11/30/2022
Dear Supporters of Save Siesta Key:
You likely have noted that we have previously communicated on our website, in mailers and The Siesta Sands newspaper that you should receive your Straw Ballot the week of November 14, 2022. We further requested that your straw ballot be returned by December 8, 2022. This was indeed our projection and goal. Unfortunately, we encountered an unanticipated delay with the US Postal Service, that was beyond our control. From a technical standpoint, bulk mail requires a permit be issued by the Postal Service. We are told by our consultants that have orchestrated hundreds of bulk mailings, permits are normally issued within 48 hours of application. However, our permit took 14 business days. We are told this extended timeline was likely due to the Postal Service being understaffed after being on the heels of a general election that had thousands of bulk mailings and the Thanksgiving holiday. We received our permit on November 25th. Our ballots are currently being processed and will be in the possession of the Postal Service on Wednesday November 30, 2022. As bulk mailings take slightly longer than regular mail, we expect the ballots will be received by the roughly 7000 registered voters of Siesta Key the week of December 5, 2022.
Accordingly, to comply with standard state ballot procedures, and to allow for as much participation as possible, we are extending the return deadline to December 30, 2022. Please note that the changed timeline in no way impacts the straw vote results to our local delegation ahead of their January meeting. We also plan to send these result to Tallahassee ahead of the 2023 session that begins in March. Your straw ballot will arrive with a preaddressed, postage prepaid envelope, making it very easy for you to return it by mail to the law firm in Lakewood Ranch that will tally the votes. Or, you may return your ballot in person at our community gathering at Siesta Key Beach Pavilion (south of the playground) on December 15th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as a representative will be present at the event. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Tim Hensey
Chairman of Save Siesta Key
