Sarasota County to buy prominent Stickney Point property for $21M project

Sarasota County is primed to buy one of the most notable properties in the region, a colorful gateway to Siesta Key that includes bay frontage, docks, water sports outposts and even a restaurant, in a $18.1 million deal. 

And, in the years ahead, the skyline there could look much different — with some buildings poised for demolition to make way for a public park, according to the county's plans. The work, which officials say would increase waterfront access, could push the total cost for the project at the site, on the mainland adjacent to the South Bridge to Siesta Key, to a little more than $21 million. 

County commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday to OK the $18.1 million acquisition of the property, at 1500 Stickney Point Road, which officials said was supported by two property appraisals.

The seller is Big Main Street LLC, which acquired the property for $8.9 million in January 2024, property records show. Prolific Sarasota property investor and restaurant owner Christopher Brown, who co-founded the Above the Bar Hospitality Group, is the registered agent for Big Main Street LLC. One of the tenants at the site is the Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill, and the 2.04-acre property is sometimes referred to as the Boatyard.

Some county commissioners, save for the one no vote, talked up the site at a Tuesday meeting. The property will be used for ecotourism and nature-based recreation activities, according to a proposal presented to Sarasota County commissioners.

“This is a gem,” Commissioner Teresa Mast said, noting that acquiring the site not only allows the county to provide an area for people to gather but also opens many more opportunities on the water.

The property contains 21 individual parcels consisting of commercial condominiums painted yellow, red and blue. It also includes about 700 feet of bay frontage; 390 feet of canal/boat basin access; more than 5,000 square feet of docks, boardwalks and decks; and 72 parking spaces, according to Interim Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Shawn Yeager.

The dock and condominium structures suffered significant damage during hurricanes Helene and Milton, Yeager said in a Feb. 10 memo to county officials about the project. “The buildings will be evaluated for operational functionality,” the memo says. ”However, if they have no appropriate function and use, some or all may be demolished.” 

In the future, the Stickney Point Road property may be used for activities like fishing, boating, kayaking and observing wildlife, according to Yeager. It could also “serve as a hub for the ... charter boat and tour operator program” the county recently approved, he told commissioners.

Potential improvements may include water access and amenities like a fishing pier, kayak launch, docks, picnic shelters, possible concessions, restrooms and parking, according to Yeager.

The county was also looking at the "potential for a waterfront restaurant," Commission Chair Ron Cutsinger said at the board’s Feb.10 meeting.

“You only get one chance to buy a property like this — they don't come along very often," Cutsinger said. "I'm a huge supporter of this and really quite excited about the potential."

Project funding

Commissioners authorized $21.36 million for the purchase, including land acquisition and startup costs, operating impacts, related debt service and internal service charges.

Voting in opposition to the acquisition was Commissioner Tom Knight, who said he was “nervous” about “unknowns” such as the cost of demolition and future operations.

“This is big,” Knight said of the $21 million proposal. 

“I certainly want the public to have the property, access to the property…My nervousness is not about the deal,” he added, but instead centered around “what the business plan for the future is, and what the concept would be, and what the cost of all that would come out to be.”

If the acquisition went forward, Knight added, there would likely not be county funds available to purchase any other parkland properties in the next few years.

Funding for the project will come from a specialized loan to be repaid by Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program/Neighborhood Parkland Program ad valorem tax.

The Environmentally Sensitive Land Fund is set to expire in 2029 unless citizens vote by referendum this November to extend it.

Ongoing operating and maintenance costs will be funded by the Environmentally Sensitive Land Fund and the general fund, according to the memo from Yeager, including the addition of one facilities maintenance staff member and a fleet vehicle for managing contractors and services.

Current tenant

At the commission meeting, Brown said some of his current tenants “want to participate in the long-term plan” for the site.

Multiple owners of Siesta Key Watersports spoke at the commission meeting, echoing they wanted to continue operating at their current location. Based at 1536 Stickney Point Road, the business offers parasailing, jet-ski rentals, boat rentals, private charters and sunset and dolphin cruises.

“We believe our continued operation is of great public benefit,” Siesta Key Watersports owner Shawn Fontana said, noting 45,000 guests annually visit the business, which serves as an anchor for the neighboring shops and restaurant. 

Siesta Key Watersports pays more than $100,000 each year in sales taxes, Fontana added, and any changes to the area would affect 20 employees. He also said that if they were not able to continue operating there, Siesta Key Watersports — which has been around for 20 years — would have to close.

“Our continued presence helps preserve public access, economic stability and community continuity in alignment with the county's goals,” Fontana said. “We respectfully ask for collaborative partnership through this transition.”

Concept plan

Next steps toward the property purchase include a due diligence period through May 21 with closing papers due by July 10.

The parks department will also create a concept plan for the site. According to Yeager, there is a possibility the county could keep some buildings.

“There's one building that's sort of at the end of the canal that's an anchor,” Yeager said. “We would hope that we would be able to salvage that one at least, and also salvage the lighthouse [where Siesta Key Watersports is] too, as it is something that a lot of people recognize.”

Once staff creates a concept plan, Yeager added, it will be brought back before commissioners for approval.