SKVA to show support for outdoor displays

The Siesta Key Village Association supports outdoor vending but not a lack of action for violations.

Members of the SKVA said they would speak up during the Sarasota County Planning Commission's Thursday meeting in favor of the amendment to the Siesta Key Overlay District about outside displays, however, many expressed concern the county will not enforce the rules in the amendment.

A committee of Siesta Key businesses drafted the proposed amendment in February.

The amendment allows businesses to apply for a $25, one-year permit to display their wares outside their stores.

A business’s display would not be able to exceed 240 square feet and must be “tactful” and adhere to the “character and image of the Village.”

Some members still have concerns about the ordinance, though, especially regarding the enforcement of some of the stipulations such as the size of the area and the look of the displays.

Russell Matthes, owner of Daquiri Deck, is concerned the county will not effectively enforce the stipulations.

“Don’t pass it if you won’t enforce it,” he said, and added that if the ordinance is enforced, it could be a good plan.

The county is already lax on enforcing other ordinances in the Village, Matthes said.

“Those people who ruin it for everyone else need to be held accountable,” he said.

SKVA Board President Wendell Jacobsen suggested if the ordinance passed, SKVA should create and distribute packets to new businesses to educate them about the various ordinances that apply to the Village.

The Planning Commission meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, in the County Commission Chambers, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.