Hopeful Update on Siesta Key Issues from Lourdes Ramirez

 From Lourdes Ramirez, good news:

November 10, 2025 Newsletter Update Amazing Week for Siesta Key! Benderson Hotel Project withdrawn! We were notified late yesterday by Sarasota County staff that Benderson Development’s petition to amend the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code — a proposal that would have allowed mega-size hotels on Siesta Key — was officially closed as of November 18, 2025. Under County rules, once an application is filed to change the Comp Plan or UDC, the applicant must continue to take action to keep the petition active. Back in April, staff informed Benderson’s representatives that the application had been inactive for six months. The developer then requested — and received — a one-time extension. That extension expired on November 16, 2025. Because no further activity occurred by that deadline, the application is now officially considered withdrawn. We do not yet know whether Benderson will choose to file a brand-new application in the future, and we still have another mega-hotel proposal by another developer for the South Village moving through the process. But for now — and just in time for Thanksgiving — we can at least be thankful that this previous proposal is no longer active. County Commission Voted 4-0 to deny Comprehensive Plan amendment on Voluntary Condo rebuilds! A Step Forward for Siesta Key — After a Disappointing Setback Just two weeks ago, many of us left the County Commission chambers deeply disappointed. Despite overwhelming public opposition, the Board approved a Coastal Setback Variance that puts our shoreline—and our community standards—at risk. That vote shook confidence in the County’s commitment to protecting Siesta Key’s fragile coastline. But today, we have good news to share. After months of analysis, public comments, and strong community advocacy, the County Commission voted 4–0 to reject the publicly initiated Comprehensive Plan amendment that would have allowed voluntary condo demolitions and much larger rebuilds on Siesta Key. Commissioner Mark Smith recused himself due to a conflict, and the remaining Commissioners unanimously agreed that the proposal should not move forward. This is a significant win for our island. What the Commission Rejected — Thanks to You The proposed amendment, Policy 1.3.3(E), along with UDC amendment 2023-053, would have opened the door for developers to: Voluntarily tear down existing multifamily buildings; Rebuild them much taller and wider than what exists today; Increase intensity on the most densely built barrier island in Sarasota County; And, in some cases, legitimize illegally created units from past decades. Worse, it would have created two different sets of rules for condo owners: those who lost their building to a hurricane would be restricted to rebuilding within their old footprint, while developers choosing to demolish could come back bigger than before. This was not consistent with decades of zoning policy, not requested by Siesta Key Condo Council or their members, and not supported by Siesta Key residents. Your Voice Made the Difference When Protect Siesta Key, the Siesta Key Condominium Council, and Siesta Key residents spoke out, the message was clear: Siesta Key does not want or need this amendment. You sent emails. You attended workshops. You spoke at hearings. Thanks to all who spoke last Tuesday!!! And the County Commission listened! Thank You for Standing Up for Our Island After the setback on the Coastal Setback Variance, this unanimous vote shows that community voices still matter. Protect Siesta Key will continue working to safeguard our neighborhoods, our environment, and our future. But none of this happens without you. Stay engaged. Stay informed. And most importantly—stay proud of what we achieved together this week. We are Thankful to the Siesta Key Condo Council, especially Dr. Neal Schleifer, for informing us about this issue last year! With you, we protected Siesta Key again