Protect Siesta Key

Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom. Celebrating Our Community.

From all of us at Protect Siesta Key, thank you for being part of a community that cares.

May your Fourth of July be filled with family, friends, beautiful sunsets, spectacular fireworks, and gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.

We are celebrating all week!
Happy Independence Day, and please celebrate safely!

ProtectSiestaKey.org

Protect Siesta Key was founded to protect our community from overdevelopment.

After reviewing the county candidates and their records, the PSK Board of Directors recommends Mark Smith (District 2) and Joe Neunder (District 4) for County Commission.

We support their efforts to:
✅ Oppose mega-hotels on Siesta Key
✅ Protect the Celery Fields from overdevelopment
✅ Support the Gulf Gate Golf Course acquisition for flood mitigation and open space
✅ Oppose apartment development in Rural Lands (Live Local Act)

Their opponents have campaign signs on properties owned by a mega-hotel developer seeking Comprehensive Plan changes for mega-hotels on Siesta Key. I think it's pretty clear where they will stand on that issue.

These recommendations were approved by the PSK Board and are based on issues important to our members and community.

Learn more about our recommendations at:
ProtectSiestaKey.org/Elections2026

When it comes to elections, I look at the whole picture. No single endorsement, donation, mailer, or issue determines my vote.

I consider a candidate’s background, public statements, community involvement, voting record, supporters, endorsements, and overall track record. I want to understand not just what they say, but what they have done and who they associate with.

I also recognize that no candidate is perfect. The question is not whether someone is flawless, but whether they are the best choice to serve and represent our community.

Ultimately, voting is about gathering information, asking questions, and making the best decision based on the full picture. I want to support the candidate I believe is best for our community.

Make sure your vote counts on August 18 Primary!

t's Time to Go into Election Mode!
For many Sarasota County races, August 18 is the Championship Game. Voters will select Republican candidates for County Commission and elect School Board members. If you care about the future of Siesta Key and Sarasota County, make sure August 18 is on your calendar.

Heads Up - Siesta Key traffic issue May 18-22: Northbound lane closure on Siesta Drive and full closure of La Paloma Ave at Siesta Dr to perform necessary repairs of their water infrastructure in this area. This is planned to be effective 24/7 on these days

Siesta Key residents asked for infrastructure improvements—traffic, flooding, safety.
Instead, the County’s staff is proposing a Siesta Key Master Plan focused on:
▪️ 'Beautification' (SK is already beautiful)
▪️ Possible new taxing district
▪️ A review of our Comprehensive Plan
There is not one reference to infrastructure in the scope of work.

Even more concerning—at no point did the County Commission request adding proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan or zoning codes during public meetings. So why is that in this in Staff's plan?
This is not what residents asked for—and not what Siesta Key needs.
Our message to staff: Hands OFF our Comprehensive Plan.

President Lourdes Ramirez was threatened with legal action for speaking out—but she is not backing down.
We are fortunate to have great attorneys supporting us. In this newsletter, we explain what happened and share a few lessons so others know how to protect themselves.

Speaking Up Shouldn’t Come with Legal Threats Email from Lourdes Ramirez My recent experience   April 2026 Monthly Update Faced with Threats of a Personal Lawsuit: A Teachable Moment on SLAPP While wrapping up a taped interview with Bay News 9 (v