APRIL FOOLS: Is Siesta Key feeling lucky?

The eyesore that is the Siesta Key wastewater treatment facility is on its way out, and a flashy new development is slated to drop anchor in the Grand Canal.

Cribbing the name of the majestic birds featured in island folklore, Atlantic City, N.J.-based Double Down Development Co. aims to debut the Grand Parakeet Riverboat Casino & Hotel in early 2018. The proposed 103,000-square-foot vessel will hang partially over the old wastewater site at 5200 Oakmont Place, which will include a dog park — as Siesta Isles neighbors requested.

“It’s a win-win-win in my opinion,” said Double Down Chief Action Officer Karl Dandleton. “Sarasota gets more hotel rooms and a steady stream of tourist taxes, Siesta residents will finally be free of that unsightly sewage plant and — since it’s on the water — we won’t have to go through the onerous comprehensive plan process with the county.”

The proposal comes on the heels of plans for a hotel on the island that sparked concerns about traffic and high-rises blocking views and diminishing residents’ quality of life.

“The Grand Parakeet will do neither,” said Dandleton, noting the boutique hotel’s guests will likely remain on the boat for a majority of their stay in Sarasota.

Double Down is planning to offer guests the opportunity to swim with the manatees that populate the canals to graze on seagrasses, and lounge on the artificial beach area of the boat, which will include genuine Siesta beach sand. The casino will take up roughly 60,000 square feet of the boat, and a 20,000-square-foot theater will bring international acts and shows — “Hamilton” will kickoff the inaugural schedule. (See sidebar for full list of attractions.)

Depending on the vacancy rates as more hotels open in the region, Dandleton said his firm would consider expanding the project to include a conference center.

Siesta Isles resident Todd Bonzalez said he’s equally excited about the plans for a dog park for his two bichon frises as he is about the casino and hotel.

“The wastewater thing was so smelly,” he said. “Have you ever smelled the inside of a casino? Now, that’s what I’m talking about.”

Although county staff have no say about the development of the casino, they have started vetting the proposal for the 450-square-foot dog park next to the canal. Double Down will need to amend the county’s comprehensive plan, as well as work through a six-month rezone process before it can be built.

“I can’t believe how difficult it is to work through the county’s development codes,” said Bonzalez. “At least I’ll be able to play some blackjack in the meantime, though.”