With hurricane season beginning Sunday, Longboat Key officials are urging residents and business owners to pick up new vehicle decals now, warning that last year’s decals will not be accepted at checkpoints this year.
The decals are used to manage access to the barrier island in the aftermath of a storm, controlling when and in what order residents and business owners may return. Fire officials say the system proved problematic after recent storms, when people lined up at entry points before the island was cleared to reopen.
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi said one of the main challenges after past storms was people gathering too early. He also stressed that residents who choose to shelter in place face serious risks, including potential loss of water service and stronger winds at higher elevations than those felt at ground level.
This year’s decal system includes an expanded category for businesses, giving business owners a separate color that allows them to return to the island earlier than residents to begin cleanup.
Local business owners say the changes are welcome. Hal Christensen, proprietor of Harry’s Continental Kitchen, described navigating post-storm chaos after Hurricane Helene by taking his own boat to check on his family’s properties, finding several feet of water inside both his restaurant and a deli across the street. After Hurricane Milton, his team worked five consecutive weeks to reopen.
Gary Hagen, owner of Elegant Lady Cheesecake Parlor, was trapped inside his storefront during Hurricane Helene as floodwaters rose and roads became impassable. He was eventually rescued by police after his sister contacted the department on his behalf.
Decals can be picked up at the Longboat Key Police Department or Town Hall.
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