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Protect Siesta Key Needs Your Help Again!
We have an important update — and a second chance to stop a bad deal for the public.
On March 24, the Sarasota County Commission will hold a public hearing to approve the final step in a proposed land swap that would give a $1.4 million public parkland parcel on Siesta Key to a private developer — in exchange for four unbuildable lots valued at only about $84,000.
This is the property at 162 Beach Road that taxpayers purchased through the Neighborhood Parkland Program. We believe this is not a fair deal for the public, and we need our members and supporters to speak up before the vote.
Action Before March 24
Please email the Sarasota County Commissioners and ask them to vote NO on the Siesta Key parkland land swap.
commissioners@scgov.net
(cc: Planner@scgov.net)
Suggested subject line: March 24 — Vote NO on Siesta Key Parkland Land Swap
Even a short email makes a difference. For your convenience, a sample email message is included at the bottom of this newsletter.
What Happened With the Lawsuit?
Protect Siesta Key challenged the County’s initial approval of this project in Circuit Court late last year. Unfortunately, the case was dismissed a few weeks ago — not because the court ruled the County acted properly, but because of a technical legal issue called “standing.” The judge determined that our plaintiffs did not sufficiently describe a specific personal harm during the County hearing, such as flooding, traffic, or other direct impacts.
In other words, the case was stopped on a technicality, and the court never ruled on the merits of the issues.
The Development Issues Haven’t Changed
We continue to believe the approval raises serious concerns:
- The project does not meet the minimum requirements for a coastal setback variance.
- It conflicts with the Siesta Key Overlay District, including a lot being almost entirely covered with impervious surface.
- Most importantly, the parcel being given away was purchased with taxpayer money through the Neighborhood Parkland Program, which voters approved to protect open space in perpetuity.
Yet now the County is preparing to transfer that valuable public land to a private developer. This is the same developer who proposed a 170-unit mega-hotel in Siesta Village in 2021 (link to developer application). Many members of our community fought that proposal before it was ultimately withdrawn. Now the same developer is back with a land swap that would transfer valuable public parkland into private hands to make way for new development.
Why This Matters
In 2005, Sarasota County voters overwhelmingly approved a .25 mill tax to purchase and protect parkland. The Neighborhood Parkland Program has allowed the County to acquire environmentally sensitive land and preserve open space for future generations.
That tax currently expires in 2029, and voters will be asked to renew the program this November.
If the County begins trading away public parkland to developers, it undermines the public trust that made the program possible. Taxpayers did not approve this program so public land could become a bargaining chip.
We Now Have a Second Chance
The County has already taken steps toward this land swap, but the deal is not finalized.
The County Commission must still vote on a separate motion to approve the land exchange at the March 24 public hearing at their Venice location:
4000 S. Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293
That means your voice still matters.
We have strengthened our legal team and learned important lessons about what must be stated during these hearings — but the most powerful message will come from the community.
Sample Email that you can use
Subject: March 24 — Vote NO on Siesta Key Parkland Land Swap
Dear Commissioners,
I support Protect Siesta Key’s efforts to protect our open space and parklands.
On March 24 you will be asked to approve a land swap that would give away a public parcel purchased through the Neighborhood Parkland Program for approximately $1.4 million in exchange for four lots valued at only about $84,000.
Taxpayers approved the Neighborhood Parkland Program to preserve open space and protect these lands in perpetuity — not to give them away to private developers.
Losing this public open space will increase flooding on our already fragile barrier island. Additional development and density will also worsen traffic and slow hurricane evacuation times — putting residents and visitors at greater risk during emergencies.
If the County expects voters to renew this program this year, it must honor the public trust behind it. Please vote NO on the proposed land swap and protect our public parklands.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Our Commitment |
