ABOUT LOURDES RAMIREZ

In 2023, Lourdes successfully challenged Sarasota County's decision to allow the construction of large hotels on our fragile and crowded Siesta Key.

The issue began in 2021 when Siesta Key resident and advocate Lourdes Ramirez filed a lawsuit against Sarasota County for violating long-standing land-use restrictions on the barrier island. Sarasota County's Comprehensive Plan dictates land development and specifies strict limits for the barrier islands. This plan states that “the intensity and density of the Barrier Islands of Sarasota shall not exceed that allowed by zoning ordinances and regulations existing as of March 13, 1989.”

The primary concern is that Siesta Key has the highest density per square mile in Sarasota, as many homes were built prior to the current zoning code. Increasing the number of residents and visitors on the barrier island poses public safety risks. With the additional traffic, how will fire trucks and ambulances access the area? How will we manage hurricane evacuations? After Siesta Key suffered damage from two hurricanes in 2024, the urgency to protect our island has intensified.

However, the fight is not over! Developers are now proposing changes to Siesta Key's long-standing protective laws, which would increase density on the island.

Please continue to support Lourdes' legal efforts to protect Siesta Key from large hotels. Visit ProtectSiestaKey.org to contribute to the cause!