County commission approves new pipeline

The Sarasota County Commission unanimously approved Wednesday, May 23, a coastal variance that would allow the construction of a new water main pipeline interconnection between Siesta Key and Casey Key.

The new connection, which faces commission approval June 5, would eliminate future water disruptions that occur because of the current pipe that’s outlived its lifespan and is leaking.

A new pipeline route, which is simpler to operate than the current pipeline, would be built 35 feet underground. It would connect the south end of Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key to the north end of Casey Key Road across the Palmer Point Park property at 1800 N. Casey Key Road on Casey Key.

The 10-inch water main and 2,700 feet of linear pipeline will be installed using a directional drilling method, and the project is not expected to impact the native habitat. Coral Springs-based Arrow Directional Boring Inc. is the recommended contractor for the project, which has a proposed cost of $1.1 million, according to a spokeswoman for Sarasota County Public Works.

If approved by commissioners, construction of the pipeline is expected to begin in late June or early July and conclude in late October.

Sarasota County Commissioner and Siesta Key resident Nora Patterson complimented staff on negotiating easements over the last two years to make the project possible.

“It’s a benefit to (Siesta Key and Casey Key) because when there’s a water leak along Midnight Pass Road, staff can’t repair it without shutting everybody’s water off for a day,” Patterson said. “This project provides a safeguard for all residents.”

City Editor Kurt Schultheis contributed to this report.