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JUNE 2025 | 941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA LLC | www.SiestaSand.us | COMPLIMENTARY
Hotel project resurfaces, community protests
Love on the Beach!
Nearly 200 people attended a Zoom neighborhood workshop for a comprehensive plan amendment for a potential 120-room hotel in the commercial area south of Stickney Point Road
By ChrisAnn Allen
S
afety, environmental protection and quality of life are among the primary concerns when considering development on Siesta Key. And the 2024 hurricanes have only intensified misgivings. A May 12 neighborhood workshop regarding a proposed Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan amendment which could allow hotels to be built in the South Bridge Area of Siesta Key was met with protest from most of the nearly 200 people in virtual attendance. The work session, which is required by Sarasota County as part of the application process, provided the public with an
opportunity to ask questions and share comments on record in response to a forthcoming application for a comp plan amendment to allow a 120-room hotel project. The hotel project would undo policy Future Land Use Policy 2.9.1, established in 1989, as a development inhibitor and increasing density in the South Bridge Area, located south of Stickney Point Road and east of Midnight Pass Road. The change would also trigger an amendment to the county’s Unified Development Code, as well as a “special exception,” to be applied for at a later date. The comprehensive plan is a staterequired roadmap for growth within Continued on page 22
Kenny & Wendy Kier exchange vows on Siesta Beach after 43 years of living together. To read more about Kenny and his life on Siesta Beach, turn to page 6V in the Island Visitor section. (Photo by John Doble)
Midnight Pass Focus of Tiger Bay Club Panel Discussion By Jane Bartnett
A Experts appearing at the Tiger Bay Club meeting in May, to discuss the future of Midnight Pass. (Photo, Jane Bartnett)
year ago, experts and residents debated on what should be done with Siesta Key’s Midnight Pass. No one could have predicted that, thanks to the forces of nature delivered via two back-to-back hurricanes in the late days of summer 2024 some ten months ago, the pass would be opened naturally.
At a May 1 Tiger Bay Club meeting, held at Michaels on East, a panel of experts, led by Jon Thaxton of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, debated the future of the waterway and discussed to what degree government should intervene. The panel, made up of Sarasota
Bay Estuary Program Executive Director David Tomasko; Jono Miller, former co-director of New College of Florida’s environmental studies program; Glenn Compton, chairman of local environmental advocacy group Manasota-88, and Mike Holderness, a board member of the Midnight Continued on page 33
Page 8 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
Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay Still open
Page 18-19 Sandcastle Fun
Page 30
The Highs and Lows of Properties Sold on Siesta Key
Happiness is…Summer Break As the school year gives way to sunshine and sandals, we’re reminded of everything we love about this season—toes in the sand, baseball in full swing, and the carefree joy of lazy summer afternoons. At Abel’s Ice Cream, they’re celebrating summer with two flavors that capture the season perfectly. Enjoy a cup or cone of the sweet, nostalgic taste of their classic Peach (This Delicious Peach ice cream is loaded with peaches and would make a Southerner proud!) Or treat yourself to their brand-new Holy Chip it’s Cherry (White Chocolate ice cream loaded with Maraschino cherries, liquid milk chocolate chips & a cherry swirl.)
Whether you're stopping by after a day at the beach, after your teams game, or just looking for an excuse to indulge, Abel’s is still the go-to destination for cool treats and warm smiles. Proudly serving JOY in every scoop since 2011, stop by and celebrate the season with them and make Abel’s Ice Cream part of your summer tradition. Abel's Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
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