News Briefs

+ FDOT will perform GMD pedestrian count
The Florida Department of Transportation will perform a new pedestrian count along Gulf of Mexico Drive in March at the request of town staff.

Town Manager Dave Bullock informed town staff in an email Feb. 4 that FDOT has agreed to conduct a pedestrian count next month — at the peak of tourism season on the island — along several areas of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The study is being performed because the Urban Land Institute has suggested the town place crosswalks in specific locations along the island’s main thoroughfare. Commissioners and Key residents have questioned some of the proposed crosswalk locations. Commissioners have also suggested that the area near the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort needs a crosswalk.

Bullock said once the new pedestrian counts are completed, FDOT will verify the locations for proposed pedestrian crossings before proceeding with design for a future crosswalk project.

+ Helmsley Sandcastle sells for $27.4 million
Ocean Properties Ltd. purchased the former Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel on Lido Beach for $27.4 million, or $155,000 per unit, according to records revealed last week.

The Delray Beach-based company also announced a new name for the hotel, the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach.

Located at 1540 Benjamin Franklin Drive, the hotel has 177 units.

It’s best known as the hotel that real estate mogul Leona Helmsley bequeathed to her Maltese dog, Trouble, when she died in 2007. The dog died in 2011.

Ocean Properties owns more than 100 hotels, including the Resort at Longboat Key Club, Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort, Lido Beach Resort and Holiday Inn Lido Beach.

Meetings & agendas
Police Officers Retirement System Quarterly Board Meeting — 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26

General Employees Retirement System Quarterly Board Meeting — 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Firefighters Retirement System Quarterly Board Meeting — 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, March 3.

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.