Green (Environmental) Initiatives

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The Town of Longboat Key has a long and diverse commitment to protecting the environment and the Town’s invaluable natural resources. The Town continually works to further coordinate and enhance environmental awareness and proven sustainable practices to ensure the health and viability of our community. Links to our Environmental Action Plan Matrix and definitions are below:

Initiatives

The following is an updated list of recently completed initiatives as reported to the Town Commission on April 15, 2024:

Shoreline Protection

Completed the New Pass Structure Maintenance Project at the south end.
Completed Greer Island Sand Spit dredge and placed all beach compatible material back onto the north end beaches further buttressing the shoreline.
Conducted Post Storm Assessment visit with FEMA, FDEP, FDEM. Initiated Post Storm Surveys to quantify the impacts from Hurricane Idalia.
Adopted updates to the Town’s Conservation & Coastal Management Element of the Comprehensive Plan (September 2023)
Adopted Ord. 2024-04, which approved a revision to the maximum allowable seawall height, as recommended in the Town’s Sea Level Rise Study, going from 4.5’ to 6’ above sea level.
Continued with all ongoing initiatives (see Active, Planned or Ongoing Initiatives section).

Water Quality

Greer Island Sand Spit and Canal 1A Dredge improved the flushing tidal prism (flushing capacity) for the lagoon, which houses sea grasses and Manatee habitat.
Worked with Manatee County to remove oversized amounts of seaweed and solid waste debris that accumulated on Longboat Key beaches after Hurricane Idalia.
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program received U.S. EPA approval for the seawall panel and living shoreline partnership projects at Bayfront Park, pending final congressional funding approval.
Continued with all ongoing initiatives (see Active, Planned or Ongoing Initiatives section).
Completed 6,400-linear foot mainland wastewater force main lining project.

Environmental/Energy Efficiency

Placed order for and received delivery of three hybrid vehicles as part of the Town’s vehicle replacement plan.
Continued with all ongoing initiatives (see Active, Planned or Ongoing Initiatives section).

Infrastructure

Completed APTIM Comprehensive Adaptation Plan (Sea Level Rise Study) and began focusing on most vulnerable infrastructure areas as noted below.
Flooding assessments in Buttonwood and Sleepy Lagoon neighborhoods have been completed.A Village re-assessment is in progress to validate previous findings and update to align with current strategies and tasks.
Federal Hazard Mitigation grants and State Resiliency grants have been applied for in the 2023 cycle to design and implement flood mitigation strategies (primarily road raising) in the Sleepy Lagoon, Buttonwood and Village neighborhoods.
Completed roadway resurfacing of roads in the Village and Jungle Queen areas to ensure resiliency of the roadway system.
Town Center Phase 2 completion and Grand Opening, which includes Karon Family Pavilion, pervious walkway, large grassy areas and a master stormwater treatment and attenuation system for Phase 3 build-out.
Town Budget approved for installation of K9 Turf at Bayfront Dog Park.
Construction initiated for Country Club Shores Asbestos Cement Watermain replacement, project phases 1 and 2.This will replace a fragile potable water system that was constructed with materials no longer used with a more robust and resilient system.
Completed major Lift Station rehabilitation for major Lift Stations A, B, and C along Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Adopted the updated Sarasota County Floodplain Management Plan.
Adopted Ord. 2024-03, which approved a revision to the Flood Control chapter (Sec. 154202 & 154.301(D)) & the Zoning Code (Sec. 158.144, Definitions) that will allow property owners to elect to provide up to 2 additional feet of Freeboard (to the already required 1 ft. of Freeboard) above the FEMA flood elevations. The Commission directed that a follow-up ordinance be quickly developed to allow up to 4 ft. of optional Freeboard (above the required 1 ft. of Freeboard) in areas of the Town that are < 3.5 ft. above sea level. Ordinance is targeted to be approved before the 2024 Commission summer recess.
Continued with all ongoing initiatives (see Active, Planned or Ongoing Initiatives section).

Educational Outreach

Dave Tomasko from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program spoke at the 3.25.24 Town Commission meeting and provided an updated on the State of the Bay.
Continued processing updates to the Comprehensive Plan, including the Conservation & Coastal Management Element as part of the 2022 Comprehensive Plan batch updates (Final Batch is in state review process).
Completed discussions and implemented a single, unified mobility-on-demand transit system on the island in coordination with Sarasota County Breeze and Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT).
Included two questions on environmental issues in the 2023 Annual Citizen Survey.
Continued coordinating recycling stickers for recycling bins with Waste Management.
Presentation to the Longboat Key Rotary Club on Town’s Environmental Matrix and Initiatives.
Presentations made to four major home and condo associations regarding Town flood mitigation and resiliency efforts.

