January 13, 2023 —

On January 12, the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation voted to allow the Siesta Key Incorporation bill to be introduced in the 2023 Florida Legislative session, scheduled to run from March 7 to May 5. Rep. Fiona McFarland will introduce the bill.

Tim Hensey of Save Siesta Key (SSK) told legislators that, in response to concerns of Rep. Mike Grant, R-Port Charlotte, if the local bill wins final approval, SSK decided to hold the referendum on incorporation on the November 2024 General Election ballot. This should generate a higher degree of voter participation. Also, in response to delegate concerns, the mil rate has been increased from .25 to .5. Hensey felt that these changes along with the results of the straw ballot should convince delegates that Siesta Key residents wanted to incorporate.

Significant work is ahead. If the local bill passes the House, it next must win approval in the Senate, and then be signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Sarasota News Leader, January 14, 2023, Rachel Brown Hackney: “Siesta Key incorporation effort wins Delegation support”