Signs: Are they a changin’?

A group of Southgate residents believe they have a sign that shows it’s time for a face-lift.

Of the four signs that once stood at entrances to the community, just one remains intact. It will require approximately $6,500 to replace.

It stands on Siesta Drive facing west and is missing part of the “u” in “Southgate.” 

Jason Champion, Southgate Homeowners Association board member, started a GoFundMe campaign to replace it at gofundme.com/southgatesign.

“Help us replace our sad sign!” the page states.

Champion said that with renovations at the Westfield Southgate Mall nearby and rebounding property values, the opportunity is ripe to beautify the first thing many people see as they enter the 60-year-old community.

“We want to make (the sign) more of a showpiece,” Champion said.

Fundraising efforts have already netted approximately $4,000, according to Sheryl King, head of the neighborhood’s beautification committee. At press time, $315 had been raised through the GoFundMe campaign.

Those efforts align with a larger revitalization effort throughout the neighborhood that includes preserving the its community house, one of the oldest buildings in Sarasota, designed by architect Victor Lundy.

If the campaign is successful, the homeowners association would like to replace some of the former signs, as well.

“This is the face of the community,” resident Chris Jenkins said.