Siesta neighborhoods receive grant funding

Siesta Key residents will soon notice thousands of dollars of improvements to a few neighborhoods on the island, thanks to two grants Sarasota County commissioners approved this morning.

The Siesta Isles Neighborhood Association will receive $10,000 toward beautification projects at five entrances to the community, which the organization will match with more than $9,000 and 140 volunteer hours from residents for the project. The improvements include removal of vegetation, irrigation, new signage and lighting.

The project will make the entryways "look elegant and cleaner, and complement the extensive renovations underway at Siesta Beach,” according to a public benefit statement included with the project summary.

The county will also grant the Mangroves Association roughly $6,800 to match the organization’s planned expenditures for pavers on Sea Plume Way, which is located south of Stickney Point Road.

"Because the entrance is not easily seen off Midnight Pass Road, we feel the installation of pavers will make it more noticeable,” said the association in a public benefit statement. "It is hoped the rumble zone effect of the pavers will encourage drivers to slow down on the residential street where many neighbors walk and cycle.”

The county approved 12 grant applications for more than $67,800 in total.

"I think this might be the first time since I’ve been on the commission that we’ve used the full grant money,” said Commissioner Christine Robinson. "I’m really glad to see this because it’s an investment in our community and increases the tax values and beautification of our neighborhoods."