LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. (WFLA) — A pivotal decision may be on the horizon for Longboat Key as the town hall workshop meeting convenes to discuss the potential renaming of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
This discussion arises following the Florida Department of Transportation’s removal of all Gulf of Mexico Drive signs from State Road 789, prompted by the enactment of House Bill 549.
“State Road 789 has served as our main thoroughfare, known as Gulf of Mexico Drive since 1957. Our town commission and community will deliberate on whether to retain this name or consider a new one,” explained Howard Tipton, the town manager of Longboat Key.
For local businesses, the consequences of a name change could be significant, impacting everything from marketing to operational logistics.
“We’ve received feedback from the business community expressing concerns. They have invested heavily in marketing materials and insurance documentation, all tied to the current name. A change could require substantial effort and resources,” Tipton noted.
Despite mixed opinions on the issue, those consulted seemed to agree on the necessity of maintaining community cohesion, even amid what some see as a contentious proposal.
“We should be more united. We shouldn’t be dividing ourselves like this. It could be the Gulf of Veterans drive. It could be the Gulf of Sarasota drive. There are definitely other avenues, you know, no pun intended, that they could employ with this,” said visitor Ethan Wedge.
Tipton tells us they have informally heard from residents with suggestions for the change.
“Veterans drive, obviously, Gulf of America drive would be another one. But, while we haven’t done a formal survey of the community, the feedback that we’ve been getting through emails and calls is running about 80% in favor of keeping it the same,” said Tipton.
Longboat Key leaders say they’re anticipating a large turnout for Monday’s workshop meeting, which begins at 1 p.m.
