LKRA Is Focused On and is Actively Monitoring

LKRA is monitoring these proposed projects and activities that directly affect our members and will advocate in support of that project or a modification to that project that will be in the best interest of our residents. LKRA encourages all developers and others advocating change to work in concert with our association. Contact: Carl Shoffstall, LKRA President

LKRA monitors meetings of our City Commission, it's Boards, Panels and other advisory Committees for issues affecting our neighborhood. We work with them and City Staff in the development and enforcement of their planning and zoning tools and other ordinances that protect our barrier islands. Upcoming Meeting Agendas and videos of past meetings are all available on-line. In addition, most meetings are broadcast LIVE.

We encourage members to communicate with City Staff, Commissioners and members of Advisory Boards. Feel free to attend Public Hearings and Workshops in person or through other communications. Regular City Commission meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 9:00 AM. Meetings will have a NOON lunch break, then resume until 5:00 PM.

We are currently monitoring:

An effective way to communicate with City Commissioners is eComments. Comments are accepted for agenda items up until 72 hours prior to the start of a meeting.

City of Sarasota Meetings Agendas Videos

Monitoring Ted Sperling Park Activity

Residents of South Lido Key are experiencing the effects and aftermath of what feels like an uncontrolled party spot at Ted Sperling Park. The residents have repeatedly met with both city and county agencies in hopes for some solution. Ted Sperling Park is within the City of Sarasota but managed by Sarasota County, and frustration has come about trying to get a workable solution. At issue is multiple environmental and noise violations, improper use of jet-ski's, unleashed dogs, illegal parking and blocking of Ben Franklin making it difficult to enter or leave local condos and the operation of the trolley. The park is the "party spot", usually on a weekend, it has become unsafe for families wanting to use the beach and picnic grounds.

The County and the City are working to try and mitigate the issue. The situation is complex and not a simple "enforcement" solution. It may take a new City Ordinance. From research, we are told that this group of organized party goers come in from all over the State. For a number of years they used a beach on Anna Maria as their "party spot". Anna Maria passed an ordinance that resulted in the movement of the "party spot" to Holmes Beach. Homes Beach passed a similar ordinance and the "party spot" has moved to Lido.

A LKRA resident meeting in April, 2024,with representatives from the County, the Sarasota Police Department tried to listen to and address the residents’ concerns. Several City Commissioners were in attendance and also vowed to take up the issue.

Vacation Rentals (aka "Hotel Houses")

The City's Vacation Rental ordinance is focused on ensuring residents the tranquility and peaceful enjoyment of their homes and their neighborhoods; to mitigate incompatibilities between vacation rentals and resident occupied homes; and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of vacation rentals and their guests and to encourage them to be respectful of the residents of the neighborhood in which they are vacationing. The ordinance, effective May 4, 2021 required all existing vacation rentals to be inspected and registered by June 1, 2022. Since the enactment, the number of vacation rentals has leveled out at around 140. Here is a link to CCNA's page on Vacation Rentals including the latest Weekly Vacation Rental Registrations. The City's website identifies Requirements and Standards and Enforcement. If you have an issue let a Board Member know.

Learn More

Increase Circle Building Height

The St. Armands Business Improvement District ("BID") was non-renewed by the City Commission in July 2023. When active this City Advisory Board had consisted of five St. Armands commercial property owners. Throughout 2022 and into 2023 this board had proposed to increase the allowed height of the existing commercial buildings on St. Armands and to expand the use of the upper floors to include residences, BnB's and hotels. The surrounding neighborhoods and the City of Longboat Key expressed significant concerns that the requested height increase is deceptive and would allow all buildings on the Circle to be 4 stories. The neighborhood's concerns included increased density, increased traffic and lack of parking as the proposal had no parking requirements for those transient tenants.

Current Status (Quiet)

This proposal would require a comprehensive plan change. The City Commission voted 5-0 to deny a request from the BID to send this to Planning staff for a study and proposal, thus delaying any new development for some time.