Longboat Key boater says thieves stole $15,000 in GPS equipment from docked vessel

A Longboat Key, Florida, boater says thieves stole more than $15,000 in GPS and navigation equipment from her vessel while it was docked at a slip. Kristen LaViolette reported that during the weekend of June 13–14, she and her family found two holes after the navigation screens were removed and wires were cut. She said the stolen gear included GPS and navigation systems used for depth finding and for tracking fishing locations on her 2024 Grady White, purchased from Cannons Marina. Longboat Key police said the impact in December 2025 followed an earlier pattern: thieves boarded five boats at Cannons Marina and stole eight GPS units worth more than $40,000. LaViolette said insurance coverage has been complicated and is urging other boaters to add security measures.