Longboat Key Decides to Retain ‘Gulf of Mexico Drive’ Name

LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents of Longboat Key are facing increased pressure to rename their central thoroughfare, Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“Most of us appreciate the current name,” stated local resident Mary Ellen Cawley. “We never requested a change.”

To gauge public sentiment, the town organized a community meeting on Monday. This followed the Florida Department of Transportation’s removal of six signs from the roadway in compliance with a state mandate to rename references to the Gulf as ‘Gulf of America,’ stemming from an executive order by President Trump.

“It’s gone,” remarked resident Frank Lugano. “Street names like these no longer make sense.”

“This matter has become overly politicized,” commented David Dickinson, another resident. “We’re blowing a simple issue out of proportion. As Americans, we should be honoring our country.”

Town leaders gave residents the option to change the name or keep it the same which would still be legal to do. For many residents – the hassle of an address change was too much.

“We have a bunch of time and money that is going to be wasted,” said resident Lillian Sands.

“It’s not a bad name and it doesn’t mean you hate Trump,” said resident James Armstrong. “Who knows, maybe the administration could change the other way – hopefully not – but then what? Are we going to change it back?”

Ultimately, they voted unanimously to keep the name, despite town leaders’ fears that they may face repercussions from the department of transportation.

“Our job here is health, welfare, and safety and getting this community back on its feet after the most horrid weather conditions we have experienced in over 100 years,” said town commissioner BJ Bishop.

The mayor hinted that their final decision may not mean the end of it, saying that people were watching to see where they landed on the issue.