CLICK HERE for the most recent newsletter (PDF)

The Siesta Key Association, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, was founded on November 12, 1948, as a community group which was dedicated to maintaining Siesta Key as an attractive residential beach community.

Over the years, we have shaped the vision of a prestigious residential beach community within the Sarasota County area. We accomplished this by working with County officials to develop zoning policies that protect our quality of life. In fact, it was the founders of SKA that convinced Sarasota County to develop the first Zoning Code in 1954. The Zoning Code was eventually adopted County-wide in 1960. Since 1960, we have worked diligently to improve the code to prevent overdevelopment, including our involvement in creating the Siesta Key Overlay District in 1999 that separates our zoning from that of the mainland.

Besides zoning, SKA has had a positive impact on many other issues such as "Save Our Sand", which saved our barrier sand bar along Big Pass from being removed to feed the Venice beaches in 1992. In 2009 we are actively involved in the Siesta Public Beach renovations and are encouraging the County to create a sustainable, eco-friendly beach environment. We also are working with the County on the Siesta Beach Stormwater plan to ensure that rainwater drainage is handled in an efficient, ecologically safe manner.

ZONING ALERT

On May 13,2009, Sarasota Board of County Commissioner's (BCC) will review their staff's recommendations for allowing Siesta Key bars and restaurants to obtain a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) that will allow them to have late night outdoor entertainment such as live bands past 10:00 P.M. until the bar closes, which is normally 2:00 A.M. The proposed zoning ordinance will allow each bar or restaurant the opportunity to obtain the TUP two to four times per year for 7 days each time (14-28 days per year total). If 10 out of 20 restaurants or bars now in the Village decide to use this provision twice, there will be 140 days of late night (10:00-2:00 A.M.) outdoor music. The County staff has advised that the noise ordinance would limit the sound but we find that the noise ordinance is not enforced regularly. On April 2, the SKA Board of Directors voted unanimously to send a letter to the County requesting them to deny the proposed zoning amendment. We feel strongly that noise from the outdoor entertainment will reduce our quality of life and lead to many sleepless nights for those who live anywhere near the Village.

We urge you to also email your County Commissioners and advise them to vote 'No' on the proposed zoning code amendment that allows TUPs for late night entertainment in the Village area.

SIESTA PUBLIC BEACH IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Sarasota County Parks & Recreation has unveiled the initial plan to renovate the Siesta Public Beach parking lot area. Changes proposed by the County staff include improved concession stands, improved bathrooms, more parking and more landscaping. SKA believes it could be further improved to reduce impervious surfaces, reuse water and expand the use of eco-friendly native plantings that will reduce stormwater run-off, create shade and eye appeal. SKA directors Ron Flynn and Lourdes Ramirez will meet with Sarasota County Parks & Recreation and Environmental Services to further discuss ideas to make Siesta Beach the most environmentally friendly beach in Florida.