DEDICATED TO REPORTING THE FACTS ABOUT OUR TOWN SINCE 1986

PIC in Review 2010

WHAT COULD WE HAVE BEEN WORRIED ABOUT?

On January 28, 2010, PIC held a forum on: Oil Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Both sides were presented. The concerns became an unfortunate reality three months later.

WE GOT WHAT WE VOTED FOR: STRONG LEADERSHIP!

On February 13, 2010, PIC members listened to interviews given by the board to commissioner candidates Dave Brenner, Lynn Larsen, Phill Younger and Peter O’Conner. After discussion on all the candidates, the board endorsed Brenner, Larson and Younger.

WE OTHERWISE PARTICIPATED IN THE PROCESS!

PIC was one of the few organizations chosen to ask questions at the Observer-sponsored pre-election candidates’ debate.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW ? ? ?

On March 22, 2010, PIC held a public forum at the Hilton addressing wireless signal strengths on LBK. Discussion included what technologies are dependent on good reception and how such matters as tourism and public safety are affected due to poor signal strengths. Cell phone reception data was presented and solutions to weak reception areas were discussed.

YOUR MONEY MATTERS

After significant study of past town budgets and last year’s expenditures, two PIC board members presented the town commissioners with very significant potential budget savings, line by line. One of those two now sits on the town commission.

YOU WON’T HAVE TO WALK!

In mid December PIC was asked to join a “working group” to ensure the continuation of public transport on the island and testified as to the need for same. The effort succeeded, but much work remains to be done.

WHAT’S IN OUR FUTURE ?

On November 10, 2010, PIC hosted a wine and cheese event at the Public Recreation Center at our beautiful Bayfront Park. While it was a social success the surroundings certainly showed the present building’s limitations. Members, many town commissioners and committee members met. Guest speakers:  Zoning Director, Monica Simpson and Vice Mayor, Jim Brown updated us on our town’s revised Vision Plan.Thanks extended to the attending subcommittee members who devoted time and effort to reviewing town department operations.

WHAT ELSE ?

What else do you think should be in our future?

• A new Community Center?
• A redeveloped Whitney Beach Plaza?
• The Publix shopping center renovations?
• A resort destination where the Colony was?
• A revitalized LBK Club?
• Contact Us

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON ?

Beach Nourishment Forum – What did our beaches look like “in the beginning” before LBK was developed? What is the history of our beach? What is the current beach strategy/plan? What options are there as we move forward? Come to our next forum, January 27, 2011, and find out: 7PM at the Longboat Island Chapel.

Aging in Paradise – Promoting community health: A March forum to be announced.

OUR CURRENT GOAL

Our current goal, based on our mission statement, is to help shape our ever-changing future. Demographics change, land uses change, erosion changes, our leadership and our taxes change. PIC monitors and brings to your attention issues of concern. Visit our website or a board meeting and give us your input. www.lbkpic.com

PIC Salutes 

The Commissioners and the Planning and Zoning Board for the time and effort put toward the Longboat Key Club expansion. Thank you!

Meet our Co-Presidents

Ann Roth

• Permanent resident of Longboat Key for more than 20 years
• Profession: Speech Pathologist
• Taught theater classes at Longboat Key Center for the Arts for 3 years
• Chairman of Exhibitions for Longboat Key Center for the Arts for 2 years
• On the Board of Directors and President of Longboat Key Center for the Arts for 2 years

Gaele Barthold

• Gaele’s parents bought a home on Longboat Key in 1963
• Permanent resident of Longboat Key for over 5 years
• Profession: Lawyer with Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office,
• then with Cozen O’Conner in appellate litigation
• Serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment
• Practices a bit of law on the side
• Enjoys boating, bridge, travel, theater and the arts

PIC’s Board

Judy Achre, Ed Adams, Dick Antoine, Gaele Barthold, Ben Feole, Chuck Fuller, Terry Gans, Scott Hase, Ron Johnson, Tom Klein, Lenny Landau, Jack McMahon, Chuck Nechtem, Dick Pelton, Ann Roth, Beverly Shapiro