'It's a wildcard': Siesta Key residents react to City of Sarasota's invitation to discuss annexation

People who live in Siesta Key now have an alternative to consider after a failed bid to break away from Sarasota County.

The beach community, under the banner of several groups and coalitions, has long clamored to incorporate into its own municipality. They want out of the grip of the Sarasota County Government especially over the issue of high density and high-rise hotel developments.

But the move did not get the required amount of votes and was shot down earlier this month.

"Our voices have not been heard for a long time as residence here in Siesta Key," said Eileen Jones, Neighborhood Ambassador, Save Siesta Key.

"As more people come on, the traffic will even get worse and that's why we wanted to incorporate, to stop things like large hotels that would bring more people here and slow down traffic," said Capers Jones, Siesta Key Resident.

With news of the disappointing turn in the quest for incorporation, the nearby City of Sarasota has now offered what appears to be a potential rescue plan for the community by way of annexation.

This week, the city's board of commissioners said they're open to annexing the part of Siesta Key that's not already within its city limits. It's an offer some residents on the barrier island say they're surprised by.

"It is a wildcard since it is new to all of us. I don't think anyone in Siesta Key has fully thought through the implications of being annexed," said Capers.

City of Sarasota Mayor Erik Arroyo proposed the annexation and city commissioners voted unanimously for the city manager to lay the groundwork for talks with Siesta Key leaders.