County to celebrate completion of South Siesta Key Beach renourishment
SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County will host a celebration for the recently completed South Siesta Key Beach renourishment project at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 13.
The project, the second of two phases, added more than a million tons of sand dredged from three areas located seven to 10 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. It provides increased erosion and storm protection for public and private property on about two miles of shoreline.
The $21.5 million project was funded primarily by Tourist Development Tax funds, as well as a state beach grant and assessments of gulf-front private residences within the project area.
“Renourishment projects like this one help protect our community from the threat of coastal erosion,” said Sarasota County Chairman Alan Maio. “Our board has made a major commitment to funding renourishment projects that will preserve the beaches that make our community so special.”
The renourishment, which was approved by county commissioners in 2011, required several years of planning and coordination by the project team through the state and federal permitting process, as well as design and construction. The work was completed last month, in time for the start of sea turtle nesting season.
“This was a major undertaking by our county staff involving many different departments,” said Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer. “It also would not have been possible without the support of the community, as well as the leadership from our Board of County Commissioners.”
Monday’s celebration will feature remarks and participation by county officials, South Siesta Key residents and other community stakeholders, followed by a ceremonial tossing of sand in lieu of a traditional ribbon-cutting. The event is free to attend, and refreshments will be served.
The event will be held on the beach at Turtle Beach Park, 8862 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota.
For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.
