Longboat Key Letters to the Editor

Lido Beach deserves attention

I am writing as a full-time resident of St. Armands Key. I consider Lido Key to be a wonderful neighbor, a formidable economic engine for the city and county of Sarasota, and a very pleasant place to live nearby.

I am appalled at the county’s recent reversal of its decision to move ahead with the renourishment of Lido Beach. This discussion has gone on for 10 years or more and has met with setback after setback, and study after study. The County Commission’s surprise decision was just another delay in the long, drawn-out process. It appears to me that the county is fearful of making any decision that involves controversy.

I read the Tuesday meeting agenda, I read the minutes, and I watched the online video. What I found disturbing was that the topic appeared on the agenda under “reports” and that there was no indication that a motion or vote would result. In our Sunshine State, where no governmental body can lift a finger without the topic and intent being “noticed” and public input being solicited beforehand, I find it interesting that the County Commission would make a decision of such magnitude with so little public information. It seemed like the decision was made on the fly. The Sunshine Law might frown upon that.

Discussion on the topic was relatively brief given its scope and impact. I didn’t hear any substantive discussion around the basis behind the years of studies leading to a FONSI (finding of no significant impact) recommendation by the Army Corps of Engineers. Instead, I heard discussion on a temporary project staging area to be placed on county property. I then heard some concern that the city could simply move the staging site and circumvent county jurisdiction, which signaled to me that there is genuine distrust of the city of Sarasota by the County Commission. Not a good thing.

I heard concern over the repercussions the project could have for Siesta Key and that residents had been very vocal against the project. Under the consent agenda section earlier, there seemed to be no problem approving a change order for additional funds for the South Siesta Key Beach Restoration Phase II Project, in the amount of $668,315.86 (without an Environmental Impact Study?). That all seems to me to be playing of favorites. I wonder if it’s because Lido HASN’T publicly talked about bringing a lawsuit.

I certainly understand that Siesta Key is a major economic provider for Sarasota County. I love the place, I love to go there, and I wish the island every success.

But when I see a months-long parade of trucks hauling sand through St. Armands Circle destined for Longboat Key beaches and see the county approve ADDITIONAL funds to renourish a growing Siesta Key beach, I have to wonder why nothing is being done for Lido Key. It is a very special place, too. Dr. Beach should visit there before it erodes away.

I feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place as Sarasota, but I am very, very disappointed with our County Commission.

Kevin Bales

Sarasota