Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/133618
TRUMPING THE 'COMP PLAN' A map shows the Calle de Costa Rica right of way in red. Image courtesy Sarasota County THE COUNTY COMMISSION SPLITS 3-2 IN APPROVING THE VACATION OF A RIGHT OF WAY ON SIESTA KEY THAT HAS CANAL ACCESS By Rachel Brown Hackney Editor In 1924, according to Sarasota County records, a 1.88-acre, 60-foot wide piece of land was dedicated as county right of way for a road later named Calle de Costa Rica in the Sarasota Beach subdivision of north Siesta Key. in site for a new extension of the road to Higel — the County Commission voted 3-2 on May 21 to vacate the right of way and turn over the land to William and Katherine Baumann of 601 Avenida de Mayo. The Baumanns own a house to the east of the In 1957, Calle de Costa Rica was connected to right of way. Higel Avenue, but by 1969, that link had dis- Chairwoman Carolyn Mason joined Commisappeared, according sioners Joe Barbetta to county maps. and Charles Hines in We're giving up a public right today. making the decision. With the land specifically having been dedicated for right of way — and no county plans Christine Robinson Commissioner Sarasota County "Honestly, in my wildest dreams, I never thought the commis-