Siesta Key Association History

Homesteaders began settling on “Sarasota Key” (now Siesta Key) in the 1880's, but few remained long enough to establish their claims. An exception was Capt. Louis Roberts and his wife, Ocean Hansen Roberts, for whom Ocean Boulevard, Roberts Road and Hansen Bayou are named. In 1906, Capt. Roberts enlarged his house and began calling it the Roberts Hotel. The following year he, along with Harry Higel and E.M. Arbogast, formed the Siesta Land Company. By 1946, the Key was still labeled “Sarasota Key” on government maps, but was called Siesta Key by the County.

In late 1910, E.M. Arbogast began construction of the Bay Island Hotel on the north shore of the Key. Meanwhile, Harry Higel's dredge was busy not only digging the canals and filling low land, but also excavating shell deposits that could be used to surface the roads as they were built. The canal that leads from Hansen Bayou westward to the recently closed Siesta Fish Market was dug for its shell deposits.

Harry Higel was mayor of Sarasota in 1916 and supported a bond issue that was passed and resulted in the building of the first Siesta Key Bridge in 1917. The second bridge on Stickney Point Road was built by the County in 1926. They platted the subdivision of Siesta on the northern end of the Key.

The Siesta Key Association was founded on November 12, 1948, as a community group which was dedicated to maintaining Siesta Key as an attractive residential area. It is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. It has been a strong advocate for Key residents since then.

The membership of the Siesta Key Association is around 1,700 families. The membership elects 18 members to act as the Board of Directors for a three-year term, meeting once a month throughout the year. They gather facts and figures, consult with government officials, represent the Association at numerous meeting and frequently testifying at hearings before the County Commission and other governmental offices. All are volunteers who serve without compensation.

Throughout the Key, many local neighborhood and condominium associations work for the maintenance or improvement of conditions in their immediate neighborhoods. The Siesta Key Association cooperates with these groups in matters of mutual interest.

Among Siesta Key Association's Accomplishments
in the Last Half Century are . . .

1954: SKA successfully canvassed property owners in order to obtain the first zoning ordinance in Sarasota County.
1966: After SKA pressed state and county officials, the Siesta Key Utilities Authority was created and has become one of the best water and sewage systems in the state.
1968: SKA led a campaign to replace the 1926 Stickney Point Bridge with the current version.
1972: Led efforts to keep North Siesta Bridge replacement to two-lane versus a four-lane highway.
1974: SKA took the initiative to install fire hydrants on the Key, which has dropped the Key from a Class 9 to a Class 4 for fire insurance purposes saving thousands of dollars in premiums for all residents.
1975: SKA persuaded the County Commission to pass an Ordinance which reduced the maximum number of dwelling units from 24 units to 13 units per acre. Simultaneously, improvements were made in limiting permitted uses of property, in minimum size lots, in setback, parking and landscaping requirements.
1979: Completed a six-year effort which led to improvements of Ocean Boulevard through Siesta Village.
1982: Led efforts to down-zone building on the Key once again, in support of the County's Apoxsee plan resulting in fewer units built on the Key.
1989: Successfully influenced county officials to move the Beach Road improvement project from 1994 to 1990.
1992: SKA was the leader in the “Save Our Sand” issue, saving our barrier sand bar from being removed to feed the Venice beaches.
1994: Asked the County to put in “Stop for Pedestrians” crosswalks in Siesta Village.
1995: Asked County to support the opening of Midnight Pass.
1996: Along with other organizations, SKA spearheaded the efforts for a public parking lot in Siesta Key Village. SKA also asked for bicycle paths throughout the Key.
1997: SKA convinced the County to have the County Planning Department provide a Community Plan Survey specific to Siesta Key to determine the wishes of Key residents. This resulted in the creation of a Siesta Key committee to design a “Zoning Overlay District” specific to Siesta Key.
1999: SKA supported the daylight plane building restricts. In a effort to reinvestigate the idea of Siesta Key as an incorporated city or town, SKA is collecting and investigating information as to whether this is a viable option for the Key. If it appears it might be, the data will be made available to residents for their decision. If and when it appears that the desire of the majority of residents is to move toward incorporation as a separate entity, SKA will lend itself to that effort.
2000: SKA took a strong position to protect the rights of residential properties that are in close proximity to commercially zoned districts. The Zoning Overlay Plan will be ready for public presentation in early 2001 and for presentation to the County Commissioners and their approval. SKA will work with Sarasota County to design and install new landscaping at the south bridge entry and Turtle Beach. SKA urged active County participation in erosion problems at north and south ends of Siesta Key. SKA was successful in getting County to begin construction of a planned north/south bike lane.
2001: Click here for 2001 details
2005: Click here for 2005 details
2006: Click here for 2006 details
2007: Click here for 2007 details
Current Projects and Goals for 2008: Click here for details

Now you know a little bit about the way the Siesta Key Association works and what it has accomplished to preserve one of the most unique communities in Florida. We all recognize the natural beauty of the Island, and we delight in the historic charm of the Village, the beach and the lifestyle they evoke. But we often fail to understand that the preservation of these qualities requires endless attention. Our Board of Directors provides that attention. You will find the Island in its present state thanks in large part to the Siesta Key Association. Be a part of YOUR ISLAND if you're not already a member. Join the Siesta Key Association today! We need your support. Remember, currently it is only $25 per year to support your Key.


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