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NewsYourobserverJune 23, 2026Manatee

Longboat Key business owners and town officials discuss economic challenges

Local business owners met with town and county officials to discuss the difficulties of maintaining year-round operations on Longboat Key due to seasonal population shifts. The meeting, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, aimed to identify ways the town can support local commerce and improve access for service providers.

small businesseconomic developmenttourismlocal governmentdisaster preparedness
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Why It Matters

The town is exploring policy changes to balance its residential character with the economic needs of local businesses, including potential adjustments to disaster re-entry access for service companies.

Key Facts

  • The town of Longboat Key held its first 'Let's Talk Business' roundtable to gather feedback from small business owners.
  • The town is considering adjusting re-entry sticker guidelines to allow service companies without physical island locations to access the island quickly after storms.
  • Business owners requested a future meeting with the current Town Manager and the incoming Town Manager.
  • The next roundtable meeting is tentatively scheduled for late September.
  • The town previously expanded its annual survey to include a specific questionnaire for small business owners, which received 16 responses.
  • The incoming Town Manager is expected to begin a phased-in approach in mid-September.
  • The island is currently in a rebuilding phase following 2024 hurricanes.

Who's Mentioned

organizationLongboat Key Chamber of Commerce“Co-host of the business roundtable.”locationLongboat Key“The town where the meeting took place.”personPaul Dezzi“Fire Chief of Longboat Key.”personRick Konsavage“Managing Director of Longboat Key Club.”personJason Bond“Owner of Longboat Key Provisions who reported significant business slowdowns.”personIsaac Brownman“Assistant Town Manager of Longboat Key.”personKellie Spring“Representative for Servpro.”locationManatee County“County government staff attended the meeting.”personHoward Tipton“Town Manager of Longboat Key.”personKim Verrault“President of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.”