Big Pass dredge plans on SKA agenda

Siesta Key Association members tomorrow evening will have a chance to question aspects of a major beach nourishment project that could affect the barrier island.

Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city of Sarasota will present plans to renourish Lido Beach with sand dredged from Big Pass, and install three sand-trapping structures called groins on Lido. Proponents of the $22 million project claim the beach has become "critically eroded."

But, some Siesta residents have questioned the scope of studies used to justify the project. Critics of the renourishment say dredging Big Pass and installing groins on Lido could negatively affect Siesta by speeding up erosion.

SKA board members voted in August to commission an independent review of the Corps' plans.

"(Certain parts of Lido Beach) don't appear to be critically eroded at all," said SKA board member Peter van Roekens during a Dec. 3 Siesta Key Village Association meeting.

IF YOU GO
What: Siesta Key Association  meeting
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5
Where: St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta