Organization seeking to educate voters ahead of Aug. 18 Primary voting
On July 13, the Siesta Key Condominium Council (SKCC) distributed an email featuring answers to questions it had posed to each of the candidates vying for election this year to the Sarasota County Commission.
Two Republicans — incumbent Mark Smith, a Siesta Key architect, and Kristina Sargent, a Sarasota attorney, will face each other in the Aug. 18 Primary for the District 2 seat. As no Democrat is competing in that race, the primary will determine the winner of the seat.
In District 4, incumbent Joe Neunder of Venice and Jim DeNiro of Nokomis, a Realtor and former Sarasota Police Department sergeant, are vying to win the Republican primary for that seat. The winner will face Democrat Julie London of Sarasota in the Nov. 3 General Election.
“All candidates were asked to respond to the same six questions to address issues important to Siesta Key, its residents and visitors,” the Condominium Council explained in the email. “Candidates were asked to limit responses to approximately 150 words and to only respond about what they would do to address each question or issue,” it added with emphasis.
“Voters are reminded to fact check candidate responses and further research issues,” the email also pointed out.
The Condominium Council gave permission for The Sarasota News Leader to publicize the questions and answers. They are reprinted below as presented by the Council:
Question 1 — “What do you recommend to improve stormwater resilience and drainage on Siesta Key? What other Key infrastructure needs should be addressed?”
Mark Smith: To be resilient we need to build higher as FEMA [the Federal Emergency Management Agency] has lowered the Base Flood Elevation on Siesta Key. I persuaded the BCC to adopt an ordinance to allow residents to build 3′ higher than the FEMA BFE. The existing stormwater infrastructure is now being maintained after years of neglect. If there is a stormwater issue at your condo go to the County website scgov.net, select Government, then Stormwater, then Stormwater Maintenance Map to see if there is scheduled maintenance in your area. If not, report it to the Stormwater Department or email me at mhsmith@scgov.net. The traffic infrastructure needs to be addressed. I have been pushing for a Siesta Key Traffic Model since I was first elected in 2022. With the Siesta Key Task Force being formed, I believe it will be suggested to the BCC [Board of County Commissioners] when required for future Siesta Key development approval.
Kristina Sargent: Siesta Key’s infrastructure should be prioritized before additional growth. We need comprehensive investments in stormwater systems, drainage improvements, road rehabilitation, and flood mitigation to better protect homes, businesses, and our waterways. As sea levels rise and storms become more intense, resilient infrastructure is no longer optional; it’s essential. We should also evaluate aging utilities, improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, and ensure evacuation routes remain functional during emergencies. Rather than reacting after flooding occurs, the County should proactively identify vulnerable areas and invest in long-term solutions. Infrastructure planning should be based on engineering, not politics, and funding should be directed where it will have the greatest impact on public safety and quality of life.
Joe Neunder: A cooperative endeavor between residents of SK and Sarasota County Stormwater Staff is ESSENTIAL. From a traffic and drainage engineering perspective, Siesta Key should prioritize keeping water moving where it belongs: in maintained stormwater systems, not on the roadway. The most effective strategy is routine system maintenance first, then targeted capital upgrades in the lowest, most flood-prone areas. Increase routine vacuuming, jetting, and street sweeping so sand, sediment, and debris do not block inlets and pipes. County reporting indicates these maintenance steps are already being used as a first line of defense against sedimentation. Upgrade undersized or aging pipes, catch basins, and swales in recurring flood locations, especially where heavy rain produces nuisance flooding. Resilience projects of this type typically focus on pipes, catch basins, and reshaped swales to improve flow and reduce standing water. Improve outfalls and drainage pathways on low-lying streets so stormwater can drain more efficiently during intense short-duration storms. On barrier islands like Siesta Key, the challenge is often not just rainfall, but how quickly water can exit
the system. Use more bioswales, vegetated swales, and other green infrastructure where space allows, because they slow runoff, filter pollutants, and reduce pressure on hard drainage assets. Lastly, we need to continue having open and transparent conversations about the stormwater and drainage needs as they are key in highlighting the deficiencies that we know exist. A new comprehensive traffic study should also be performed along with a road integrity audit as we know many of the roads were submerged and likely affected by salt water penetration during the 2024 hurricanes events.
