Greer Island could erode away if groins are moved to the south.

‘I cannot support the recommendations of destroying the recreational areas (Greer Island) that many people now enjoy.’

Another contentious issue on Longboat this year has been the idea of allowing dogs on the beach. The town has an ordinance in place that prohibits dogs on the beach with or without a leash. Some residents are supportive of the idea of dogs on the beach, stating the potential benefits of vacationers who may [...]

Longboat Key’s erosive North End received a new 130-foot wide beach last fall. Public Works Director Juan Florensa said the $5 million project placed a total of 150,000 cubic yards of fine white sand from the Broadway beach access to the north tip of the island. Florensa said the beach was a short-term fix that [...]

I’ve been reading of late a lot of correspondence from almost all quarters about dogs, dogs on beaches, our beaches, use of beaches, etc. It all reminds me of controversy along the Jersey Shore some years ago over just who could venture onto the beaches of the many shore towns there. They used bathing suit patches to identify suitable bathers; one town even proposed a small tattoo to the exposed skin of honest and true residents. Here it sounds like some locals or wannabes desire to identify or maybe ban all canines from the shore.

Longboat Key Estates Club Association has voted, and formally stated to the town of Longboat Key, that it does not want dogs on the beach. In recent weeks, the idea of creating a dedicated dog beach or allowing dogs during restricted hours access to the entire Longboat Key waterfront has divided the community.

In recent weeks, the topic of not only having a dog park on Longboat Key, but also possibly allowing dogs on all beaches has been reviewed at town meetings. At the Monday, Nov. 7 commission meeting, commissioners determined that an ad hoc citizens committee should evaluate the viability of allowing dogs on beaches. Meaning a group of citizens, of their own volition, can form a group that will meet regarding the dog beach concept, but there will be no participation within the group by any town commissioners, board members or town staff.

Longboat Key News recently asked its readers their opinion on whether to allow dogs on LBK beaches… Deborah McKinlay: I think dogs should not be allowed on the beach because I believe it is unsanitary. Thank you, from a full-time resident.   Dominic Korbuly: I don’t want dogs on the beach! (Although I love dogs.) [...]

Longboat Key commissioners will consider a request to temporarily close North Shore Road beach access and adjoining parking areas to do seawall repair work at the western end of the roadway. The town has obtained the permits for the repairs and construction of a new seawall extension. The contractor has provided a construction plan that [...]

The end of an era. In a decision that marks a radical change from 14 years of consistently using Coastal Planning and Engineering (CP&E), the Town Commission is putting the beach management plan out to bid for 2012