Here's the latest update from Protect Siesta Key, the new group led by Lourdes Ramirez and Rob Sax opposing the developer-led interest in super sizing hotels on Siesta Key:
Benderson Mega-hotel proposal |
Changing the Comprehensive Plan is a process. Benderson Development has submitted the 'final' application for their mega-hotel on Siesta Key to County Staff. After staff reviews the application, they will write a report and schedule a hearing before the Planning Commission (Advisory Board). Dates for public hearings have not been scheduled yet. Use the following link for a list of Comprehensive Plan process steps. |
County Commission denies hotel proposal in Venice area |
We were surprised that the Sarasota County Commission at their April 9th public hearing denied a developer's proposal to build two hotels off Laurel Road in Venice (Item #31 on the agenda).
The BCC vote to deny the application was unanimous. The proposal was to build two Hilton-associated hotels in Venice: One with 117 units and the other 118 units on 11 acres. This location is part of the I-75 Corridor Plan and is near Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Venice. The location is not in a flood zone. In contrast, Benderson's proposed hotel is for 147 units on less than an acre on a barrier island.
The County will have much explaining to do if they believe it's ok to have high mega-hotel density on a barrier island but not allow two regular-sized hotels near I-75!
Link to County Commission agenda |
| Repaving Siesta Key begins At the April 9th public meeting, Sarasota County Commissioners approved a construction contract with Ajax Repaving Industries to repave roads on Siesta Key. The repaving project is expected to start this month and end in November. The County staff's report did not include a timeline for each street. Residents should expect to receive a notice from Ajax when their street will be paved. To view the County memo on the topic use this link. To see a list of streets to be paved, click on the yellow list below. To see a schedule of projects in your neighborhood use the following links:
Projects in my Neighborhood or Construction One Week Ahead Reports |
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County Commission Candidates |
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Protect Siesta Key's Board of Directors has not endorsed candidates for County Commission at this time. In this newsletter, we feature candidates who have made public statements regarding overdevelopment and Siesta Key.
While Siesta Key residents can't vote for these candidates since our district elections are not until 2026, we can discuss our concerns with County Commission candidates from other districts. |
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Alexandra Coe County Commission Candidate District 1 website |
Alex Coe's statement in her brochure:
"We need good common-sense governance towards a more community-centric approach, and a shift away from developer-driven agendas...
Continuing to elect representatives from the development sector will only result in more excessive development" |
|  | Tom Knight County Commission Candidate District 3 website |
Tom Knight's statement in his newsletter.
"The "approve everything" approach and failure to plan appropriately is clogging our roads, placing unsustainable demands on our water supply, wiping out green spaces, and in some cases even making it more dangerous to live here. Take, for instance, the recent vote to move forward a proposed comprehensive plan amendment that may allow a massive hotel to be built on Siesta Key--despite existing codes that prohibit it, the outcry of residents and loss of a lawsuit (link to newsletter)" |
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As you know, County Officials must base their decisions on 'expert testimony'. That's why we've engaged a lawyer and a professional planner to help us fight for what's right. However, we can't do it alone. Your contribution will help fund these much-needed services and make sure that our voices are heard. Please donate today and help us stand up for our community. Together, we can make a difference. |
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Our beloved Siesta Key is under threat from increasing density and incompatible development. We need to unite and act fast to protect our island. Your support and contributions will provide Protect Siesta Key with the necessary legal resources and experts to safeguard our community. Join us today and help us preserve the beauty and unique character of Siesta Key for generations to come. |
| There are three membership levels:
Siesta membership (Siesta Key residents and property owners): $150 per year
Associate membership (concerned citizens who live outside of Siesta Key and support our cause) $100 per year
Condominium Associations, Civic groups, Business memberships: $1000 per year |
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