The following is a list of active, planned or ongoing Initiatives:

Shoreline Protection

Continue working on short term interim storm surge protection (Beach Fill) project for the Gulfside Road Segment.
Town’s Coastal Engineer working to develop a long-term structural solution to reduce erosion rates for the Gulfside Road beach segment.
Work with Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) to conduct a living shoreline demonstration project and seawall panel project at Bayfront Park.
Continue to work with Beach Volunteers for trash and plastics pick up (ongoing).
Continued implementation of the Town’s Beach Management Program (ongoing).
Continue pursuing external funding and incorporating matching dollars into the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for Comprehensive Adaptation Plan (Sea Level Rise) recommendations (ongoing).

Water Quality

Sea Turtle and shorebird protection monitoring (ongoing).
State FDEP and U.S. Army Corps federal permits have been received for the redundant Sub-Aqueous Force Main project so that the Town may proceed with final design. State land and private property easements can also be acquired, and then construction may commence.
Continued monitoring of red tide conditions when present and support clean-up efforts in conjunction with Manatee County taking lead (ongoing).
Continue the Town’s annual efforts to support the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) (ongoing).

Environmental/Energy Efficiency

Public Works using battery-powered blowers when and where applicable based on weight, power and battery life characteristics.
Begin working with an interested vendor to develop a cost-savings/energy-savings proposal for Town facilities.
Perform sea grass mitigation for projects requiring mitigation (ongoing).
Continue to budget for the Australian Pine removal program (ongoing - $60K each year + $10K for Town use).
Town installing and activating LED street lighting along Gulf of Mexico Drive and within the neighborhoods as part of the Utilities Undergrounding Project.
Purchase Order issued for the Town to install and activate new LED backlit street name signs along Gulf of Mexico Drive, replacing older, inefficient and obsolete lighting and poles.
Town utility system rehabilitation (wet well, manhole, and pipe lining) to help minimize pump run times and electricity use. Also helps reduce infiltration and inflow (ongoing).

Infrastructure

Continue to review and approve proven and practical green/sustainable construction in all future Town building construction, so that features maintain proper function and also provide a tangible benefit and return on investment aligned with Town values. (ongoing)
Construction underway for the Country Club Shores Asbestos Cement Watermain replacement project. This will replace a fragile potable water system that was constructed with materials no longer used with a more robust and resilient system.
Develop plans and continue to set aside funding for matching grants and to advance engineering design of Sea Level Rise recommendations for Town infrastructure in low-lying areas. (ongoing)
Due to Pending Florida Sea Level Baseline Update, requested consultant to provide Scope of Work and Fee to update the existing Resiliency Plan.
Continue to work with FDOT and the Sarasota-Manatee MPO for funding to implement the elements of the GMD Complete Streets Corridor Plan which will enhance multi-modal (pedestrian / bicycle) opportunities on the island. The MPO has identified initial PD&E elements of the Corridor Plan in the Long-Range Cost Feasible Plan to able to be funded in 2026 (in progress)
Continued administration of Florida Building Code and Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements for the construction of resilient and flood zone elevated buildings and infrastructure.
Continue administration of the Town Code, which includes a requirement for new construction to exceed FEMA Base Flood Elevations (BFE +3 ft.).
Working with Manatee County on Potential Water Taxi service to the Island combined with enhancement/replacement of the Town Dock at Linley Street with composite materials.
Awaiting results of 2023 Hazard Mitigation Grant application cycle for initial flood mitigation efforts in Sleepy Lagoon, Buttonwood and Village neighborhoods.
Continue to advocate for FDOT Bridge Replacement Projects in accordance with Barrier Island Traffic Study (BITS) recommendation to reduce congestion / idling and improve traffic flow and multi-modality.

Educational Outreach

Continue conducting water conservation education programs
Continued education and enforcement of new Turtle Protection Ordinance. (ongoing)
Continue annual outreach on fertilizer restrictions in advance of the Summer rainy season in utility bill, website, media and social media. (ongoing)
Continue education on floodproofing and flood mitigation efforts for both public and private property.

The following is a list of previously completed Initiatives:

Shoreline Protection

Working with Town’s Coastal Engineer to finalize Scope and Fee to develop a long-term solution for the Gulfside Road beach segment.
Completed permitting for Greer Island Spit Management
Finalized Phase 2 and 3 Sea Level Rise Study
Provided a Phase 3 public update to the Town Commission
Provided a public update on the Sleepy Lagoon and Buttonwood drainage/flooding assessments
Completed Lyons Lane improvements
Completed Phase 1 and finalizing Phase 2 Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Study
Joined the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition
Participating in Manatee County’s Post Disaster Redevelopment Plan update
Completed the 2021 Beach Re-nourishment Project and North End Structural Stabilization Project. Also, significant dune plantings were added on the north end as part of this project.
Coordinated with the LKB North Beach Volunteers for trash-pick up
Updated the Town’s Sea Turtle Protection Ordinance (Ord. 2021-01 adopted on July 2, 2021)
Updated the Town’s seawall ordinance to increase height requirements for future seawalls.
Adopted a No-Smoking Ordinance (applicable at public beaches, public beach and bay accesses and public parks), September 2022.
Completed rock groin structure tightening project at New Pass.

