Sailing outbound to Sarasota Bay (Canal 32 A)

Longboat Key

Waterway Maintenance Program

Program Mission: To provide Town-wide management and maintenance of the navigable waterways at Longboat Key. The program will focus on maintaining safe navigation, improving stormwater flow infrastructure, reinforce appeal for real estate and recreation and supporting the Town’s environmental stewardship objectives.

Managed Canals and Waterways

Maintained depths between

to

3

to

7'

Serving the town by supporting:

Island Lifestyle

Recreation

Property Value

Emergency Services

Stormwater & Drainage

Waterway Conditions on Longboat Key

The Town and their consultants performed an Island-Wide assessment on the current condition in each of the Town’s 88 waterways. A variety of factors were evaluated for each waterway.

  • Waterway intended use and vessel class
  • Existing dimensions
  • Exposure to natural elements (wind, waves, current)
  • Existing impediments
  • Limiting depth
  • Overall navigability

Once evaluated individually, these factors were combined to yield a Letter Grade score for the existing condition of each waterway. A secondary set of scores were produced to visualize realistic outcomes if the recommended maintenance program were put in place. Use the toggle below to compare Longboat’s existing and proposed maintenance conditions:

Existing Waterway Condition GradesMaximum Waterway Grades with Recommended Maintenance

My Waterway

Details for all individual waterways are available for download by clicking the icon below.

Why Now

The proposed waterway maintenance program establishes a proactive approach to management of a critical and defining asset for the community.

Island-wide waterway maintenance on Longboat Key was first studied in 1996. The last canal dredging project was completed in 2001. Since then, the waterways have experienced years of natural shoaling, sedimentation and buildup of organic debris which restricts navigability, circulation and drainage. Like anything, long-term deferred maintenance compounds a problem.

Following years of discussion, Longboat Key leadership is now taking concrete steps to dredge and revitalize its aging canal systems. The program will begin with an initial restoration project to restore waterways to their intended form and function. Once restoration is complete, focus will shift to proactive maintenance and monitoring and the annual cost is expected to be reduced by approximately 50%.

Program Funding Details

Funding for the waterway program includes a combination of Valorem (value-based millage) and Non-Ad Valorem (Direct Assessment) tax. Each taxable parcel island wide will contribute to an Ad Valorem millage covering approximately 30% of the program costs. The remaining 70% of the program will be funded via Non-Ad Valorem special assessment by residents with direct waterway access from their property. Overall, approximately 80% of the program funding will be from direct access parcels and 20% of the program funding will be from non-direct access parcels. The program is expected to require approximately $2 million dollars annually for the first 5 years for initial waterway restoration. Once completed, the annual cost is expected to drop nearly 50% for continued proactive maintenance and monitoring.

Property Specific Details

Longboat Key Canal Assessment
To find information specific to your property, view the interactive waterways program map below.

Full Screen

More Program Information

More program specific information can be found by clicking the icons below.

Town of Longboat Key
Waterway Program Presentation

Town of Longboat Key
Waterway Program Briefings

Or by contacting the Town at: CanalDredging@longboatkey.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean my taxes will increase?

If the program is approved, property owners may see a separate line item on their tax bill related to the Navigation Maintenance Program. Financial details for estimated assessments can be found on the interactive map on the town GIS portal by searching or selecting a property.

When would the program begin?
If approved by the Town Commission, implementation timing would be determined as part of the final program design and budget process.
Which waterways are included in the program?
The program includes all public most non-Federally maintained waterways within the Town limits. A map of all waterways in the program can be found at on the town GIS portal.
Will this affect property values?
Maintaining navigable and healthy waterways is generally supportive of property values and community appeal.
How can residents stay involved?

Residents are encouraged to attend meetings, review posted materials on www.longboatkey.org and provide feedback.

Where will additional information be posted?
Updates will be shared through the Town’s website and all official communication channels.
What do I do if my information is incorrect or missing?
The mapping tool references information derived from the Manatee and Sarasota County Property Appraisers offices. Certain individual’s records (that include individual’s home addresses ) have been withheld from public disclosure due to statutory exemptions set forth in Florida’s Public Records laws. If you cannot find your property or believe an error may exist, please contact the Public Works department at: CanalDredging@longboatkey.org
Will dredging affect seagrasses and environmental resources?
A rigorous permitting process is followed to ensure environmental protection. Seagrass mitigation is required for certain locations and would yield a net gain for regional resources. The removal of nutrient-laden sediments is beneficial to water quality.
What happens to the material removed from the waterways?
Whenever possible, suitable material is beneficially re-used for a neighboring project. Examples include utilization for seagrass bed restoration or as top cover at a landfill.
Where does the shoaling come from?
Shoaling is usually the result of sediment transport within the bay and from upland sources. Wave action along embankments, stormwater runoff, and natural transport mechanisms are usual contributors.
How can I contribute to healthier waterways?
Individuals can do their part by keeping unwanted contaminants out of the waterways. This can include:

  • Manage Yard Waste
    Limit introduction of organic materials, like grass clippings, to storm drains and waterways.
  • Reduce Runoff
    Cover bare patches of soil and aerate lawns for improved absorption.
  • Know When to Fertilize
    Fertilizing during the rainy season (June – Sept) increases fertilizer loads into the waterways.
  • Keep it Tidy
    Pick up after pets and keep trash and debris from entering storm drains.