SIESTA KEY - The economy has impacted many Suncoast businesses, but business owners in Siesta Key Village say the economy and construction work has really affected their bottom line.
If you drive through Siesta Village, you can't help but notice the construction work. Some businesses owners say it's causing people to bypass their doors during what is supposed to be the start of the busy tourist season.
The road construction work seems to be putting a wrench in people's plans. Crews are in the middle of a $5.2 million beautification project -- burying power lines, adding brick sidewalks and landscaping.
But business owners say it is less than appealing. "It had slowed down a little bit, but I think it is mainly because part of the construction that blocks some of the sidewalks," says Mike Granthon of the Hub Baja Grill.
The sidewalks seem to just disappear, and the construction work is literally up to the door of some businesses. Normally at the Hub Baja Grill, managers say customers would have to wait in line to be seated. Now: no wait. "It is hindering a little bit of business."
And it is the same at The Lobster Pot. Getting a seat is no problem. "We'll get phone calls asking where to park. They are concerned about the construction itself...how to get around," says Tony Medeiros.
Some customers are taking advantage of the ample seating, but businesses owners say they want customers to know they are open and ready to serve.
"It's going to be a 100% opposite of this...looks like a bomb went off. It is going to look beautiful," says Medeiros.
County workers say the construction project is moving right along, and soon they will be doubling up on construction crews. The entire project is set to be completed in April.
Some business owners we spoke with wondered why this work had to be done during the busiest time of the season. County officials say there was no way not to impact the season.
The vice president of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce says construction will disappear for a short time. We are now told construction in The Village will stop this Sunday morning and not resume until January 6th. That means all construction materials will be removed and the road through the village will be clear for shoppers and drivers alike.
