Top Story — November: Commissioners get an earful about disturbing behavior at Siesta Beach

At its Nov. 10 meeting, Sarasota County commissioners heard from several residents of nearby condominiums about proposed new concrete structures at the west end of Siesta Key Beach.

Commissioners voted to approve a variance so the county could replace wooden picnic shelters at the west end of Siesta Beach park with precast concrete structures.

Those new shelters are part of a list of alternate projects that were to be considered if there was extra money left over after upgrades and new construction at Siesta Beach Park were funded.

But nearby residents pushed back, saying the upgraded shelters would only bring more noise, partying, and illegal behavior, which they say is typical for that area after hours.

Concerns centered on after-hours noise and activity, including allegations of lewd behavior, nudity, urination, defecation and WiFi-poaching on nearby residential properties.

Diane Hessler, resident of Crescent Royale condominiums, located across Beach Road from the new structures, said the proposed shelters would  increase seating capacity in that area  by 37 percent, or 18 seats.

Bob D’Orsi, president of the Sunset Royale homeowners’ association, said problems he said were exacerbated by a lack of restrooms and changing and showering areas.

Paul Parr, another nearby resident, went further, saying, “I don’t think the previous (speakers) have clarified enough how much defecation and urination takes place on our property.”

Before voting, Commissioner Christine Robinson clarified with Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office patrol bureau deputy Lt. Debra Kaspar, who attended the meeting, that crime had seen significant reductions in Sarasota County. She also noted, for people with disabilities, the importance of increased access that would accompany the new shelters.

But Robinson assured attendees that their complaints wouldn’t be ignored.

“We will work with these residents on the other issues involved,” she said to the commission.

Commissioner Paul Caragiulo made a similar pledge: “I’m open to addressing issues with parking and hours of operation. I don’t really see the need for a bunch of people to be on the beach late hours and early into the morning.”

According to Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Carolyn Brown, there are no prohibitions against being in the park at any hour. 

Cost savings that are expected to bring the Siesta Beach amenities improvements under maximum budget by $400,000 allowed the county to consider the alternates, including the picnic shelter replacement. Those alternates are comprised by a wish list that the county could choose from in case it had extra funds, and most of the original eight alternates have already been built.

The shelters will cost approximately $290,000.

Earlier during the same meeting, the commission had previously voted to approve the final, prioritized list of alternates, with the new concrete picnic shelters next in line.