At the pinnacle of Longboat luxury properties stands the Ohana Estate priced at $19.9 million.

It is a classic legislative bait and switch. Voters were sold the idea of allowing the reconstruction of an existing building. But now, 10 years later, the push is to forever make all of the existing units “conforming” in new zoning districts and then set new redevelopment parameters.

When it comes to the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort redevelopment a bizarre form of land use porn has emerged and I hear otherwise sane people getting caught up in images and feelings that have little or no basis in anything resembling reality.

“It makes me sick, but I will vote to go along with this and not stand in the way of what I think would be the will of the commission,” — Vice Mayor Phill Younger

Rooks said he is “very emotional,” about the idea of selling the restaurant, which he bought for $1.2 million more than 10 years ago.

“I see some dangers in this getting out of hand and circumventing all that has come before us.”

Saunders urges all Longboaters to become educated about the proposed development of the Colony property, which she calls the “finest piece of land in the State of Florida.” She stressed that Longboat Key residents should “think bigger” than the traffic issues and look down the road to the island’s future.

“I wish to register my objection to this massive elevated building roof structure which is inconsistent with the character of our existing neighborhood.”

“Our job is to let the electors decide if they want the project, not to teach him how to negotiate, or worse yet, to interfere.” — Commissioner Irwin Pastor

Longboat Key’s election had two referenda which requested to convert commercially zoned properties into residential. Neither of the referenda passed. Harbour Square Against:  2,994  In Favor: 1,972 Manatee:  For:     658       Against:    995 Sarasota:  For:  1,314       Against: 1,999   Whitney Plaza Against:  3,055  In Favor: 2,008 Manatee:  [...]