SKA talks trash again

One downside of the resurgent economy is more litter on public and private beaches, Siesta Key beachgoers have found.

But trash cans are staying where they are, near beach access points, far from the water and open beach areas.

Siesta Key Association members discussed the subject of beach trash at a Sept. 3 meeting, after receiving a response to a letter they had forwarded to Sarasota County commissioners on behalf of a member.

In her response, Parks and Recreation Director Carolyn Brown explained why trash cans must remain well upland of the waterline on the county’s public beaches, pointing to the eyesores overflowing cans create and the burden of moving cans in anticipation of storm surge.

Brown, as well as Beach and Water Park Access Manager George Tatge, cited a host of other issues, including dangers to nesting birds and turtles and the danger of attracting animals, such as coyotes.

“The rules and regulations make perfect sense,” said Catherine Luckner, vice president of SKA.

Tatge said Siesta Key public beach is cleaned — usually weekly and sometimes more often — by a raking device and tractor, and staff checks beaches for egregious litter each day and checks trash cans several times per day. And there is little they can do about garbage on private beaches.

There, locals armed with garbage bags patrol the shores as they walk or exercise, but can only do so much.

Several beach cleanups are organized each year by various groups, as well but many hope for a more reliable solution.

To address the issue, the SKA will have a private board workshop this month to discuss solutions, such as education and outreach programs.