Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/121369
Sarasota News Leader April 12, 2013 Page 88 Siesta Seen "I've actually received three different phone calls over the last year from individuals who live in the area who would very much like to see the speed limit on all roads on Siesta Key lowered to 35 mph," Patterson — who lives on the island — told her fellow board members. She added that the petition was started by one person who recently moved into The Sanderling Club "who wants to be able to take a golf cart into [Siesta] Village." Patterson pointed out that she already sees plenty of golf carts on Ocean Boulevard in the Village, where the speed limit is 20 mph. After asking a number of questions, she continued, she had learned that a state law allows people to drive golf carts on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, if the carts are equipped with headlights. However, she said, a golf cart's maximum speed is 25 mph. Referring to the key's transportation infrastructure, she added, "These are narrow roads, and I guess part of my concern is there are a lot of people who will not only be irritated on a main road when they are confronted with a golf cart going 25 mph, but a number of these folks will pass these golf carts, and these aren't the safest roads to pass people." A graphic shows the area where petitioners want the speed limit lowered from 40 mph to 35 mph. Image courtesy Sarasota County