Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Nov. 29
Leaving town
8 a.m. — 1000 block Benjamin Franklin Drive. Civil Problem. A guest left a resort without paying the balance of her charges. The resort manager told police that the guest told him her company would pay the rest of the charges, but she left without giving the account information. 

Family feud
10:53 a.m. — 400 block Bird Key Drive. Civil Problem. A homeowner called police to report that her daughter and grandson have been living at her residence. She knew they were living there, but the homeowner never gave them formal permission to do so and does not collect rent from them. The homeowner also said they had “trashed” the place. An officer told the homeowner that she would have to file for an eviction through the county clerk’s office.

Dec. 5
No cause for complaint?
8:49 a.m. — 5600 block of GMD. Parking. Police told a caller that a semi-truck was parked legally at a restaurant. The caller said that she had concerns about the truck forcing westbound traffic into the eastbound lane at a time when pedestrian traffic was increasing.

Dec. 6
Camp Longboat
8:08 a.m. — 4400 block of GMD. Investigation. A man who had a wheeled trailer attached to his bicycle told police he owns property in Colorado but considers himself homeless and spends winters camping out in Sarasota. Police had to leave but returned and warned the man about the town’s ordinance about camping. The man said that maybe the town should set aside property for the homeless. Police told him that until that day comes, he should refrain from camping on Longboat Key.

Long walk
5:36 p.m. — 3400 block of GMD. Dog on the Beach. Two people who had backpacks and a dog on the beach told police they were on their way south to the Florida Keys. They got warnings about dogs on the beach, camping and time limitations of beach and park hours. They said they planned to head to Sarasota but declined an offer from police for a ride.

Dec. 7
Canine credentials
12:38 p.m. — 3200 block of GMD. Dog on the Beach. A dog that a caller reported was on the beach turned out to be a service dog. His owner showed police the dog’s documentation and service vest.

Dec. 8
What are you waiting for?
9:59 a.m. — 4000 block of GMD. Suspicious Person. A caller reported that a man was waiting for a bus at a bus stop. Police didn’t find anything suspicious about a man waiting for a bus at a bus stop.

Dec. 10
Under control
12:08 p.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Road. Fire. Firefighters had a small, second-floor electric fire under control by the time police arrived.

All is calm
11:24 p.m. — 6000 block of GMD. Security Check. Police found a business’ door unlocked but saw no signs of forced entry.