Mask policy renewal gets a vote Monday

Longboat Key commissioners are set to meet for the first time since early July to consider renewing the town’s mandatory mask policy.

The commission has scheduled an emergency meeting for 1 p.m. Aug. 31 using Zoom.

Mayor Ken Schneier has said he believes commissioners will vote to renew the mandatory mask policy for another 60 days.

“The overwhelming majority of LBK residents have supported the mask ordinance,” Schneier wrote in an email to one resident who wanted commissioners overturn the mask mandate. “It has increased compliance at Publix and other venues to almost 100%, resulted in few if any confrontations and, we strongly believe, contributed to LBK's extremely low infection experience.”

Data from the Florida Department of Health shows 27 COVID-19 cases overall reported in the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key's 34228 ZIP code and fewer than five in Sarasota County.

Schneier said he hoped conditions improve to allow the town to remove its mandatory mask policy “in the near future,” but it is anyone’s guess on how soon that could happen.

On Wednesday, Sarasota city commissioners voted to extend its mandatory mask policy. City of Sarasota communications specialist Jason Bartolone confirmed the policy will run through Oct. 28. Manatee County also has a mask requirement.

On July 2, town commissioners voted unanimously in favor of requiring people to wear face coverings in public areas where social distancing guidelines cannot be met with certain exceptions.

Anyone wanting to submit a public comment to commissioners about Longboat Key’s mask policy must do so by 10 a.m. Aug. 31 by sending Town Clerk Trish Shinkle an email at [email protected].

There are a few ways to watch the Aug. 31 meeting:

1. Listen to the meeting on the phone: Anyone can listen on the phone by dialing 1-646-558-8656. When the meeting ID is requested, enter 267390984 and then press the # key.
2. Watch the meeting online, but not participate: As always with town commission meetings, anyone can watch the live stream at  https://www.longboatkey.org/towngovernment/commission-meetings-live.
3. Watch using Zoom: Anyone wanting to virtually attend and watch the meeting using Zoom can use the link https://zoom.us/j/267390984. The meeting ID is 267390984.  if you enter it in separately. If using a tablet or smartphone, you will need to download the free Zoom app from your device’s app store. Computers will automatically download and install the Zoom program.

Anyone who needs more information about Longboat Key’s virtual meetings can visit the town’s website or call 941-316-1999.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to accurately explain how to watch the Aug. 31 emergency special meeting.