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Siesta Seen don't think you could guarantee it's actually going to happen." Patterson explained the Sarasota/Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), for which she is a Sarasota County delegate, is where the roundabout plan first was broached. Because FDOT characterizes it as a safety project, she added, FDOT officials "don't have to take the community advice" about whether the roundabout should be constructed. Still, she said, workshops will be held on the proposal. Further, she noted, "At this point, it's not funded and it won't take place for probably two to three years." FDOT engineers say the idea arose in response to concerns expressed years ago about the safety of pedestrians crossing Midnight Pass Road. Patterson told the SKA audience members, "You'll get a chance to express your opinions, but also to find out more about it." She added that she is hopeful FDOT will be able to provide animated illustrations and aerial views to show clearly how its engineers believe the roundabout can function in that location. "You'll get some analysis," she said. KISSES AND BALLOONS The Siesta Key Village Association will host its traditional Valentine Stroll from 5 to 8 p.m. on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. Kisses — the Hershey's kind, at least! — will be offered by participating businesses flying red and pink balloons. However, because of the event's history of iffy weather, no musical entertainment has been scheduled. GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP Keep Sarasota County Beautiful is seeking volunteers to join forces for the 2014 Great American Cleanup, which will be conducted from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 22, at sites throughout Sarasota County. In case of rain, the cleanup will be Saturday, March 29, the county has announced. During the Feb. 4 SKA meeting, Vice President Michael Shay explained that he once again will be organizing volunteers on Siesta Key. Anyone interested in participating with his group may contact him through the SKA website. Shay and his volunteers will work in two groups: north from the pavilion at Siesta Public Beach to Beach Access 2 and south from the pavilion to Point of Rocks. The county provides complimentary T-shirts, trash bags and gloves, Shay pointed out. "We pick up all the supplies" for people who work with the SKA group, he added, whereas other volunteers have to obtain their own materials from the county, while supplies last. The Great American Cleanup is the nation's largest organized event of its type, according to a county news release. Across the nation, millions of volunteers in more than 15,000 communities participate in more than 30,000 Sarasota News Leader February 14, 2014 Page 98