Siesta Key legal arguments based on longstanding laws

The Aug. 1 Observer article, “Meet the District 1 candidates,” discussed development challenges faced by Siesta Key, particularly concerning proposed mega-hotels. The article mentioned that both Alexandra Coe and Teresa Mast, candidates for Sarasota County Commission District 1, did not specifically address this concern in their responses to the Observer’s questionnaire.

Teresa Mast’s silence on the matter might be because she previously approved moving forward with mega-hotels for Siesta Key during her time as a planning commissioner in 2021. Mast didn’t believe the oversized hotels would change traffic “one iota.”

Alexandra Coe has consistently shown support by attending the public hearings on the mega-hotels in 2021. In the questionnaire, Coe emphasizes the intention to adhere strictly to the 2050 Plan and respect neighborhood agreements to prevent excessive density.  

Furthermore, there is a correction to be made regarding my successful legal arguments presented in the article. My legal arguments were not based on a Comprehensive Plan update limiting residential use density, but rather on decades-old laws put in place because the County Commission years ago determined that the density on Siesta Key surpassed safe evacuation capabilities in case of an emergency. Concerns about strained infrastructure as well as public safety in the 1970s and 1980s also led to maintaining residential densities at the current level.

The county commissioners’ approval of developments without due consideration for legal constraints and public safety is a significant concern for residents throughout Sarasota County. 

Despite legal objections raised during public hearings in 2021, the Planning Commission and County Commission have turned a blind eye to these concerns, favoring development projects that could negatively impact communities.

After I successfully sued Sarasota County to overturn their illegal decisions to approve mega-hotels on Siesta Key, the county is considering taking a different path. Siesta Key’s current challenge involves developers seeking to overturn longstanding protective laws for barrier islands and coastal Sarasota, which is alarming for public safety. 

Yet again, the actions of the county commissioners and their accommodations for well-connected developers have already resulted in legal ramifications. The current County Commission’s determination to forge ahead with increased density on Siesta Key further highlights the need to protect our longstanding laws and growth plans aimed at ensuring public safety.

It is clear that the interests of citizens have often been overlooked in favor of unchecked development. This disregard for laws and public safety has sparked outrage, particularly in Siesta Key, where an increase in tourism will lead to more traffic, increased emergency evacuation times and restricted public beach access for county residents. 

To amend or eliminate protective laws in favor of a few developers is unjust, and sadly, similar scenarios are unfolding in various areas of Sarasota County. 

— Lourdes Ramirez, Siesta Key