Arrested in Longboat Key? All Sarasota County bookings process through the Sarasota County Jail. We connect you with licensed local bondsmen.
Longboat Key has its own police department (LKPD) serving this barrier island split between Sarasota and Manatee counties. The county line crosses the island at approximately mid-point. South Longboat Key arrests go to the Sarasota County Jail. North Longboat Key arrests go to the Manatee County Jail in Palmetto.
This two-county split is the most important thing to understand about Longboat Key arrests. The arresting officer determines which county has jurisdiction based on the location of the incident. Sarasota County Jail is at 2020 Main Street, Sarasota. Manatee County Jail is at 1600 1st Avenue West, Palmetto. Two different jails, two different clerks, two different bond processes. Always confirm the county with LKPD.
Longboat Key is an upscale resort island with the Resort at Longboat Key Club and numerous condominium communities. Tourist arrests, DUI on Gulf of Mexico Drive (the only through road), and beach-related offenses are the primary enforcement activities. LKPD maintains a small but professional force.
Gulf of Mexico Drive runs the entire length of Longboat Key as the single through-road. Speed enforcement and DUI patrol are concentrated on this road. There is no alternative route; every vehicle on the island must use this road. LKPD's traffic enforcement program targets the 35 MPH zones.
Longboat Key connects to the mainland via two bridges: the Longboat Pass Bridge (south, to Lido Key/Sarasota) and the Cortez Bridge (north, to Bradenton Beach/Manatee County). The bridge you entered from does not determine jurisdiction; the actual location of the arrest on the island determines which county. For Sarasota details, see our Sarasota page.
Surety bonds (10% non-refundable premium) and cash bonds are accepted. Bonding agents must be registered with the Sarasota County Clerk of Court. Call (941) 477-6888 to reach a registered Sarasota County bondsman who can post at the facility.
All arrests in these cities are processed through the county jail. The booking and bail process described above applies to every one of them.
A licensed Sarasota County bondsman is standing by.