Why Longboat Key's First County Library Hinges on the Day After Its Final Town Vote

Longboat Key has already done its part for the library planned on Town Center Green. Residents and the Longboat Key Foundation raised more money than they set out to. Town commissioners approved the funding, lease and maintenance agreements in September. The Planning and Zoning Board voted 6–0 for the site plan. Sarasota County is still moving ahead on design and permitting. Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman described it as "full steam, full blast."

The one open question doesn't belong to the island. Town staff have recommended a second reading and public hearing for November 2. On November 3, Florida votes on Amendment 3, and the county has said it won't build the library if that measure passes. So the project could clear its last town vote one day and lose its builder the next.

The calendar from here

The library at 600 Bay Isles Road would be the first Sarasota County library on Longboat Key. WWSB called it a project "more than a decade in the making." Here are the dates that matter:

The March date came from former Town Manager Howard Tipton, and neither the Observer nor WWSB printed a year with it. A town financial sheet from April 2025 had forecast a groundbreaking in "late 2026," so the start date has already slipped once. If you want to speak at a hearing, the town's public notice lists the ordinance and site plan order by number.

What the island already paid for

The project costs $13.5 million. Sarasota County is putting in $11 million: $1 million for design and $10 million for construction. The rest comes from Longboaters. The town and the Longboat Key Foundation raised $3.8 million, according to the funding agreement. That beat the $3 million goal the Observer reported. WWSB reported the goal as $3.5 million. Under either figure, the campaign brought in more than it asked for. In April 2025, the town listed $2.2 million committed and $1.3 million still needed, which shows how fast the gap closed.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and his wife, Sandy, pledged $1 million.

"This library will give residents a place to learn, connect and come together," Buchanan said in WWSB's coverage.

Former Mayor Ken Schneier, also a donor, told WWSB he's looking forward to services beyond books. "They'll do courses and they'll teach you how to make your computer work which I could use a little bit better," he said.

The town has also committed land and upkeep. Commissioners agreed to lease the site to the county for free for up to 80 years, to maintain the property, and to cover any fundraising shortfall. The county has already received $1.6 million of the money raised. Tipton said that if Amendment 3 passes, "then we'll have to figure out how to refund the money that's been raised."

What would sit on the green

Donor money changed what the building is. The county's early planning page describes a library of about 10,000 square feet. The town's 2026 site plan shows 11,273 square feet, with event space paid for by the private campaign. Brad Gaubatz, the county's Facilities, Parks and Recreation manager, described these features to the Planning and Zoning Board:

• A community room that seats 200
• Large "sitting steps" where visitors can read
• A covered outdoor terrace facing the Town Green

The library is the main piece of the third phase of Town Center Green. The second phase is already built. It covers about 4.81 acres and includes an event lawn, an oval walkway and the Karon Family Pavilion, an outdoor stage paid for by donors. The Sarasota Orchestra played at the pavilion's unveiling in November 2023. The Observer reported that same year that Borrelli + Partners was the architect and Jon F. Swift Construction the construction manager.

George Landry, who took over as town manager from Tipton, has added another use. He said the building could help during storm emergencies. "The space can hold a decent size event so we can get information out or provide services or resources to the community," Landry said. Tipton said the space would be great for Longboat Key, adding, "It keeps people connected and creates opportunities for lifelong learning."

The next big event on the green is Light Up Longboat on November 21, with a tree lighting, food trucks, music and Santa. The Longboat Key Chamber's calendar lists it from 5 to 8 p.m. An earlier Observer roundup listed 5 to 7 p.m. By then, voters will have decided whether the library goes on that same lawn.

How a statewide amendment reaches Bay Isles Road

Amendment 3's official ballot title is "Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments." According to the official summary, it would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then adjust it for inflation. It would also lower the yearly cap on assessment increases for non-homestead property from 10% to 5%. The summary also lists the purposes counties and cities would have to use property taxes for. The Florida Division of Elections says a constitutional amendment needs at least 60% of the vote to pass.

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis estimated that Sarasota County's property tax revenue would drop by $46.85 million in fiscal year 2028 and $87.09 million in fiscal year 2029 if the amendment passes. On September 14, Commissioner Nick Gladding asked how a "yes" vote would affect the library. Brownman answered:

"The county has made it very clear because of the magnitude of the impacts of Amendment 3 they will not be constructing a library on Longboat Key at this time if Amendment 3 passes."

The library is the only specific project with a public statement like that. In July, WUSF reported that the county was reviewing the costs and needs of major projects, and it named the Longboat Key Library and the Sheriff's aviation hangar. The county's Amendment 3 page lists libraries, parks, beaches, the Legacy Trail and the Siesta Key trolley among services partly paid for by property taxes. It doesn't name any particular branch or park for cuts, and it says the county takes no position for or against the amendment.

The nearest shelves until then

Whatever happens in November, construction wouldn't start before the planned March date, so for now the closest county branches are off the island. Sarasota County Libraries lists Selby Library at 1331 1st St. in downtown Sarasota and Gulf Gate Library at 7112 Curtiss Ave. Both offer holds with in-library or curbside pickup. The system also has e-books, audiobooks and articles online through its hours and locations page.

The next step on Longboat Key is the October 5 first reading. It starts at 1 p.m. in the Town Commission Chamber at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.

Lori Madden has watched the island's civic projects take shape for more than 30 years, from the Karon Family Pavilion to the library planned beside it. If you're wondering how changes on Bay Isles Road fit into your own plans on Longboat Key, Sarasota Home Pro is glad to talk it through. Schedule your personalized Sarasota market consultation.

This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional about your situation.