County approves Siesta Key parking restrictions

Sarasota County officials want to take baby steps to solve the parking quagmire in Siesta Key Village, pointing to new restrictions approved Wednesday as the type of incremental change needed in the area.

Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution banning commercial vehicles, trailers and motor homes from parking in the municipal lot located between Calle Minorga and Avenida De Mayo, but balked at reducing the 72 hours other vehicles are allowed to remain in the parking lot.

County staff will put up signage and explore further limitations on parking timeframes, said Special Districts Coordinator Lisa Cece during the meeting.

The Siesta Key Village Association and Siesta Key Association lobbied for the restrictions in October.

"My two cents are… that shortening it from 72 to 48 hours might be the next incremental step,” said Commissioner Alan Maio. “And that leaves anybody who's partying ample time to straighten up, suit up and retrieve their vehicle."