Siesta Key's new vision reaches fruition

It took nearly $3.6 million, 400 work days and 40,000 square feet of brick paver sidewalks and crosswalks to complete the Siesta Key Village beautification project.

The project along Ocean Boulevard, from Beach Road to south of Treasure Boat Way, aimed to make the Village more pedestrian-friendly. Phase One began in spring 2008 and relocated the overhead power, cable and telephone utility lines underground along Ocean Boulevard to the Village.

“It’s not just the beautiful village you see here, but the people behind the scenes,” said Jane Grogg, Sarasota County Neighborhood Services manager.

Phase Two began in summer 2008 and included streetscape enhancements such as the design and construction of roadway medallions and sidewalks, redesigned brick crosswalks, planting of trees and tropical landscaping and streetscape items.

Supplementing the 40,000 square feet of brick sidewalks and crosswalks are approximately 40 Shady Lady black olive trees, more than 50 coconut, sabal, silver and European fan palms and other types of vegetation.

“This is a show piece for the Key,” said Commissioner Nora Patterson. “I’ve heard nothing but glowing comments about the finished project. I hope you love it, like I love it.”

Contact Loren Mayo at [email protected].