SKVA to discuss Big Pass dredging, beach improvements

Siesta Beach improvements and a controversial plan to dredge Big Pass for Lido Beach sand will top the agenda at Tuesday’s Siesta Key Village Association meeting.

SKVA President Cheryl Gaddie will lead Tuesday’s forum, which is open to the public, to discuss these hot topics and others affecting Siesta Key businesses and residents.

The ongoing Siesta Beach improvement project is meant to increase and improve parking and pedestrian access, upgrade and expand recreational opportunities and facilities, and restore the public beach’s historic pavilion built in the 1950s. A county official will provide the association with an update on the status of the project.

The stormwater improvement project, intended to improve the quality of stormwater drained from the Siesta Public Beach Park before it flows into the Gulf of Mexico, will also be up for discussion.

Also on the agenda is a project to mine Big Pass for Lido Beach renourishment sand. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented the estimated $22.7 million project to the public for the first time at County Coastal Advisory meeting last month.

Area lawmakers and residents have expressed concerns about three erosion control jetties, known as groins, which are included in the project’s plans. The groins are intended to slow the rate of Lido Beach erosion, and increase the time interval between beach renourishment projects.

Other topics on the agenda include:

• The Crystal Classic.
• Update on outdoor display rules for Siesta Key vendors.
• Sheriff’s crime report and discussion of any trends.
• Halloween on the Key.
• SKA Board Member Michael Shay will discuss a recycling initiative.

The October Siesta Key Village Association is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Oct. 1, at the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, 5250 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key.

Residents can call 349-2770 ext. 227 for more information.

Contact Nolan Peterson at [email protected]