Jim DeNiro: Our infrastructure is currently suffering to the point where just one inch of rain causes flooding in our streets. This is unacceptable for a world-class destination and residential community. We must immediately initiate a comprehensive overhaul of our stormwater drainage systems. The current state of our infrastructure cannot handle basic, everyday weather events, let alone severe tropical storms. My top priority is forcing the county to upgrade our pipes, pumps, and road drainage so residents no longer have to fear property damage from a standard afternoon rainstorm.
Julie London: As the next Sarasota County Commissioner in District 4, I’m going to request a dedicated Stormwater Management department for Siesta Key only, under the watch of Ben Quartermaine [the director of the Stormwater Department]. He is going to be asking the commissioners for a bigger budget to hire more people anyway, so this needs to be included. The infrastructure problems aren’t the same as what is experienced east of I75. The key needs a consistent maintenance/upgrade program with the same person at the helm (not a revolving door). That person can identify problems to improve drainage and be held accountable.
Question 2
Is a fair share of tax revenue, including tourist bed tax, being returned to the Key for infrastructure? If yes, in what ways? If no, would you do about it?
Mark Smith: Tourist Bed Tax cannot be allocated for infrastructure. It has been allocated for the beach renourishment of south Siesta Key. The reconstruction of the Turtle Beach campground after the 2024 hurricanes. The major remodeling and additions to the Siesta Beach facilities along with expanding the parking a few years back. The Bed Tax has been allocated for Tourism Promotion & Marketing to promote Siesta Beach as the #1Beach in America.
County tax revenues are being used to support:
• The free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley and the planned Siesta Beach covered trolley stop.
• The cleaning out of stormwater piping and ditches along Beach Road and Ocean Blvd.
• The replacement of all Siesta Key residential water meters with “smart” meters to allow the Utility Dept to identify leaks and breaks in the system, especially needed after major storm events.
• The installation on Siesta Key of “smart” stormwater manhole covers that can identify pipe blockage and if there is sanitary line leakage into the stormwater system. This is now being Beta tested on Siesta Key to be installed county wide.
• The redesign of the Stickney Point/Midnight Pass intersection and recent repaving of Midnight Pass Rd and other streets on Siesta Key along with repairing of the adjacent sidewalks.
• The adding of lighted crosswalks along Midnight Pass Rd.
• Working with FDOT on the maintenance of both South and North Bridges.
Kristina Sargent: Siesta Key is one of Sarasota County’s premier tourist destinations and generates significant economic activity. Residents deserve transparency regarding how tourist-generated revenues are being invested. While Tourist Development Tax revenues are legally restricted to specific purposes under state law, I believe we should ensure every eligible dollar is strategically invested to support tourism-related infrastructure, beach access, shoreline protection, and facilities that directly benefit visitors and residents alike. At the same time, the County should prioritize general infrastructure funding for roads, drainage, and public safety improvements that have been deferred for far too long. Residents deserve confidence that the community generating substantial tourism revenue is receiving the infrastructure investments necessary to sustain both its quality of life and economic success.
Joe Neunder: Currently no. We need to look at our current county ordinance and see what language can be altered in order to return some TDT [Tourist Development Tax] money directly back into SK. With SK generating about 30% of tourist tax revenue, it only stands to reason that monies should be reinvested into the barrier island. Stormwater and infrastructure projects, including lift stations, need to be properly audited and ranked in a priority status based on significance of need. I believe road infrastructure should be an allowable expense for TDT money, as tourists rely on the road network to navigate the Island while visiting our community. I am having our County Attorneys office look into this as it related to Florida Statues and our code. Lastly, I am looking forward to the SK stakeholder groups’ ideas to see what County Government can do to assist all the residents of SK.
