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SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Established businesses in the vicinity of Siesta Key are facing eviction as Sarasota County has sanctioned a costly acquisition of prime waterfront real estate.
Several proprietors are hastily searching for new locations, with a tight deadline looming next Thursday.
The Sarasota County commissioners made a decision on Tuesday to invest $20.7 million in the purchase of the two-acre Stickney Point site, situated near the southern entrance to Siesta Key.
Nonetheless, the future of the property remains uncertain.
“Our plans are still in the works,” explained Shawn Yeager, the interim director of Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources for Sarasota County. “Potential uses might include a fishing and kayak launch, but ensuring public access to the water is our primary concern.”
The property is currently home to more than 20 commercial parcels and several longtime businesses, like Siesta Key Watersports.
“I’ve worked here since I was 20 and to have this be taken away from us has been really heartbreaking,” said Ben Marchand, co-owner of Siesta Key Watersports.
They’re being forced to relocate in less than a week, after operating here for more than 20 years.
Marchand said moving a commercial marine business is not simple.
“To be honest, it’s just shock trying to think of what to do next,” Marchand said. “We have a lot of work to do. The biggest issue is going to be the floating jet ski docks that we have; to be able to remove those, clean them and get them out of here will be a big task.”
The company also said the move impacts not only the business, but the employees and families connected to it.
“We raised our families here,” said Shawn Fontana, co-owner of Siesta Key Watersports. “It’s a lot more than a dock to us. This is where we brought families. We’ve built this over a long period of time to make it something special for everybody.”
While the owners said they support preserving waterfront access, they wish there had been more open discussion before the deal was finalized.
“It’s heartbreaking that it’s not going to be at least at this location anymore, but we’re optimistic about a new place and what we can do with it,” said Fontana.
“We feel for them and understand, and at the same time we’re just looking forward to getting in there and providing public water access,” Yeager said. “Who knows, maybe down the road we can look at opportunities for businesses to operate out of there to.”
Businesses on the Stickney Point property are being told they must vacate by May 14.