2026 Elections | Protect Siesta Key

PSK 2026 Candidate and Referendum banner.png

Your vote helps shape the future of Siesta Key and Sarasota County

Decisions made by elected officials affect growth, development, infrastructure, environmental protection, taxes, parks, public access, and the future of Siesta Key.

To help voters make informed decisions, Protect Siesta Key has reviewed select races and ballot measures that directly impact our community.

We do not endorse every race. Instead, we focus on candidates and referendums that have a significant impact on the issues central to our mission. The recommendations below were approved by the Protect Siesta Key Board of Directors.

Important Election Information

Primary Election

August 18, 2026

Local races, including School Board and County Commission, are decided in

the August Primary.

County Commission District Map Link

Protect Siesta Key recommends Mark Smith and Joe Neunder based on their records on issues central to our mission, including growth management, opposition to proposed mega-hotels on Siesta Key, infrastructure, environmental protection, public access, and preservation of neighborhood character.

Primary Candidate Recommendations

County Commission District 2

PSK Recommendation

Mark Smith

Why we recommend this candidate:

Mr. Smith demonstrated his commitment to the community by voting against the proposed mega-sized hotel on Siesta Key.

Recommended dedicating a percentage of property tax revenue generated by new development to the County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Led the effort to restore in-person neighborhood workshops, ensuring residents have a meaningful opportunity to engage in the development review process before decisions are made.

Advocated using $65 million in Resilient SRQ funds to help dredge Phillippi Creek, Hudson Bayou, and Whitaker Bayou to improve water flow and reduce flooding risks.

Supported the use of Resilient SRQ funds for stormwater improvements on St. Armands Circle, helping address recurring flooding and infrastructure challenges.

With deep roots in the Siesta Key community, he actively participates in local meetings, ensuring that the voices of are heard and valued.

For more information, visit Mark Smith's website at MarkSmithforSarasota.com

County Commission District 4

PSK Recommendation

Dr. Joe Neunder

Why we recommend this candidate:

Dr. Neunder has shown his dedication to our community by voting against the proposed mega-sized hotel on Siesta Key.

Actively advocates for keeping Midnight Pass open and the sustainability of Sarasota Bay.

Opposed using the Live Local Act to allow six-story high density apartment developments at the Celery Fields and in Rural and Open Use areas.

Opposed the 9,000 home Winchester Ranch proposal in South County leading developers to withdraw their petition.

Championed the acquisition of the 49-acre former Gulf Gate Golf Course as a long-term stormwater and flood mitigation project, preserving the property for water quality improvements and open space.

With strong local ties—having grown here in Sarasota and served as a lifeguard on Siesta Key in his youth—he is committed to preserving our unique environment.

Dr. Neunder attends Council of Neighborhood Association meetings to ensure that citizens' voices are heard and valued.

For more information, visit Dr. Joe Neunder's website at JoeNeunder.com

Why We Did Not Recommend Other Candidates in this Race

While we respect the willingness of all candidates to seek public office, we chose not to support the opponents' campaigns for the following reasons:

• Association with Developer Interests wanting New Mega-hotels on Siesta Key

Both DeNiro's and Sargent's campaign signs have been placed on at least four properties owned by developer Gary Kompothecras. Mr. Kompothecras was involved in (and lost) the 2021 litigation concerning the approval of his proposed mega-hotel on Siesta Key and continues to pursue a Comprehensive Plan amendment that could allow similar mega-hotel projects to move forward.

The opponents' signs appear on four properties owned by a Siesta Key mega-hotel developer: US 41 (Culver's), Beneva Road, Clark Road, and Gateway Avenue.

• Limited Record of Community Planning Involvement
Prior to announcing their candidacies, the candidates had not participated in public hearings, neighborhood workshop meetings, or other community advocacy efforts related to many of the issues facing Sarasota County residents.

• Support for Expanded Use of the Live Local Act
One candidate stated that the County should not challenge the application of the Live Local Act in Rural and Open Use areas. We disagree with that position and have consistently opposed efforts that could allow high-density apartment developments in those areas of the County.

For these reasons, we believe our recommended candidates are more closely aligned with the positions and priorities we have advocated on behalf of our members and the broader community.

Disclaimer: About PSK and our Recommendations

Paid Political Advertisement by Protect Siesta Key, Inc.

Protect Siesta Key, Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit social welfare organization organized under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Candidate recommendations are based on issues relevant to Protect Siesta Key's mission, including growth management, infrastructure, environmental protection, public access, and quality of life. Recommendations are approved by the Protect Siesta Key Board of Directors and are made independently of any candidate, campaign, political committee, or political party.