Town, county commissioners study Longboat Pass issues

The Longboat Pass Inlet Management Study suggests that a single terminal groin on Beer Can Island and two permeable adjustable groins are key parts of the solution to stopping the southward movement of Longboat Pass and stopping north-end erosion.

Longboat Key commissioners had already heard the technical reasons why Coastal Planning & Engineering Inc., which conducted the jointly funded study, recommends construction of the groins in conjunction with many other steps, such as extending an Anna Maria Island groin and dredging a cut of the pass. Town commissioners heard the results of the study in a November workshop and reached consensus to direct town staff to proceed with the permitting process for the structures, which takes at least a year, but didn’t commit to building the structure.

But for Manatee County commissioners, a joint meeting held Tuesday, Feb. 14, with the town commission was the first time the study was formally presented.

Commissioners from both boards, along with members of the public, had concerns about the structures.
Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash worried that stakeholders for the project — including beachgoers and boaters on Beer Can Island — have been left out of the process. He also worried about the impact of groin construction on nearby wildlife. About a half-dozen residents of Longbeach Condominium, located near the proposed site of two groins, attended the meeting to express concerns about the impacts on their properties.

But some commissioners had concerns about the amount of time being spent on the discussion — particularly because of the threat of erosion to 360 North Condominium.

“We can model until the cows come home around here but we have homes that are going to be in the beach,” Commissioner Lynn Larson said, pointing out that other alternatives, such as sand placement, had not been effective. “It’s time to make a decision.”

Although the study calls for the simultaneous construction of all three structures, Longboat Key Public Works Director Juan Florensa told the commissions that the town will seek flexibility when it comes to permitting.
Because Tuesday’s meeting was a work session, commissioners couldn’t vote or give staff direction. However, in March, county staff will seek direction from commissioners to proceed with the final design and permitting of the study’s recommendations.