Water Quality

Completed a short-term / emergency dredge at Greer Island. Provides temporary improvement to Canal 1A and channel to prevent stagnant lagoon waters as well as maintaining canal access.
Awarded an additional $800,000 State appropriation to assist with funding the planned relining project associated with the mainland portion of the subaqueous wastewater line.
Implemented an updated Wastewater Operations Manual to formalize wastewater system maintenance and monitoring
Installed system flow and pressure meter enhancements to assist the Town and Manatee County in monitoring wastewater system
Received $1.25M in State funding appropriation to assist with re-lining the mainland portion of the wastewater line
Fertilizer Ordinance in place, which prohibits the use of fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus during the Summer rainy season (June 1-September 30), and requires at least 50 percent slow-release fertilizer during the rest of the year
Monitor red tide conditions when present and support clean-up efforts in conjunction with Manatee County taking lead
Adopted a Motorboats Prohibited Ordinance on eastern side of Greer Island, June 2022.
Continued progress on Town lift station wet well rehabilitation program. Lift Station A is completed, and Lift Stations B and C will be completed prior to peak season. These are on the northern end of the island along GMD.

Environmental/Energy Efficiency

Budgeted in FY23 Budget for the purchase of 3 hybrid vehicles as part of the Town’s vehicle replacement plan. Delivery anticipated Spring 2023.
Budgeted for planned Energy Audit in FY23
Battery-powered blower with re-chargeable batteries received.
Ordered a battery-powered blower with re-chargeable batteries for Public Works to test effectiveness.
Replacement of existing Gulf of Mexico Drive and Neighborhood Street Lights with energy efficient LED light bulbs as part of the Utilities Undergrounding Project
Renewed contract through June 20, 2024 with Waste Management for curbside pick-up single stream recycling services
Signed up and paid for a tennis ball recycling program for balls used at the Town’s Tennis Center
Maintained budget for Australian Pine removal program
Implemented the new Sound Ordinance, incorporating language to encourage use of non-generator powered construction related equipment to minimize noise and other environmental impacts.
Presented an electric vehicle charging station partnership opportunity with FPL to the Town Commission, June 2021.
Presented research on gas-powered leaf blowers restrictions in other communities to the Town Commission, March and April 2021.
New Fire Station No. 92 and majority of Fire Station No. 91 includes all LED lighting and energy efficient glass. In addition, new F.S. 92 also includes photo-voltaic ready conduits and breaker for potential future solar…

Infrastructure

Completed major re-lining of Lift Station E wet well. Lift Station E carries the second highest wastewater flows from the island, second to Master Lift Station D. Preserves wet well integrity and reduces/eliminates Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) into the system.
Installed Wa-Stop valves in the Village and Sleepy Lagoon areas to help mitigate bayside back flow into low lying neighborhoods
The new Fire Station 92 plans and proposed finish floor level were reviewed by our Sea Level Rise consultant prior to construction to make sure it is was properly raised to meet the anticipated future life of the building
Substantially completed mainland force-main pipe-lining project (lined approx. 5,500 LF of existing 20” ductile iron force main with 18” HDPE).
Bidding complete and contract being developed with Sea and Shoreline, LLC to construct the New Pass Rock Groin Structure tightening. Construction anticipated to start in November 2023.

Educational Outreach

Added a Green (Environmental) Initiatives web page to the Town’s website
Provided education and enforcement of the recently updated Turtle Protection Ordinance
Completed annual outreach on Fertilizer Ordinance requirements and commercial registration for fertilizer applicators
Conducted a public update on the impacts of the new FEMA flood maps in FY22
Participated in the Earth Day program in FY22 at Longboat Island Chapel
Filmed a Talk of the Town segment on Sarasota County Transit System
Provided citizen awareness in 2022 on the Town’s recycling program via social media
Scheduled a Sustainability Class in partnership with Sarasota County on EV Vehicles
Produced a Talk of the Town segment on Vertical Oyster Gardens in partnership with Manatee County
Filmed a Talk of the Town video focusing on the bay with an interview with Dave Tomasko, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.
Two Green Living Workshops conducted in Spring 2020
Green Initiatives program was presented during Citizens Academy series
Green Initiatives program was highlighted during IntroLBK series
Utilized Town Manager Briefs to highlight initiatives
Conducted an Electric Vehicles, Charging Stations and Solar Opportunities Workshop (2/22/23).
Scheduled Sustainability Class Water Conservation and EV Charging Stations.
Filmed Tip Talk video discussing the Greer Island project and the benefits of the beach program.
Discussed Green Workshop(s) during Citizens Academy series.
Highlighted Green Initiatives through Town Manager Briefs.
Continued discussions with Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) and Sarasota Breeze transit for a single level of public transit on the island. Manatee County staff recommending approval on agreement for Sarasota County to take over at December 2023 Board meeting.

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