Siesta Key businesses grapple with homeless presence

Though not on the its official agenda, the Siesta Key Village Association spent much of its meeting this morning discussing an issue that has spread countywide: homelessness.

Resident Michael Shay, who surveys the commercial district on a walk each morning, brought up concerns about people seeking refuge in the Siesta Key Village gazebo, which he sees as contrary to Siesta Key’s image as a vacation destination.

According the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department, it is not uncommon for deputies to make contact with homeless and transient people during patrols, but Siesta Key Village Association President Mark Smith thinks the homeless presence on the key has increased in recent months.

Smith believes the availability of showers on Siesta Key Beach coupled with the proximity to food and crowds make Siesta Key Village inviting to homeless individuals. However, there are no official resources available.

“The thing about Siesta Key is there are no services here for people who are in trouble,” Smith said.

Sarasota’s homeless question has long gone unanswered while county and city officials grapple with the appropriate recourse.

But while the complaints are plenty, the solutions are few.

“They’re not breaking any laws,” Smith said. “I’m not sure what you can really do.”