Beach project update coming

Sarasota County Public Works Director Jim Harriott today will discuss the $21.4 million Siesta Key beach improvements planned for 2017 at the last Sarasota County Commission budget workshop before the 2013 fiscal year budget is adopted.

The topic will surface in Harriott’s discussion about Sarasota County’s ongoing capital improvement program, which will also include commentary about a master pump station on Siesta Key.

One project that will likely generate more conversation than previously expected is the new water main planned to connect Siesta Key and Casey Key. The $1.13 million project for which the county has already secured required permitting for is facing delays after three Casey Key residents indicated they would block the contractor on the project from reaching the work site.

For a full story on the budget workshop pick up a copy of the Aug. 23 issue of the Pelican Press. For live updates log on to twitter.com/thepelicanpress.