Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/170820
Sarasota News Leader September 13, 2013 Page 108 Siesta Seen the County Commission's May discussion: A lot of Siesta residents drive back and forth to work. The island, Luckner said, "[is] not just a resort." tives of businesses that serve customers on the island, SKA Director Joe Volpe said, to determine how they would feel about their commercial vehicles operating in the midst of more low-speed vehicles. "My concern is that people are going to want to pass," said Patterson, who was present for He also pointed out that the small three-wheel the SKA meeting. vehicles Siesta businesses rent to tourists travel illegally on Higel Avenue, which has a "That is happening," SKA Vice President Mispeed limit of 40 mph. Those "trikes," he said, chael Shay weighed in, referring to low-speed irritate residents who live on the island and vehicles already operating on the island. have to drive onto the mainland for work. Tourists not infrequently have difficulty de"To be frank with you," SKA Director Deet termining where they need to go on the key, Luckner also pointed out — a situation that Jonker noted, "I've sat behind a number of those vehicles, being held up." poses additional traffic hazards. Patterson told the SKA members present that He added, "I think they're a dangerous thing." the County Commission had not committed either to lowering the speed limit or prohibiting low-speed vehicles on any portion of the island. Patterson emphasized that those vehicles are legal only on neighborhood streets, which have lower speed limits, and on Ocean Boulevard, which has a 20 mph speed limit. "I would hesitate to predict" the position the "I personally feel like no harm, no foul on majority of board members would take, Pat- that," Patterson said, referring to the "trikes." terson said. Speaking about the issue in general, she conShe stressed the importance of people weigh- tinued, "I welcome the feedback from people." ing in with their views, as the commissioners take public comments into consideration. KEEPING THE COAST CLEAN When Patterson asked whether the SKA had taken a position on the issue, Luckner said it had not. However, she told Patterson, the organization has received a lot of information from the public. The SKA board does plan to discuss the matter, Luckner added. During the Sept. 5 SKA meeting, Vice President Michael Shay reminded audience members that the next International Coastal Cleanup has been scheduled for Sept. 21. Volunteers will work under the aegis of Keep Sarasota County Beautiful (KSCB) to pick It might be a good idea for the County Com- up trash and debris on Siesta Public Beach, mission to ask staff to talk with representa- he added.