Siesta Key Association talks bridge, fireworks

The Siesta Key north bridge renovation project and fireworks safety are on the agenda for the Siesta Key Association’s monthly meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, at St. Boniface Episcopal Church.

Sgt. Scott Osborne and John Lalley will give reports on the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Siesta Key activity and code enforcement. At the June 5 meeting of the Siesta Key Village Association, Sun Ride Pedicab owner Glen Cappetta criticized police activity on the barrier island. “You’ve got these (officers not familiar with Siesta Key Village) in full bulletproof, neo-Nazi uniforms and stuff,” he said. “They’re like gung-ho gang troopers.”

SKVA President Russell Matthes called for a special meeting with Osborn, which has yet to be scheduled, but will likely be discussed at the SKA meeting, as well.

SKA meeting attendees will welcome Jennifer Stafford, representing the Florida Department of Transportation, to talk about the north bridge construction activity. Don Damron, the senior fire plans reviewer and inspector for Sarasota County, has a presentation prepared about Florida fireworks laws and safety measures to brief attendees for the coming Fourth of July celebration on Siesta Key beach.

Catherine Luckner, president of SKA, will giver her monthly environment report, which should include an update on the illegal sand raking and grooming activities that have been reported behind a construction site on Beach Road.

SKA Vice President Peter van Roekens, the organization’s waterway and boating expert, will give an update on inlet management and discuss Siesta Key Village crosswalk lighting, which he also did during the July 5 meeting of SKVA.

IF YOU GO
What: Siesta Key Association monthly meeting
When: 4:30 p.m., Thursday, June 7
Where: St Boniface Episcopal Church, Room F, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key