Siesta Key parking plan hits funding hurdle

There are likely few people who would argue that parking in Siesta Key Village is plentiful.

But, discussions between Village merchants and Sarasota County to add about 90 public parking spaces using right-of-ways that are unused or landscaped have garnered tepid financial support.

Those discussions are only preliminary, according to county spokesman Drew Winchester. But Mark Smith, who represents the Siesta Key Village Association in those discussions, said county staff gave him a preliminary estimate of $100,000.

Sarasota County Special District Coordinator Lisa Cece said that the county doesn’t have funds to pay for new spaces, and a taxing district may be unlikely. That's because the Village is already Public Improvement District, which assesses about 100 businesses for maintenance and improvements.

“I don’t believe the county will consider another overlay district on top of the Siesta Key overlay district,” Cece said.

For some business owners, that’s perfectly fine.

Smith said that at a recent board meeting merchants failed to reach unanimous approval of a parking plan for which they would pay.

The plan would add parking spaces from existing right-of-ways, such as the one across from the Old Salty Dog, areas along Calle Menorca or an area near the Sun Trust Bank parking lot.

The plan is part of a larger effort to add public and private spaces to the key.

Kay Kouvatsos, co-owner of Village Cafe, said she agrees with business owners who may wonder why they are — once again — being asked to pay for improvements. She said she would reluctantly support the measure.

“I’m not going to be happy about it, but I wouldn’t vote against it,” Kouvatsos said.