Carter Weinhofer

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Carter Weinhofer

Though the door seemed shut on the St. Regis Longboat Key’s parking saga two years ago, Seaplace residents claim parking issues re-emerged. According to Seaplace Board President Paul Gold, the St. Regis approached the Seaplace board seeking an agreement to use 50 of the condominium complex’s parking spaces for monetary compensation for the association, as well as resort perks for condominium owners. “They’ve been a good neighbor to us,” Gold said.

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Carter Weinhofer

Noise issues stemming from the Jewfish Key sandbar and the surrounding waters continue to be a problem for some north-end residents. North end communities like the Village and Land’s End can hear — and can sometimes feel — the impacts of crowds of boaters flocking to the sandbar during busy weekends and holidays. Jim Haft, who lives in Land’s End near the water, said the sandbar has grown a reputation for being a popular party spot for boaters in the region.

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Carter Weinhofer

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is advancing the Barrier Island Implementation Plan to identify actionable solutions to the traffic congestion in and around the region’s barrier islands. Representatives from the MPO held a public input session on June 11 to gather input from locals about what they view are the highest priorities in solving the barrier island traffic issues. At the session, eight roadway solutions were presented and available to be voted on.

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Carter Weinhofer

Friday, June 6Flag flying funny 7:29 a.m., 2200 block of Gulf of Mexico DriveCitizen Assist: A concerned citizen called dispatch to report an American flag hanging upside down. The caller was concerned it could be a signal of distress. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the flag torn from the grommets. No one answered when the officers knocked on the door and rang the doorbell, so the officers removed the flag, folded it properly and left it on a bench on the residence’s front porch.

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Carter Weinhofer

The Longboat Key town commission approved a one-time increase in its annual contribution to the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, from $7,5000 to $10,000. Mayor Ken Schneier suggested the increase to provide additional financial support to the chamber after the chamber lost revenue from membership dues this past year. At the commission’s June 9 meeting, Schneier opened the discussion by emphasizing this was his suggestion and the chamber did not come to the town seeking help as extra funding.