June 6, 2023

St. Regis parking changes denied by Town Commission

Commissioners will vote on a written order of denial June 20.

By Lauren Tronstad
June 6, 2023

Police resolve beach chair-sharing issue

Police were called to retrieve private beach chairs being used by the public. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

By Lauren Tronstad
June 1, 2023

Longboat Democratic club elects new leadership

Lucie Lapovsky is serving as the club's new president.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 31, 2023

The impacts of flight paths over Longboat questioned again

A 270-degree turn implemented in 2006 has increased the number of departing flights over Longboat Key.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 31, 2023

Longboat Key home sales slow with end of season

Residential real estate properties are typically on the market between two and three months with a lack of demand driving prices lower.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 30, 2023

Police help a Longboat Key beachgoer find belongings

A theft was reported — only for the belongings to be found further down the beach. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 30, 2023

Town looks to educate residents on rabbit-repelling plants

A resident emailed Longboat Key town staff with concerns about the rise in rabbit populations prompting discussion on the best methods for deterring them.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 28, 2023

Traffic shifts planned for Bradenton Beach sewer line project

Two lanes will still be operating with the western-most lane moved into the sandy parking area.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 26, 2023

Local firefighters learn about occupation's cancer risks

Firefighters have a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the United States' general population.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 24, 2023

Country Club Shores asbestos pipe replacement starts late summer

Replacing the entire pipe is expected to cost about $9.5 million.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 24, 2023

Longboat police seek additional patrol vehicles

The seven additional vehicles will each be assigned to an officer, increasing department morale and vehicle lifespan.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 23, 2023

Longboat police enforce rules to keep dogs off the beach

After multiple warnings, an officer wrote the dog owner a citation for continued violation. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 23, 2023

St. Regis multilevel parking proposal headed before Town Commission

Public hearings will be held June 5 and June 20 on the matter.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 20, 2023

Longboat gears up for hurricane season with tips from local meteorologist

Town Manager Howard Tipton spoke with ABC7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan about preparing for the upcoming season.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 18, 2023

Longboat firefighters take the plunge for clean water

Longboat Key Fire Rescue personnel joined other area departments in Bradenton Beach in support of Islanders 4 Clean Water.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 17, 2023

With a strong economy, Longboat's infrastructure projects come to the fore

The Town Commission held its preliminary budget workshop Monday, outlining investments in infrastructure and the community.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 17, 2023

Model Brad Kroenig inspired a fashion icon before becoming a local Realtor

Brad Kroenig's modeling career reached new heights after meeting fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 16, 2023

Longboat Democratic club talks election strategy, party unity

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried discussed plans to reenergize party voters and candidates.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 16, 2023

Longboat police lower the heat over air-conditioning troubles

A hot room led to rising heat at a Longboat Key condo. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 14, 2023

Mayor Schneier, Commissioner Bishop win awards for advocacy efforts

The Longboat Key town government officials received Home Rule Hero awards from the Florida League of Cities.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 12, 2023

City asks neighbors' opinion on the return of St. Armands winter fest

Residents can email their opinions through June 2.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 10, 2023

Sarasota landscaper Grant's Gardens expands reach, clientele with merger

After nearly 44 years of operations, Stewart Landscape Management owner Jeb Stewart's employees and clients will become a part of the Grant's Gardens family.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 9, 2023

Mainland portion of Longboat's sewer main project completed

The more costly portion of the pipe, which will run under Sarasota Bay, awaits construction.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 9, 2023

Scientists say sargassum belt could still hit Sarasota area

Climate Adaptation Center CEO Bob Bunting said an early-season hurricane could push the sargassum farther north into the Gulf of Mexico.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 9, 2023

Longboat police help file report of unwanted text messages

A couple said they received "offensive" text messages and wanted to report the issue. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 6, 2023

Longboat police officer Adam Montfort promoted to sergeant

Montfort started with the department in December 2021 after serving in New York and the U.S. Marine Corps.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 4, 2023

Longboat proclaims May as Jewish American Heritage Month

Town Commissioner BJ Bishop read the proclamation at the May 1 regular meeting.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 4, 2023

FPL releases storm-ready tips ahead of hurricane season

Hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 3, 2023

Bayfront Park pickleball won't be getting more courts

A motion to restripe the only dedicated tennis court at Bayfront Park for pickleball use failed to gain support.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 3, 2023

Mote coral reef restoration to have far-reaching benefits

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium will use a $7 million grant from NOAA to lead restoration of Florida’s Coral Reef.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 2, 2023

Meet Longboat Key’s new town manager

Longboat Key’s new town manager, Howard Tipton, measures the success of his weeks by the number of sunsets he gets to see.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 2, 2023

Police respond to stolen vehicle in forgotten parking spot

A forgotten parking spot led to a stolen vehicle call. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

By Lauren Tronstad
May 2, 2023

Longboat spots first turtle nests of 2023

The nestings of loggerhead turtles and green sea turtles are typical on Longboat Key through the season, which is May 1 to Oct. 31.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 29, 2023

Longboat fire department gets refresher course on search and rescue

Firefighters practiced the correct way to conduct a search and rescue in a two-story home.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 27, 2023

Power lines targeted for removal before peak hurricane season

The town of Longboat Key hopes poles and power lines can be removed by August to avoid hurricane damages.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 26, 2023

'Quaint' restaurant concept plans approved on Longboat Key

After Tiki bar plans were rejected in 2022, the Lo'Key Island Grille proposal earned approval by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 25, 2023

Keeping beaches dark still priority through turtle nesting season

Artificial light disorientation calls to Mote Marine Aquarium & Laboratory spiked during the 2022 turtle nesting season.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 25, 2023

Longboat police help resident avoid scam

A resident inquired about mail asking for money and personal info. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 24, 2023

Mote awarded nearly $7 million for coral reef restoration

Efforts will be focused on 10 reef sites throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 24, 2023

Eddie Abrams appointed to Longboat Planning and Zoning Board

The new board member brings 47 years of engineering experience to the position.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 24, 2023

Sarasota County implements new system for non-emergency calls

The changes follow a rise in call volume in 2022. It is said to better direct non-emergency calls.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 22, 2023

Planning and Zoning Board approves St. Regis parking changes

Following hours of public comment, board members voted 5-2 to pass the issue onto the Longboat Key Town Commission.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 19, 2023

Longboat Key Town Commission sets its goals for the future

Commissioners' focus includes community character, fiscal sustainability, environment and resiliency, infrastructure, and services.

By Lauren Tronstad
April 19, 2023

New sign raises access concerns for beach walkers

A sign was recently placed reminding pedestrians of private property near the Gulfside Road public beach access on Longboat Key.

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