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AUGUST 2025 | 941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA LLC | www.SiestaSand.us | COMPLIMENTARY
Reminder: It is still sea turtle season!
County moves forward with plans for stronger structural standards Raising freeboard heightens safety and reduces future flood risks
By ChrisAnn Allen
W
ith peak hurricane season comes concerns about flooding and resilience. Sarasota County Commissioners returned to a discussion started in 2022, and last considered in February, regarding changes to the Unified Development Code (UDC), which would address structural strength and adaptability in the face of rising water. During a July 8 County commission meeting, Michele Norton, the county’s assistant director of planning and development services, led a presentation on policy guidance
related to additional freeboard and corresponding height/daylight plane requirements, for possible amendments to the county’s UDC, which includes zoning and land development regulations. At the end of the discussion, the commission moved to allow three feet of additional voluntary freeboard, amend the zoning code as to daylight plane and where height is measured from, recommend a cap of three feet of optional freeboard allocated towards height, and include a new definition of “destruction,” relating to the Federal
With sea turtle season in full swing, Jerry Dover of Venice crafted this sandy tribute on Siesta Key to raise awareness and appreciation for our nesting neighbors. (Photo by Jerry Dover)
Continued on page 27
Harbor Towers embraces the future with comprehensive renovation $14 Million investment enhances infrastructure and appeal
Harbor Tower, located at 5855 Midnight Pass Road, just wrapped up a $14 million dollar renovation project. (Photo provided)
By Hannah Wallace
A
fter 2024’s disastrous hurricane season, Siesta Key’s Harbor Towers Yacht and Racquet Club emerged as a best-case scenario for local properties. Not only did the 210-unit, waterfront condo and rental community emerge relatively unscathed from Debby, Helene, and Milton;
crews had just wrapped up a $14 million, two-year exterior renovation project in midAugust, just weeks before Hurricane Helene brought floodwaters to their doorstep. “The project was complete just in time,” said Harbor Towers general manager David Krause. “By the time the storms came along,
all of the scaffolding was down, and they were out of here.” Local and national news coverage over the following weeks and months highlighted those homes and businesses that had suffered the worst from the storms. But Harbor Towers stood out as something more hopeful. Continued on page 19
Page 20 and Visitor Center WELCOME GUESTS! Let us help you plan your lodging, dining, shopping, and activities! Call or Stop by the Visitor Center 5223 Avenida Navarra, Siesta Key, FL 34242 941-349-3800
Fresh from the runways
Page 4
Courage, hope, and determination
Page 26 Two great events
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