Thank you to State Rep. Fiona McFarland, State Sen. Joe Gruters, and State Rep. Mike Grant for their support of HB 923, and to our local residents and friends who have generously contributed their time and money to this effort.
Rather than speculate as to why our bill failed to advance through its final two committees, we intend to meet with legislative leadership this summer to find out why our bill stalled, and to determine if there is a reasonable path for success in the 2024 Session. We intend to be fully transparent and share more information as it becomes available.
About Us
Save Siesta Key’s number one objective is to work through the legal and political process of getting incorporation on the ballot for the community. We believe incorporation and responsible self-government provide us with our best opportunity to maintain the unique charm and vibe of Siesta Key, and to preserve our quality of life for residents and business owners. Most importantly, we believe the community of Siesta Key has the right to vote on creating their own municipality.
Imagine OUR Community
Imagine the town being run by people who live here. An elected group of citizens who will strive to keep our island an exceptional place to work, live, vacation and retire.
Imagine leadership that promotes community involvement, collaboration between residents and businesses, managed growth, and preservation of our magnificent environment.
Imagine the town’s core values being integrity, transparency, accountability, mutual respect, decorum, and Siesta Key hospitality.
Imagine having a larger voice and a seat at the table, in the decisions that affect our community.
Imagine having a smaller, more efficient government.
Imagine working together to improve things like traffic, bike paths and entrances to our beautiful island.
Imagine building a community that can make a real difference on our little slice of heaven.
Save Siesta Key Needs Your Support!
Update
Dear Supporters of Save Siesta Key:
You likely have noted that we have previously communicated on our website, in mailers and The Siesta Sands newspaper that you should receive your Straw Ballot the week of November 14, 2022. We further requested that your straw ballot be returned by December 8, 2022. This was indeed our projection and goal. Unfortunately, we encountered an unanticipated delay with the US Postal Service, that was beyond our control. From a technical standpoint, bulk mail requires a permit be issued by the Postal Service. We are told by our consultants that have orchestrated hundreds of bulk mailings, permits are normally issued within 48 hours of application. However, our permit took 14 business days. We are told this extended timeline was likely due to the Postal Service being understaffed after being on the heels of a general election that had thousands of bulk mailings and the Thanksgiving holiday. We received our permit on November 25th. Our ballots are currently being processed and will be in the possession of the Postal Service on Wednesday November 30, 2022. As bulk mailings take slightly longer than regular mail, we expect the ballots will be received by the roughly 7000 registered voters of Siesta Key the week of December 5, 2022.
Accordingly, to comply with standard state ballot procedures, and to allow for as much participation as possible, we are extending the return deadline to December 30, 2022. Please note that the changed timeline in no way impacts the straw vote results to our local delegation ahead of their January meeting. We also plan to send these result to Tallahassee ahead of the 2023 session that begins in March. Your straw ballot will arrive with a preaddressed, postage prepaid envelope, making it very easy for you to return it by mail to the law firm in Lakewood Ranch that will tally the votes. Or, you may return your ballot in person at our community gathering at Siesta Key Beach Pavilion (south of the playground) on December 15th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as a representative will be present at the event. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Tim Hensey
Chairman of Save Siesta Key
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