Big Pass dredge opponents bolster legal pull

Save Our Siesta Sand 2 is preparing to battle for the protection of Siesta Key beaches during the proposed dredging of Big Pass to renourish Lido Key.

Peter van Roekens, chairman for SOSS2, an organization established to protect Siesta Key and its beaches, announced at today’s Siesta Key Village Association meeting that SOSS2 had partnered with the Florida Wildlife Federation to receive and give funding, and also seek legal counsel. Although SOSS2 has sought advice from the federation before, the official partnership launched Friday, Jan. 23.

The Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF) is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, with a mission to educate the public and help protect Florida’s natural habitats, fish and wildlife. It has more than 14,000 members state-wide.

“They have top-notch lawyers… highly involved in wildlife issues,” van Roekens said.

Both organizations are displaying their partnerships on their respective websites.

SOSS2 is collecting funding for possible legal action against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, should the redesign of the groins on Lido Key still prove a threat to Siesta. The organization also wants a detailed environmental impact statement on the dredge’s effect on Siesta from the Corps.

The goal is $50,000, and they have a little less than half of that funding, van Roekens said. Best Western Plus, Siesta Key Village Association and Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce ranked as the top donors, giving $5,000 or more to the effort.

At this point, there’s no definite course of action – they haven’t decided to sue. But they’re waiting for the FWF’s recommendation after the corps’ redesign is finalized.