History
Originally chartered in 1944, BISA is one of the oldest associations in Sarasota. Governed by the City of Sarasota, our neighborhood association is comprised of two distinct areas, Bay Island and the northernmost subdivision of Siesta Key.
Bay Island (often called "the Gateway to Siesta Key") is a beautiful waterfront, residential community just across the North Bridge and east of the northern tip of Siesta Key, Florida. Originally connected to Siesta Key, Bay Island was developed in 1911 by E.M. Arbogast to create an island specifically catering to high-end tourists. He dredged a 35-foot canal (now named Hansen Bayou) to separate it from Siesta Key and built an exclusive residential resort. The 1912 Bay Island Hotel, featuring a 400-foot deep artesian well for water and a private power plant for electricity, was a premier tourist destination accessed via boat from the mainland. Initially, guests took a boat from the downtown Sarasota city pier. In 1917 a bridge on Siesta Drive was built to connect it to the main island. The hotel was famous for local Florida seafood, including oysters, stone crabs, and clams. It closed in the early 1950s, after which Bay Island transitioned into a private residential area.
Siesta Key, officially designated in 1952, was originally known as “Sarasota Key” or “Little Sarasota Key.” It is a barrier island located off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. It was sparsely inhabited by fishermen until developmental efforts began in 1907. Harry Higel, Captain Louis Roberts, and E.M. Arbogast established the Siesta Land Company to facilitate the development of the island. From 1912-1917, Higel constructed the Higelhurst Hotel(1915), initiated canal dredging projects including Bayou Louise (named for Louise Higel, his younger daughter) and Hanson Bayou to provide more waterfront homesites, and he advocated for the construction of the first bridge to connect the island. Higel, a three-term mayor of Sarasota, created the "Siesta on the Gulf" as a City of Sarasota subdivision which is now the basic boundaries of BISA.
As the rest of Siesta Key to the south began to take shape with more and more development, it was incorporated into Sarasota County and it's residents are represented by the Siesta Key Association.
Tommy DeAlano
President
Dedicated to leading our association by effectively collaborating with neighbors and government to grow our community.
Leslie Butterfield
Membership Chair
Dedicated to welcoming new residents and maintaining our member database to ensure every neighbor has a voice.
A collective of volunteers dedicated to the preservation of our neighborhood's natural beauty and safety.
BISA Board of Directors
Randy Fermin
Vice President
Focused on community engagement that brings our residents together for advocacy and action to preserve our neighborood.
Marie Cohen
Social Chair
Organizes neighborhood gatherings and programs that foster community connection and celebrate our heritage.
Krystal DeAlano
Secretary & Treasurer
Ensures organizational transparency through meticulous management of meeting minutes, finances, and community documents.
To Be Assigned
Leads the association specific initiatives on a case by case basis to create solutions for neighborhood challenges.
Initiatives Chair
Here is a short list of major accomplishments by BISA:
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Prevention of private development & construction of High-Rise Condos on the North and South land parcels near the North Bridge that are now, thanks to BISA, the Nora Patterson Bay Island North & South Parks. More info below.
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Maintained the single-family residential neighborhood through continued efforts with the City and County regarding building restrictions and zoning
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Enhanced the open areas within the neighborhood's 19 streets with park beautification
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Prevented sea wall erosion along the unmarked channels of the waterway by adding no-wake signage among other initiatives with the City.
