Longboat Key firefighters, while at an impasse over contract negotiations with the town, have requested through their Pension Board a complete investigation and analysis of the Fire Pension Plan.

Why the IPOC lawsuits? How much will they cost and who will pay? Why is this an island-wide issue? These questions have been a topic of discussion among all concerned with the town’s approval in June of the Longboat Key Club’s Islandside redevelopment proposal. Sanctuary Condominium President and IPOC Vice President and Treasurer Michael Seery wrote the following to address the questions swirling around the community, IPOC’s strategy, his take on the challenges and what lies ahead.

James Armstrong has applied for building permits to renovate his home in the 2900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. The problem is that the construction work has already been performed and his application is still incomplete, as deemed by town staff and the Code Enforcement Board.

Republican candidate for Attorney General Pam Bondi has a lot to celebrate and said she hopes to celebrate even more on Longboat Key, her life-long vacation getaway, in November when she hopes to emerge the race victorious.

The town will soon begin its interim beach renourishment of the highly erosive north end of Longboat Key. The public beach access at North Shore Road is closed due to the lack of beach and the dangerous conditions there. The Longbeach Condominiums and 360 North Condominiums, which are both at the north end, have lost their beaches and several of their buildings have been placed in jeopardy due to the erosion.

The March 2011 Longboat election is already beginning to take shape. This week Alan Moore, co-owner of Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant in the Village, took out papers to run for Town Commission.

The party is officially over as Longboat Key Police officers take patrols of Beer Can Island, a.k.a. Greer Island, to the next level, as they arrest subjects breaking the posted ban on alcohol and dogs. Officers have been patiently working the beach for the past weeks to build up a presence on the island.

Longboat Key residents registered to vote in Manatee or Sarasota County will have the opportunity to cast their ballots in the Tuesday, Aug. 24 Primary Election. In an effort to provide readers with pre-voting ballot information, following are Democratic, Republican and Nonpartisan ballots.

What is next at The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort? How long until a restoration or redevelopment can occur? Will the resort be torn down and turned into a name-brand resort or renovated in the spirit of the historical Colony? What is the cost?

The Visioning Plan that was accepted in November 2007 is being re-examined by a subcommittee, which will ultimately determine the future of Longboat Key.