SKVA reports Siesta events successful

With Sandfest, Crystal Classic and the Light Up the Village Parade, November was an eventful month for Siesta Key.

Although official numbers haven’t rolled in from these events, board members commented positively at the Siesta Key Village Association meeting this morning. There will be follow-up meeting to go over the results from this year, but the date had not been set, said Debra Lynn-Schmitz, executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

“Light Up the Village was a success,” said Board President Wendell Jacobsen.

Multiple board members noted that the attendance to the parade seemed to be even larger than last year. Cheryl Gaddie, owner of CG Designs, said the pleasant weather Saturday night was probably a contributing factor.

The 2013 parade brought in about $2000 from a combination of games and sponsorships.

Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris McGregor said there were complaints about the VIP parking lot on the beach at Crystal Classic. Attendees were unhappy that there were so many open spots in VIP, he said.

Michael Shay, who represented Siesta Key Association, said that SKA had gotten a few calls and emails about the VIP parking as well. McGregor suggested that SKVA keep the complaints in mind when planning for VIP parking at next year’s event, as this year's VIP sales were down from last year.

McGregor also advised the board that a section of the Siesta Key public beach parking lot would close in the next few weeks as part of the Siesta Key Beach improvement project. It is supposed to be reopened by spring break in 2015, he said.