Background: Beach Access #7, located across from Beach Road and Calle de la Siesta, is one of 13 public beach access locations on Siesta Key. These beach access points provide public access to the world class beaches on Siesta Key. Beach Access #7 is centrally located approximately ¾-miles north of Siesta Beach and ¼-miles from the Siesta Key Village. In late 2007 and early 2009, the Sarasota County purchased two adjacent properties through the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program, expanding Beach Access #7 an additional 3.7 acres.

County staff and volunteers will continue to monitor the area during shorebird nesting season and will take appropriate actions at Beach Access #7 and other locations as necessary.

• The County is scheduled to plant an approximately 15’ vegetative buffer along the northeast property line of Beach Access 7 as well as the frontage along Beach Road. The existing seagrape and palms along the north property boundary will remain. The plant list will include native plants and trees such as: cabbage palms, muhly grass, inkberry, seagrapes, beach sunflower and sea oats.
• As approved by the County Commission, improvements will be made in phases. Along with the above mentioned landscaping, additional post and rope fencing will be installed that could allow for approximately 10 vehicles to park close to the existing beach access area.
• The County will also install a kiosk at the beach access entrance to assist with educational efforts and consolidate the existing signage.
• Improvements should be completed within the next two months.