County to discuss beach accesses Wednesday

The Sarasota County Commission meets today and tomorrow to discuss a variety of countywide topics that include modifications to a Siesta Key beach access and future building heights for county barrier islands.

During its meeting today at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, the commission:

• Approved a Florida Power & Light interconnection that will activate the interconnection of the county-owned photovoltaic system.

• Approved Try Transit Day for the Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) bus system, which offers free rides April 19 on all regular fixed-route buses.

During its 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9 regular meeting in the Administration Center, Commission Chamber, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, the commission will:

• Consider approving an Englewood Recreation Center playground for $110,000, a Pinecraft Park playground for $100,000, and a Newtown Estates Park playground for $100,000.

• Consider approving barrier island building height and setback requirements. Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider an ordinance to allow adopted Critical Area Plans (CAPs) to establish a maximum height and minimum setback on barrier islands, heights along the Intracoastal Waterway, and to establish the maximum height allowed by the adoption of a CAP.

• Consider approving a new beach access point on Siesta Key at Beach Access 12 for service and emergency vehicles.

• Consider approving building and construction requirements in flood-prone areas. Commissioners will discuss recommendations for an ordinance on the market value related to building construction requirements in flood-prone areas.

For more information on the county’s meetings this wee, pick up copies of the Thursday, March 12 Sarasota Observer and Pelican Press.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected]