Beach Update

From Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin

Lido Beach - Update    Since last week, we've made good progress working with Florida Department of Environmental Protection to cut the red tape for Lido Key property owners to help get sandbags placed on the beach to protect private property. The City will be placing sandbags at key locations to help protect public infrastructure, if necessary, in a storm event.  

 

FDEP is modifying its own rules and allowing twice the standard amount of sand -- from 300  

	An example of trap bags.

cubic yards up to 600 cubic yards per property -- which is greatly appreciated.  The sand must be from an FDEP-approved beach quality source.  Also, much longer and larger bags, known as trap bags, are being permitted at some locations through Tallahassee on a case-by-case basis.  We've petitioned FDEP to authorize its regional office in Fort Myers to consider these permits rather than Tallahassee, and we're awaiting their decision.   

 

The Public Works Department has a limited number of trap bags from Hurricane Irma prep and we plan to place them around the concession and pool area soon to slow down possible damage. 

 

Our Emergency Manager, Todd Kerkering, is overseeing the day-to-day situation with the beach erosion and is keeping residents informed on the very latest as far as what FDEP is allowing.   

 

For information and clarifications, please contact Todd Kerkering: 941-363-5811.