Signs of a Struggle

“Reopen Beach Road” and “Keep Beach Road Public!!!” signs have become a primary weapon in Mike Cosentino’s fight against Sarasota County. 

Cosentino filed a legal complaint against the county in June, claiming the County Commission’s decision to formally vacate a segment of road between Avenida Messina and Columbus Boulevard contradicts the county’s comprehensive plan.

His efforts have drawn support from many Siesta Key residents and businesses.

But not everyone is supportive.

Since Aug.16, Sarasota County has received six complaints of political signs illegally placed on trees and on existing business signs in Siesta Key Village.

According to Sarasota County, staff has contacted Cosentino regarding the signs. Some are on private property, making them legal. However, staff has determined that the signs attached to business signs require a permit.

Cosentino said he has had discussions with staff and believes his signs are in compliance.

In addition, the county received another complaint Tuesday about a private property sign on the corner of Avenida Messina and Beach Road. Cosentino said he did not file the complaint, but county records list his construction business, Cosentino Construction, as the interested party.

Though it’s not clear who is filing the complaints, Cosentino believes the Beach Road residents are complaining.

“If they were actual citizen complaints, it would be one thing,” Cosentino said. “But it’s really the people on the other side of the lawsuit reaching for straws.”

However, attorney Charlie Bailey, who is representing Beach Road property owners Wendy and Dennis Madden in the impending lawsuit, said neither he nor his clients have filed the complaints.

“This is the first time I have heard about the county receiving complaints regarding those signs,” Bailey said.

Unrelated to the Siesta Key signage, the Maddens filed a temporary injunction against Reopen Beach Road on Aug. 25 for information disseminated on the organization's Facebook and website.