Developer pitches Siesta Key mini-golf course

On an island where big development is often met with big opposition, Mike Driscoll is proposing a development of a different variety — miniature.

Driscoll has expressed interest in using a 10,500-square-foot parcel of land at 5160 Calle Minorga to expand his regional mini golf operation to Siesta Key.

He already operates one mini golf business in Lakewood Ranch and a sister course on Anna Maria Island. However, to add a third putt-putt course to his portfolio, Driscoll needs Sarasota County to rezone the property and secure a special exception to allow for outdoor entertainment.

He and his attorney, Robert Lincoln, met with Sarasota County’s Development Review Committee Aug. 4 to discuss preliminary plans. According to Lincoln, county staff is concerned rezoning the property would open the door for larger development in the future.

The county’s comprehensive plan prohibits developments that are more intense, meaning it would generate more use or traffic, than a property’s intended use on barrier islands.

As it is, the property is intended for office and professional use. Though Lincoln does not believe a mini golf course would be any more intense than an office building, changing the parcel’s zoning classification to commercial general could create potential for future development that would.

“The biggest issue here is to figure out how to make everyone comfortable — that even if they are rezoning it, it won’t be used for a restaurant,” Lincoln said. 

Driscoll has yet to formally submit plans to the county, but the prospect of a mini golf course on Siesta Key has some neighboring businesses excited.

“I imagine it would be good, because kids play putt-putt golf, and kids like ice cream,” Sub Zero Ice Cream and Yogurt manager Jaymie Jordan said. “It’s a natural pair.”

“I can’t think of any bad things about it, except maybe taking up more parking,” Jordan said. 

Aside from zoning issues, Lincoln and Driscoll will also need to adjust the parking plan to address a shortage of 21 parking spaces.

The current plans include parking for 13 vehicles, as well as bicycle and motorcycle parking. That brings their total calculated parking to 16 spaces, according to Siesta Key overlay district guidelines. However, the county mandates that mini golf courses provide two parking spaces per hole and an additional space per 250 square feet of floor area. Based on Driscoll’s plans, the 18-hole course would require 37 spots.

The Siesta Key Association board has not yet discussed the possible addition, but board member Joe Volpe said parking is among his initial concerns.

“Parking is a nightmare in the village area,” Volpe said.

Lincoln hopes to negotiate a plan that addresses county concerns and complete the rezoning process by spring 2017.

“The idea would be to provide a facility in the village that would complement the restaurants, shops and other touristy family activities,” Lincoln said.