Debby erodes south Siesta

Sarasota County Coastal Resources Manager Laird Wreford, who also directs post-disaster planning, June 27 told the Pelican Press Tropical Storm Debby caused sand and dune loss on southern Siesta Key Beaches.

It is difficult to estimate how much erosion Turtle Beach suffered this soon after the storm, Wreford explained. But, he said it currently looks like losses range from 20- to 60- feet of sand.

“As the surf (off of Siesta Key beaches) continues to subside it will give a better picture of any erosion issues,” said Sarasota County Recovery Chief Scott Montgomery. “What remains to be seen is the sand captured by near-shore sandbars,” Wreford said. That sediment can be easily swept back to shore. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed on that,” he said.

Sarasota County is eligible for federal aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after Sarasota County Commissioners, Tuesday, June 24, voted unanimously to declare a local state of emergency. Beach erosion would be eligible for federal funds, especially in places like Turtle Beach, which was already in line for renourishment to be completed by 2015, Wreford said.