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Instrumental in preventing Siesta Drive and the North Bridge from becoming a four lane access to Siesta Key
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Raised donations to help Protect Siesta Key group fight multiple Mega Hotel projects
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Stopped the destruction on Big and Little Edwards Islands in Roberts Bay
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Spearheaded the drainage improvements made on Siesta Drive
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Vital safety features added to the curve on Higel Ave, including speed monitors and signage
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Clean up and Landscaping of the parks on both sides of North Bridge Including the addition of new picnic tables and trees Safety features added to the curve on Higel, including speed monitors and signage
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Driving force in finally Repaving Bay Island Streets
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"Welcome to Bay Island" sign – Original and the New Replacement in 2022
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Continual work with the City via CCNA to create awareness of ongoing City initiatives and get assistance for specific BISA initiatives
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For many years, the Key was accessible only by water. The first bridge to Siesta Key was built in 1917 and replaced in 1927. In 1952 DOT envisioned a massive bridge linking the north end of Siesta Drive to Lido Key. At the time, the Bay Island Siesta Association was ready to disband, but newcomers to the neighborhood galvanized the members to resist the bridge.
Accomplishments: Results that matter
Since the beginning of BISA in 1944, Association members have worked tirelessly to protect and enhance
the quality of life for residents on this part of Siesta Key, Bay Island, the North Bridge and Parks.
North Bridge
Located at the eastern tip of Bay Island with Nora Patterson Bay Island Park on either side is the western side of North Bridge known as the "Gateway to Siesta Key." Before the bridge’s construction, the island was only accessible by boat or ferry.
1917: The First Connection – Bay Bridge
The original bridge was constructed in 1917, providing the first vehicular access to Siesta Key (then known as Sarasota Key). Harry L. Higel, the mayor of Sarasota & vital contributor to the island’s development at the time, was a key proponent of its construction, and he dedicated it on March 2, 1917, as Bay Bridge. The bridge measured 1314 feet long and a scant 16 feet wide.
1927: Upgrading the Bridge – Sarasota Beach Bridge
As the island's popularity grew, the original 1917 bridge was replaced in 1927 with a more substantial structure. It was dedicated to the memory of former Sarasota Mayor Harry L. Higel, “A Beloved Citizen of Sarasota County.” This replacement coincided with the construction of other regional bridges, like the first Stickney Point Bridge to the south.
1972: Modern Reconstruction – North Bridge
The bridge seen today was constructed in 1972 as a replacement for the 1927 span. This version is a bascule-style drawbridge that measures approximately 1,278 feet in length.
* The North Bridge is owned and operated by FDOT.
Sarasota Beach Bridge 1927
North Bridge Today
Nora Patterson Bay Island Park
Located at the eastern tip of Bay Island, Nora Patterson Bay Island Park is a waterfront recreation area known as the "Gateway to Siesta Key." The park’s area was originally several parcels separated by Siesta Drive. Thanks to BISA, they were acquired at different times in the 1970s to prevent private development.
1973: The Northern Side: Nora Patterson Bay Island Park – North
In 1973 to prevent the development of high-rise condominiums on the site, Bay Island Siesta Association (BISA) lobbied for the parcels to be restricted to single-family construction. The developer, E.E. “Gene” Simmons of Bay Island Towers Inc., sued and a fierce legal battle began. The developer finally agreed to sell the land on the north side of Siesta Drive for $60,000 to the BISA members who raised money with the help of the Selby Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota. BISA then immediately donated the land to the City of Sarasota in 1973 for development by the city as a park.
* The City of Sarasota owns and operates Nora Patterson Bay Island Park – North
1975: The Southern Side: Nora Patterson Bay Island Park – South
In 1975, the Second District Court of Appeals in Lakeland effectively killed plans for a 10-story $1.6 million condominium on the south end of the land. Then in 1977, BISA worked with Sarasota County to purchase the southern portion for $120,000. The acquisition secured nearly 2 acres of land on the south side of Siesta Drive at the northern tip of Siesta Key for development as a park.
* Sarasota County currently owns and operates Nora Patterson Bay Island Park – South
2015: Nora Patterson Bay Island Park - Dedication
On Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, a dedication ceremony to celebrate the renaming of the park from Bay Island Park to Nora Patterson Bay Island Park was held. Improvements to the park included the construction of a new sea wall and installation of new benches, fishing rails and signage. Named in honor of former Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson who served as a Sarasota County Commissioner for 16 years for District 4 and a longtime advocate for public water access.