Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop is pursuing federal funding through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process, consulting with contacts at FEMA and coordinating with Florida's congressional delegation. In correspondence with constituent Adam Cross, Bishop outlined plans to leverage his role as Chair of the Florida League of Cities Federal Task Force during June meetings in Washington, D.C., while maintaining regular contact with staff supporting the town's requests before the House Appropriations Committee.
The CPF process faces structural constraints. Last year and the previous year, nearly all requests received less funding than originally requested, with only projects routed through members with broader group support receiving full allocations. The committee has imposed a self-imposed rule limiting CPF spending to 0.5% of all discretionary funding. Republican requests were mostly preserved, while Democratic requests saw the largest cuts, according to correspondence detailing the funding landscape.
On the financial front, Longboat Key's 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report received an unmodified opinion audit—the highest level of assurance possible—with no findings or reportable conditions. Finance Director Sue Smith led the effort, which included Federal and State Single Audits. The town submitted the report to the Government Finance Officers Association for its Certificate of Excellence and to bond rating agencies to maintain transparency and financial standing.
A public hearing scheduled for May 4, 2026, will address proposed ordinances from S.R. LBK, LLC regarding an archway and signage on a private groin structure in the Gulf. The developer requested continuances while reexamining options and awaiting final certificate of occupancy from the St. Regis development, with sign-off potentially delayed until mid-June pending state environmental permitting.
Visit Sarasota County reported mixed March tourism results. Visitor count rose to 158,500 compared to 155,800 in March 2025, though visitor direct expenditures declined slightly to $234.3 million from $234.5 million. Lodging occupancy dropped to 81.5% from 83.3%, while average room rates increased to $402.36 from $386.00.
The Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation appointed Shirar O'Connor as President and CEO effective June 1, 2026. O'Connor brings more than 30 years of experience in economic development and foreign direct investment, most recently serving as Director of Professional Development for FT Locations at the Financial Times. She previously held leadership roles with Connecticut's economic development agency, Conway Data, and the UK and Netherlands foreign investment authorities. A Florida native, O'Connor will relocate to the region.
In Sarasota, the city is reviewing a contract with Flock, a law enforcement-focused data platform, over concerns about data ownership and potential misuse. A public records request confirmed the existing contract focuses solely on hardware installation without addressing data ownership or permissible uses. The City Attorney's office has been asked to review compliance with municipal data protection standards.
The city also addressed a red light camera citation dispute. Gabriel McIntyre requested administrative dismissal citing the McFadden court ruling declaring the relevant statute unconstitutional as applied, with a May 2, 2026 deadline for payment or circuit court appeal under Florida statute.
Second Heart Homes, Inc., an organization providing permanent supportive housing, will be recognized during the Sarasota City Commission meeting on May 6 at 9 a.m. for its work in homeless and mental health services. The organization has expanded to open two additional homes since receiving similar recognition the previous year.
