Staff stresses it does not want any bid above $50,000
Sarasota County staff has issued a request for bids for the restoration of the brick pavers on both sides of Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Village, The Sarasota News Leader has learned.
The solicitation was published on Oct. 30, with bids due by 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The bid summary explains that the initiative will involve “resetting existing pavers and compacting with joint sand …” It calls for the contractor to “close any walkway areas to ensure public safety throughout work, from start to completion, with minimal disruption to local businesses [and] pedestrian traffic.”
It also stresses, “DO NOT submit a quote of more than $50,000.”
A document in the solicitation package notes, “Decorative pavers are located within the geographical boundary of the Siesta Key Village Public Improvement District on Siesta Key, along Ocean Boulevard, from Treasure Boat Way south to Beach Road.
In 2009, Sarasota County Government completed a beautification project that included the brick pavers in Siesta Village, with commissioners and staff at the time talking of their desire to provide more of a resort-like atmosphere in the business district.
Over the years, the companies hired to maintain the Village have had to deal with numerous issues involving the pavers, including the removal of stains, especially at the conclusion of the high tourist season.
Moreover, merchants have complained from time to time over the years that the maintenance companies have not done a sufficient job of keeping the Village’s appearance in the best shape possible.
The property owners in what is called the Siesta Key Village Public Improvement District — where the beautification initiative took place — pay an annual tax whose revenue is allocated to the Village maintenance.
For this fiscal year, which began on Oct. 1, the tax is 1.9335 mils, which is down 26.83%, compared to the 2026 fiscal year figure of 2.6423 mils. One mil represents $1,000 of the value of a parcel.
More details of the solicitation
Under the heading “Restoration to be performed” are the following points:
- “Removal of existing brick pavers,” to correct trip hazards and ensure uniform surface conditions. (In response to a question submitted to the Procurement Department on that point, county staff replied on Nov. 2, “This may include tree roots or other obstructions that create unlevel surface conditions, requiring joint sand to reset.”
- “Restoration of settled, displaced, heaved, or damaged paver surfaces, including vehicular rutting, with adjustment of paver grades to meet ADA requirements.”
Then the summary lists “[s]pecific locations along Ocean Boulevard in the right-of-way”:
- Kilwin’s Ice Cream, located at 5140 and 5148 Ocean Blvd.
- Big Olaf Ice Cream, which stands at 5208 Ocean Blvd.
- Daiquiri Deck, located at 5250 Ocean Blvd.
- Realty Executives, which stands at 5039 Ocean Blvd.
- Ripfire Pizza, which is located at 5218 Ocean Blvd.
The summary adds that the total work area specified above comprises up to 800 square feet for existing brick paver resetting and restoration.
The contractor is to perform all of the work between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Another question submitted to the county Procurement Department after the solicitation was released noted that the bid details forbid the contractor from using “an alternate project,” so the person who submitted the inquiry asked who would supply replacements for any broken pavers and whether county staff maintains matching stock.
The staff responded, “Contractor to notify the County of any damaged or missing pavers.”
Yet another inquiry said, “When do you anticipate the contractor being allowed to begin work and what is your anticipated contract execution timeline?”
County staff replied, “Upon receipt of the required licensing and insurance certificate, a County Purchase Order will be submitted. Upon issuance, work shall commence within 5 days of receipt and be completed within 45 days. There is no contract for this award, and the Contractor is responsible for any required permit to work in the right-of-way.”
Yet another question that county staff answered pertained to the specification that bidders must be certified as general contractors or have a structural masonry specialty contractor’s license, “considering that the scope involves only the removal, leveling, and reinstallation of existing brick pavers without structural modifications?”
Staff explained, “Under Florida’s construction regulations, minor cosmetic repairs or small projects below certain cost limits (such as the $2,500 minor repair exemption) might not trigger major licensing. However, most complete driveway or large patio installations exceed this threshold. The proposed brick paver work is considered hardscaping and requires either a contractor license or a specific masonry specialty license. A mandatory Right-of-Way Permit is required, which will trigger inspections upon completion. For this work, the contractor must be bonded or appropriately registered to perform work on the county’s domain.”