Have you ever just woken up and thought, “Wow, I really do live in paradise?” I just did! I am so happy that I live and work in a tropical paradise. It sure does make all the hard work a lot easier. By all accounts, from the businesses on the key, it was a very successful season. Combine that with all the work that we’re doing for the Siesta Key Beautification Alliance, and so many of us are busier than we’ve ever been.
There is always so much work going on behind the scenes with the Siesta Key Alliance, the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp., the Siesta Key Association and the Siesta Key Chamber. I never really knew how much time and effort people put into these organizations until I got involved, but I’ve also come to realize that’s what makes Siesta Key so special.
I interviewed Commissioner Mark Smith on the Siesta Sand Live podcast, and he gave me an update about the new Siesta Key master plan and the task force that will be formed. That will be discussed at the county commissioners meeting on May 5. The commissioners will vote on the makeup of the task force and get the process rolling to hire a facilitator. That’s great news! I really do feel like this task force is going to give Siesta Key a governance structure and a true seat in its own destiny and future. This board of county commissioners really does understand the value of the Siesta Key Alliance as a whole and the importance of maintaining a donor community.
The Siesta Key Association holds its meetings every month on the second Thursday of the month. If you haven’t joined this organization yet, you should consider doing so. It’s only $35 a year, and they are doing a great job of keeping homeowners and business owners updated not only on the progress of the alliance, but also on many of the other civic projects taking place here. Commissioner Joe Neunder stopped by the April meeting and gave some quick updates on the “Live Local” Act and how Sarasota County commissioners have voted to protect Sarasota County residences. Thai Tran, operations manager for capital projects with Sarasota County, gave updates about projects and the new Breeze trolley stations that will be installed soon.
And the Siesta Key Chamber has been busy as well. This month, I attended the business card exchange at the Siesta Key Rum distillery. I had never been there before, and I was so impressed. First of all, the rum is amazing. Don’t tell anybody, but my new favorite drink is Siesta Key Spiced Rum and ginger beer. Secondly, the distillery tour is very entertaining, especially after you’ve had a couple of sips of rum. Commissioner Mark Smith was in attendance as well. I’m guessing that’s a little more fun than commission meetings!
And last, but not least, the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp. That’s the board tasked with managing the cleaning and upkeep of the Village. We have monthly walk-throughs with representatives from the county, our board and the vendors that have contracts with the county for maintenance, housekeeping and landscaping. Our work right now in the Village is challenging. We’re trying to do our best to make the Village look as good as we can until we can get a full-scale update. If you’re wondering why there aren’t a lot of flowers in the Village, it’s because we don’t have irrigation. If you’re wondering why we didn’t have Christmas lights, it’s because we only have electricity in some areas. I look forward to the day when the Village is colorful again, but until then, we will continue to do our best with what we have.
It’s been a busy month, a productive month, but again, I live in paradise, so I’m not complaining.
As always, if you have suggestions, please reach out to me at Natalie@SellingSiesta.com. Stay sunny, Siesta!
