Community Spotlight

Continued from previous page

January 2021. I serve as a neighborhood ambassador and a communications specialist.

I’m involved because I’m convinced we need a grass-roots effort to protect Siesta Key from rampant overdevelopment. In my view, a strong, united community is the only way to counterbalance the fact that Siesta Key represents only 2% of Sarasota County voters. Together, a united community can ensure the future viability of the island. We need our officials to abide by zoning regulations rather than “redefine” zoning. We need to protect the environment from overuse. We need to safely guard pedestrians and bikers. And we need to take a long-term view of infrastructure before we overburden aging systems.

QIf you could deliver a few sentences to the Florida Legislature in regard to the incorporation issue, what would you say? (It is considering the bill this month.)

AI’m most proud of the grass-roots support and overwhelming unity in our community. Despite the fact that many voting residents are often in other states, we came together to demonstrate our unified belief that Siesta Key would benefit from watchful local governance. We want to ensure that Siesta Key continues to be revered for its accessible white beaches, its laid-back friendly vibe, and its family friendliness and safety.

QAny other dreams for Siesta Key?

AI have tried unsuccessfully to convince Sarasota County parks and rec that we need permanent pickleball courts installed on Siesta Key.

People who live on the Key commute off the Key to play, which adds to our traffic problems. The county painted pickleball lines on two tennis courts, but playing there requires people to bring their own nets with them, which is not practical. Nets are expensive and tourists don’t bring nets on the plane!

After watching the huge success of other area pickleball installations (Pompano, GT Bray, Venice, Naples), my proposal is to convert the largely unused tennis courts to permanent pickleball courts, and then install two new tennis courts in the same area. That ratio of space would more accurately reflect usage data.

-- John Morton