Debby leaves behind bigger Beer Can Island

Tropical Storm Debby left behind more than just floods and debris.

The three-day storm left behind a bigger Greer Island (aka Beer Can Island) as the result of sand around North Shore Road shifting north, causing the popular stretch of beach to extend further into Longboat Pass.
Beer Can Island falls within town limits but is a Manatee County park.

The expansion of dry sand during low tide brings the edge of the island next to an area with strong currents.
Longboat Key Acting Police Chief Pete Cumming and Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi wrote in an email to Manatee County public safety officials that their departments’ marine units would be more attentive to the area.

Manatee County staff placed warning signs in the area on Tuesday.

For more information, pick up a July 12 copy of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].