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Longboat shuffleboard, lawn-bowling buildings not repairable under FEMA rules; options under review
Summary
Officials told the board that pre-storm building conditions prevented repairs under FEMA's 50% rule; city management and user groups are reviewing redevelopment options, which may include relocation, elevation or other alternatives.
Parks staff updated the advisory board on Longboat shuffleboard and lawn-bowling facilities damaged during Hurricane Helene. Staff said the buildings’ pre‑storm condition and FEMA’s substantial‑improvement threshold (the so‑called 50% rule) mean repairs would trigger elevation and other requirements that make simple repair infeasible.
Department staff said the depreciated value and repair estimates meant the facilities could not be repaired under FEMA guidelines; one staff estimate for both buildings discussed during the meeting was about $165,000, which staff described as insufficient for a viable repair under the policy. City management is reviewing options, and staff have solicited recommendations from user groups. Staff said proposals are under consideration and may go to the City Council for final direction.
Members of the public who spoke about the site praised the facilities and offered ideas, including relocating the clubs to another city park or changing land use to allow alcohol service on-site; those suggestions are under review and would require separate city-level decisions. Staff committed to follow up with the board once city management completes its evaluation.
