APRIL FOOL: Musk moves to Longboat Key as SpaceX finds space in SRQ

A big-name billionaire has his sights set on putting Longboat Key on the map — a map that now includes the Gulf of America. 

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and right-hand man to President Donald Trump, plans to purchase a 20,000-square-foot space in the St. Regis Longboat Key to set up the new headquarters of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

SpaceX announced via a press release to local media the company planned to open a launch site as part of a new expansion at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). 

Construction for the SRQ expansion will begin immediately, thanks to majority funding by Musk. 

The main SpaceX building at SRQ will be almost twice the size of the newly opened Concourse A. Outside of the terminal and offices for SpaceX, Musk plans to include a launch pad to test new AI-driven rockets. 

“SpaceX thanks Sarasota for partnering in this new endeavor for the company and for the United States,” a press release said. “We are excited to usher in a new, golden age for the Sarasota area.” 

The press release details how the new rockets will enhance the United States’ ability to operate space missions with less human manpower, with the potential for this technology to be utilized by the military if necessary. 

Most of the SpaceX offices inside SRQ will be off-limits to the public, but the press release said there will be a small museum-like space where the public can admire the achievements of SpaceX and DOGE. 

DOGE HQ on LBK

While overseeing the development of the new launch pad and rocket technology, Musk plans to spend a considerable amount of time in the Sarasota area. This led him to focus his sights on the new St. Regis Longboat Key. 

Representatives at DOGE could offer little information, but confirmed Musk plans to buy out units from multiple condominium owners at the St. Regis to convert almost 20,000 square feet into the new DOGE headquarters. 

Musk leads the department through Trump's appointment to evaluate the federal government’s spending across nearly every other agency and department. 

A White House insider confirms DOGE plans to use funds cut from some of these agencies to pay for the new headquarters. 

The new DOGE headquarters will allow Musk to be closer to new work at SpaceX and more easily balance the duties of CEO and department head. 

The St. Regis could not comment on the deal for the headquarters space, but one of the unit owners said he was happy to give up his unit. 

“I even offered to give it to them for free,” Robert Mann said. “Musk and DOGE insisted they give me market value for the property, though. I’m just happy they’re bringing some of that golden-age thinking to Sarasota.” 

While on a private phone call with Musk, Mann said Musk could have anything he wanted to keep in the unit. According to Mann, Musk requested the kitchen and bed frame remain in place, but Musk would bring with him a new memory foam mattress and a heap of “critical minerals and rare earths” to decorate the space. 

Besides additional permits for the space, which DOGE already acquired, the town of Longboat Key granted DOGE’s headquarters an exemption on ordinances outlined in Chapter 100 of the town’s code. 

Chapter 100 specifies marine turtle protections, specifically regarding lighting during nesting season. The town confirmed DOGE will be allowed to operate during any hour of the night with “any lights necessary.”