Siesta Key Village Improvements

There have been plans for a improvements and beautification to Siesta Village on the north end of Siesta Key for some time now.  The planned improvements are expected to cost $5.4 million.  Most everyone agrees that it is needed but until now there has been much disagreement on funding.  The plan was originated by Siesta Village business and property owners and it was looking as though most of the cost was going to borne by the Village property owners. 

In a recent meeting of the Sarasota County Commission it was agreed that funding for the improvements will come from the general fund and ongoing maintenance of the improvements will come through a special taxing district to be set up in Siesta Village.  The improvements to the village will benefit the county as a whole as a very large portion of the tourist tax dollars are earned through Siesta Key vacation properties.  The work, expected to be complete in 2008, will include the burial of all overhead utility lines, decorative lighting and signage, widened sidewalks with new paver bricks, a central gazebo, landscaping and new bus stops.