Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/129431
Sarasota News Leader May 10, 2013 Page 103 Siesta Seen ter be addressed during the next meeting of the Presidents Council, which comprises the top officers of the SKVA, the Siesta Key Association, the Siesta Key Condominium Council and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. through the formal adoption of a change to a county ordinance. In the future, if someone stands in a spot at Siesta Public Beach — where the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office says the greatest number of incidents have occurred — and tries to prevent a vehicle from entering that space while saving it for someone else, the person can expect to be slapped with a $97 fine. When SKVA board member Rami Nehme asked what the organization's members could do, Smith replied, "Most likely another letter of support … to emphasize that any money invested … on Siesta Key is an investment in Sarasota County." Kim Lance in the county's Parks and RecreSmith pointed out that the island contributes ation Department appeared before the County about one-third of the annual Tourist Develop- Commission on April 24 to explain that the ment Tax (TDT) revenue to the county. (The Sheriff's Office had asked county staff last fall latest figures, through February, show 26.9 to work on amending the ordinance relating percent of the approximately $6 million col- to the use of parks, beaches and public lands. lected in TDT revenue so far this fiscal year "What had happened," Lance said, "was some came from Siesta Key.) of the incidents of altercations [over spaces] "The beach facility is an embarrassment," ended up being physical," so the Sheriff's OfSmith added. "It has been for years. We need fice wanted a legal means for handling these to do something about it, and I thought we space-saving incidents. were. I felt good about it." Sheriff's Office personnel "believe that by Matthes said members of the Presidents [having the ordinance modified]," Lance conCouncil would talk with Patterson about their concerns and, if necessary afterward, would tinued, "they will be able to decrease the "create some pressure" on the commission to [number of] altercations." make sure the project goes forward. The new ordinance language officially says, "The blocking or obstructing access to or from NO BLOCKING vacant designated parking spots except when Warning! No more saving of parking spaces moving a motor vehicle into and out of such will be allowed at Siesta Public Beach. designated parking space or when conducted That was the unanimous decision of the Coun- by or with the permission of County officials" ty Commission on April 24, though it came is a prohibited activity.