News Briefs

+ Sarasota issues no-swim advisory for Lido Beach
Sarasota County issued a no-swim advisory for the area around 400 Ben Franklin Drive on North Lido Beach.

The advisory is in effect due to higher than normal levels of entercocci (enteric) bacteria, which can be caused by animal and human waste, stormwater runoff and sewage leaks or spills from failed septic systems, according to a press release from the county.

County staff checked the area and noticed large numbers of shorebirds in the area, along with a line of decaying algae, which provide homes for organisms the birds eat. The proliferation of birds in the area is identified as a possible cause of the entercocci. The recent heavy rains could also be a cause, for they wash pollutants and feces off of the beach into the ocean. As there have been no sewage spills within a one-mile distance of this area, staff believes the bacteria levels are caused by natural sources.

The beach is still open, however, staff urges residents and visitors to avoid water recreation or swimming on North Lido Beach until the bacteria levels go down and the advisory is lifted. Shellfish or crabs caught in the water should not be consumed, but fish from those waters are safe to eat, the release said.

+ Commission to adopt budget Sept. 22
The Longboat Key Town Commission will adopt its 2015 fiscal year budget on second reading and public hearing 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, during a special meeting at Longboat Key Town Hall.

Commissioners approved an operating millage rate of 2.1763 mills, a 0.1003 millage increase over the current rate of 2.0760 mills. That millage increase includes a 0.0862 mill increase in the general fund to pay for pension costs and a 0.141 millage increase to reach a 90-day operating fund policy level. The increase will generate an additional $954,397 in tax revenue.

+ Plymouth Harbor takes steps to honor first responders
Joining with firemen from Central Florida, the Suncoast FOOLS firefighters gathered Saturday, at Plymouth Harbor, to pay homage to the fallen heroes of Sept. 11. The event began with the Honor Guard presenting the colors on the east lawn, followed by a welcome from FOOLS Vice President Chris Kelly. Retired FDNY firefighter Garrett Lindgren spoke before the stair climb to honor the heroes began. Firefighters, families and the residents of Plymouth Harbor enjoyed a picnic following the climb.

Meetings & agendas
Town Commission special budget meeting — 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22

Urban Land Institute Implementation Advisory Committee meeting — 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2

Town Commission regular meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6

Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting — 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.