Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/289950
After Lally cited businesses last year, sev- eral owners complained that their revenue dropped dramatically. Toomey and Rick Lizotte, owner of Comfort Shoes in Siesta Village, began working with other island entrepreneurs several months ago to try to craft a new ordinance that would be accept- able to residents as well as business owners. The other members of their committee are John Davidson, owner of Davidson Drugs and numerous parcels in Siesta Village; Lori Eible, owner of Foxy Lady; Brad Stewart, co-owner of Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar; and Aledia Tush, co-owner of CB's Saltwater Outfitters. The SKVA officers, Toomey pointed out, "were pretty instrumental in connecting us with the county" and gaining the involvement of County Commissioner Nora Patterson, who lives on the island. Toomey also noted that the displays would be "very easy for [county Code Enforcement personnel] to police and enforce simply by driving through Siesta Village." He added, "We're not going to end up looking like a flea market," referencing a comment Lizotte had made to him. (Lizotte was unable to attend the meeting because of a family emergency, Toomey told members.) The ordinance will enable Siesta Key to remain "the beautiful place she is," Toomey pointed out. In response to questions from Debra Lynn- Schmitz, the new executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Gaddie explained that a business would be allowed to change its display during the year its permit is valid. However, the business would have to maintain the displays within the parameters Commissioner Nora Patterson (forefront) looks over Siesta Key Village Association material on April 1 with (in the background, from left) Mark Smith, Deputy Chris McGregor and Lt. Charlie Kaspar listening to discussion. Photo by Rachel Hackney Sarasota News Leader April 4, 2014 Page 63