News Briefs

+ Federal agencies issue FONSI for Port Dolphin
Various federal agencies issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Port Dolphin Energy LLC sand source that could be used for an upcoming beach renourishment project. The town will now work to complete a draft lease for the sand by the end of September.

The sand source is located north of Anna Maria Island and is the site where Port Dolphin could place a 42-mile pipeline. Initially, the town opposed the placement because it runs through the sand source, but in 2009 agreed not to object if the company would help remove sand for the island’s next beach renourishment project and help pay for its removal and permitting costs.

The company received a second, one-year extension for the proposed project in March, which means that if it moves forward, the town’s deadline for sand removal would be in June 2014.

+ Sidewalk repairs under way on the Key
Sidewalk repairs are currently underway near Country Club Shores as part of a Florida Department of Transportation maintenance project taking place in locations throughout Sarasota County.

According to an FDOT spokeswoman, the town requested repairs to the sidewalk. Work will continue on the Key as needed for the next two or three weeks.

FDOT estimates the cost of the Longboat Key portion of the project at $24,000.

+ Mom and baby manatee saved
Teams from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and Mote Marine Laboratory used Sarasota Yacht Club’s boat ramp to rescue a mother manatee and her calf.

Rescue efforts took several hours Thursday, July 19.

The injured manatees were taken to Lowry Park Zoo, in Tampa, where they are receiving care.

+ Clarification
Employees enrolled in the Deferred Retirement Option Program at the time their pension plan is frozen would be permitted to complete their term in DROP. The maximum term is 60 months for general employees and 36 months for firefighters and police.

+ Correction
A July 26 obituary should have read that Frances D. Feinberg is survived by daughters Sylvia Zwick and Karen Feinberg.