Jim DeNiro: Absolutely not. Siesta Key generates roughly 32% to 33% of the county’s tourist tax dollars, yet we see almost zero return on that massive investment. This glaring inequity forces our community to fend for itself evidenced by Siesta Village having to pay its own way to revitalize after recent hurricanes. As your Commissioner, I will aggressively audit the allocation of bed tax funds. I will fight for a mandatory, proportional return of those dollars directly to Siesta Key to fund the critical infrastructure, drainage, and recovery needs that the county has neglected for too long.
Julie London: I had to do a deeper dive on this one, so thank you. I’m a writer and investigate to get facts. I know recently that the Legislature gave an extra 1% to gas stations and grocery stores from the Fl Lottery System. Unfortunately, that is taking away $1,000’s of dollars from public education. I was glad to see a Siesta Key Beautification Task Force formed and what could be recommended with a $40K budget. What this question poses (unless I’m missing something) is that we need to see how much of a share SK is receiving. The lion’s share needs to go to the entity bringing in the most. It’s the common sense fair approach.
Question 3
What is your position on Hi-Density Hotels on Siesta Key and maintaining the 1989 Comprehensive Plan?
Mark Smith: I’m against Hi-Density Hotels on Siesta Key. I argued and voted against Dr. Gary’s [businessman Gary Kompothecras’ proposed] text amendment to allow his Hi-Density Hotel on Old Stickney Point Road. I have and will continue to defend the maintaining of the 1989 Comp Plan to not increase the density and intensity on Siesta Key.
Kristina Sargent: The Comprehensive Plan exists to provide consistency, predictability, and protect our community’s character. Any proposed changes should be carefully evaluated through a transparent public process with consideration for infrastructure capacity, evacuation, environmental impacts, and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. I don’t believe mega hotels on the Key should be approved. Before [we] have any discussion of hotel development on the Key, we must first address existing deficiencies in roads, drainage, utilities, and public safety. Growth should never outpace infrastructure, and it has. My priority is ensuring decisions are legally sound, fiscally responsible, and based on objective planning principles rather than political pressure.
Joe Neunder: No High density Hotels on SK. We must also preserve, what the intent was and what is left, of our Comp Plan.
Jim DeNiro: I firmly support maintaining the density limits established in the Comprehensive Plan. Our infrastructure is already failing under the current load. Approving high-density hotels would only exacerbate our critical drainage, water, and traffic crises. We cannot continue to add massive commercial burdens to a barrier island that is already struggling to support its current footprint. We must protect Siesta Key’s unique character and ensure our infrastructure is actually functional before entertaining any high-density developments.
Julie London: My Mom lived on Tropical Circle on Siesta Key. My friends live in condos and homes. Do they want hi-density hotels? Hell, no. I would go to who I consider a hero and advocate for the key, Lourdes Ramirez. I’d get as much legal information from her as possible and pore over the comprehensive plan to protect the key’s charm and character. I honestly didn’t realize when I initially entered the race the importance of working directly with historic preservationists (re: the Blackburn Point Swing Bridge). The people’s voices matter!
Question 4: What do you recommend to alleviate traffic and improve safety on the Key, especially during peak season?
Mark Smith: I believe a Siesta Key Traffic Model would allow us to analyze the existing traffic patterns to see what could be done. With the limited width of street right-of-ways, there are limited solutions. Having the trolley stops notched into the sidewalks so that traffic could flow around them would help. The county will need easements from the condos that have trolley stops in front of them in order to make this happen. Synchronizing the flashing crosswalk lights that are close to the traffic lights on Midnight Pass Road would help the flow of traffic.
Kristina Sargent: Traffic congestion on Siesta Key cannot be solved by one project alone. We need a comprehensive strategy that includes optimizing signal timing, improving intersections, expanding trolley and transit options, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety, and using technology to better manage traffic during peak periods. Just as importantly, future development decisions must account for transportation capacity and emergency evacuation. Infrastructure improvements should precede additional intensity. I also support evaluating innovative traffic management strategies and working closely with residents, businesses, law enforcement, and transportation professionals to identify practical solutions. Public safety must remain the priority, particularly during hurricane season when efficient evacuation routes can save lives.
Joe Neunder: Commission a brand new and thorough Traffic study for SK, making sure data collection is very in tune with our tourist seasons. Expand off-island parking options paired with frequent shuttle or trolley service, so visitors can leave cars before entering the most congested parts of the Key. This directly reduces search traffic and queueing near the beach. Improve real-time traveler information with message boards and parking availability updates, especially on Clark Road and U.S. 41, so drivers do not keep circulating once beach lots are full. Keep adding traffic-calming features at problem intersections, such as roundabouts, chicanes, and speed cushions, because these reduce speeds and crash severity while discouraging cut-through driving. Siesta Key has already seen examples of these treatments at key locations. Upgrade pedestrian crossings with better signal timing, flashing beacons, refuge medians, and mid-block crossing treatments, especially where beach traffic and walking traffic mix heavily. That is important because peak season is when pedestrians and cars most often conflict. Apply targeted enforcement and operations during peak season, including speed enforcement, no-parking enforcement, and tighter curbside management near beach access points. That helps keep moving lanes clear and reduces risky behavior.
Jim DeNiro: Traffic and safety issues are a direct symptom of the county failing to reinvest our own tax dollars back into the Key. To alleviate peak season congestion, we must use our fair share of the tourist bed tax to fund proactive traffic management. This includes investing in smart-light synchronization at critical intersections both on and off the island, expanding reliable and continuous trolley services to reduce individual car trips, and significantly upgrading our pedestrian and bicycle safety infrastructure so residents and visitors can navigate the Key safely without relying on vehicles.
Julie London: I’d ask Spencer Anderson, the county’s transportation director (if he’s still around), to get more visibility and attractive signage on the mainland for pick up and drop off locations by trolley/transportation systems. This also serves as an advertisement for our crowned jewel, Siesta Key Beach and provides easier access. During season, we have to get in a “Siesta Key State of Mind.” Siesta Key residents are so fortunate to live here and the workers so lucky to be earning money, where people disburse $1,000 just to spend a limited amount of time in paradise. Look at the views we get when we’re stuck on the bridge.
Question 5
How will you ensure that residential owners, especially the over 7,000 condominium households, are adequately represented on the Siesta Key Task Force and in strategic discussions? (News Leader note: The questions were submitted to the candidates before the County Commission voted on the Task Force members. This is the link to the News Leader article about those appointments.)
Mark Smith: I believe a majority of the Siesta Key Task Force members will be Siesta Key residents. I haven’t been made aware of who applied, but I assume condominium residences did. In any extent, the Task Force meetings will be open to the public and public input is strongly encouraged so that every resident on Siesta Key will have the opportunity to be heard.
Kristina Sargent: Good government requires meaningful public participation. The Siesta Key Task Force should reflect the diversity of the community, including condominium owners, single-family homeowners, businesses, and other stakeholders who are directly impacted by County decisions. With thousands of condominium households on the Key, their voices deserve meaningful representation. I will advocate for transparent appointments, open communication, and regular opportunities for public input before major decisions are made. Effective policymaking happens when those living with the consequences have a seat at the table. My commitment is to listen first, encourage collaboration, and ensure all residents have confidence that their perspectives are being heard.
Joe Neunder: We have received all applications for residents interested in serving. A thorough discussion will be had by the BOCC [County Commission on July 8], and I will advocate for making sure we have equal representation from all concerned parties on SK, Including our condominium demographic.
Jim DeNiro: The fact that Siesta Key residents had to self-fund their own post-hurricane recovery shows a severe lack of representation at the county level. The residents who bear the brunt of the failing infrastructure must have a louder voice. I will ensure condominium owners have guaranteed, permanent representation on the Siesta Key Task Force. Furthermore, I commit to holding regular, direct meetings with the SKCC [Siesta Key Condominium Council] and its members to ensure your specific concerns from drainage failures to tax parity directly dictate how I vote on the Commission.
