Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Siesta Key Craft Fair Date Set

The Siesta Key Village Association has announced the 2016 dates for the popular Craft Fair that kicks off the busiest time on the island in Season. The fair will take place February 27 and 28. Howard Allen will continue to host the Craft Fair.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Siesta Key Association (SKA) is working for a DO NO HARM solution for Siesta Key and Big Pass

The Lido Key/City of Sarasota renourishment and Hurricane Mitigation Project is now being reviewed by the State of Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP). SKA received the permit application submitted by the ACOE. The only agency who may authorize the ACOE plan for dredging and renourishment is the DEP through their coastal permit process. The permitting process is likely to continue into 2016.
The ACOE may not apply for funding through Congress without a completed EA or EIS. There is no federal funding allocated for this project. The ACOE reports it may be until 2017 before funding can be requested. There is not yet a completed EA with a finding of no significant impact. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is preferred due to the complexity of the environmental impact and is being sought by SKA. Impact to Big Pass, Lido County Park, Siesta Key, the navigational channel, marine and bird wildlife, and shoreline studies have not been thoroughly evaluated to determine an EA will have a finding of no significant impact (FONSI).

An independent peer review, requested by SKA and approved by the Board of County Commissioners up to $50,000, is being developed to provide additional environmental impact data for the current ACOE plan.

2015 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition


This November 13-17, twenty-four of the premier master sand sculptors from all over the world will once again be competing for 1st place on the #1 beach. The Siesta Key Crystal Classic has become a favorite of many of the professional sand sculptors who have competed here. Citing the beauty and cleanliness of the pristine white sand, sculptors have remarked that their sculptures look almost as if they are “carved in marble.”
Information regarding sponsorship is now available on the website as well applications for our popular Vendor Village: www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com.

For more information about Siesta Key Crystal Classic contact the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.