Julie London: Both sides will have to take full responsibility. The county website must include an easy-to-find page on the task force. The force should also have visible social media with frequent updates. For full transparency, there should absolutely be an email list that includes the major stakeholders on the key alerting them to meeting times. IF this isn’t happening, it will be up to the residents and business owners to alert the District 2 and 4 commissioners. Me? I love to answer emails and work for the people. I’d get that straightened out fast.
Question 6
What are your biggest concerns for the future of Sarasota and Siesta Key, and how would you address them?
Mark Smith: The biggest concern is protecting the 1989 Comprehensive Plan. Currently on the Board of County Commissioners you can count on at least 3 Commissioners to keep the Comp Plan from being changed to allow Hi-Density Hotels; 2 are needed on the BCC to prevent the required 4-1 vote to change the Comp Plan.
Kristina Sargent: My greatest concern is that infrastructure has not kept pace with growth. Roads, drainage, water resources, and public safety systems are under increasing pressure, while residents expect government to be responsible stewards of their tax dollars. The County budget isn’t a revenue problem, it’s a priority problem. We must prioritize infrastructure, maintain fiscal discipline, and make decisions based on long-term planning rather than short-term interests. Protecting our water quality and coastal resilience is equally important to preserving Sarasota’s exceptional quality of life. I believe we can responsibly manage growth while protecting our neighborhoods, environment, and economy, but doing so requires transparency, accountability, and leadership willing to make difficult decisions based on facts rather than politics.
Joe Neunder: My biggest concerns for the future of Sarasota and Siesta Key are storm surge and flooding, aging infrastructure that is already under stress, and a tourism economy that depends on access, safety, and a high-quality visitor experience. The right response is to plan for stronger hurricanes, invest in drainage and utilities, and manage growth so the places people love do not become less safe or less functional over time. The most urgent concern is that the region cannot rely on past storm experience anymore, because today’s storms can produce dangerous surge and flooding even without a direct hit. Local experts have stressed that storm surge is a major threat in Sarasota County, especially on barrier islands, and that residents should evacuate when ordered rather than trying to ride out water risk. I would address this by improving evacuation planning, public alerts, and shelter readiness. That means clearer zone education, more frequent outreach before hurricane season, staged supplies and response resources, and stronger coordination for medical needs, pets, and vulnerable residents. The next major concern is infrastructure that has to function during storms, flooding, and peak seasonal use. On Siesta Key, stormwater systems, roads, drainage outfalls, and shoreline protection all need to work together, because failures in one part of the system quickly affect access and safety elsewhere. In summary, If I had to choose the top three actions, they would be these: strengthen hurricane evacuation and public readiness, fix stormwater and drainage bottlenecks, and manage tourism so peak-season demand does not overwhelm the island. Those three steps support safety, resilience, and the local economy at the same time.
Jim DeNiro: My biggest concern is the continued exploitation of Siesta Key as a county revenue generator without adequate local reinvestment. Siesta Key generates one-third of the tourist tax, yet are left to self-fund our own disaster recovery. If this taxation without representation continues, the quality of life, property values, and environmental health of the Key will rapidly decline. I will address this by fighting relentlessly for a mandatory minimum return of tourist tax dollars to the communities that generate them, ensuring our island is resilient, protected, and respected.
Julie London: Just driving around District 4 and seeing the large area is formidable for anyone. Different areas strike various priorities. In our rural areas, it is protecting the sanctity of our wildlife and environment. People are accustomed to their way of life and that shouldn’t be disrupted by greedy developers. (Hoo boy!) In Siesta Key, the battle is also responsible development, while maintaining everything that has made the key such an incredible place to live and visit. But the FIRST concern is protecting our beloved residents and properties from the inevitable forces of Mother nature. We must be proactive.