Residents party on Big Pass in opposition of dredging

Save Our Siesta Sand 2 hosts Party on the Pass 2016 to increase opposition for dredging.

  • By Amanda Morales
  • | 4:55 p.m. August 21, 2016
  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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The sandbar on Big Pass is a popular spot for boaters on the weekends. 

Sunday was particularly packed for Party on the Pass 2016.

Last year more than 400 boaters and residents crowded the sandbar according to event organizer and Siesta Key resident Rich Schineller. This year saw a smaller crowd with an estimated 100 boats and personal watercraft according to Schineller. 

The event was hosted to support Save Our Siesta Sand 2, a group opposed to the proposed dredging of Big Pass. 

“We’ve got to take more decisive action against dredging Big Pass,” Schineller said. 

In July SOSS 2 began organizing support to take legal action against the city of Sarasota and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

This year’s event also brought attention to another issue facing Siesta Key neighbors to reopen a portion of Beach Road. Siesta Key resident Mike Cosentino filed a legal complaint against Sarasota County after commissioners voted to vacate the portion of Beach Road in May. 

Cosentino docked a boat advertising his cause to reopen a portion of Beach Road. He set up a tent on one of the sandbars for attendees to sign charter amendment petitions forms. 

His goal is to have 15,000 petitions signed by Sept. 3 to include it on November ballot. 

Residents came by boat and personal watercraft for the second Party on the Pass hosted by Save Our Siesta Sand 2 a group in opposition to the dredging of Big Pass.
Residents came by boat and personal watercraft for the second Party on the Pass hosted by Save Our Siesta Sand 2 a group in opposition to the dredging of Big Pass.
Party on the Pass Organizer Rick Schineller estimates at least 100 boats and watercraft were docked at the Big Pass sandbar.
Party on the Pass Organizer Rick Schineller estimates at least 100 boats and watercraft were docked at the Big Pass sandbar.
Sarasota Police Department was on patrol in Big Pass Sunday afternoon.
Sarasota Police Department was on patrol in Big Pass Sunday afternoon.
Siesta Key resident Mike Cosentino docked his boat advertising his initiative to reopen a portion of Beach Road.
Siesta Key resident Mike Cosentino docked his boat advertising his initiative to reopen a portion of Beach Road.
Devon Walcott and Rob Alfieri paddle up to Party on the Pass Sunday afternoon.
Devon Walcott and Rob Alfieri paddle up to Party on the Pass Sunday afternoon.
Boats, paddleboards and kayaks all pulled up to the sandbar on Big Pass Sunday afternoon for the second Party on the Pass.
Boats, paddleboards and kayaks all pulled up to the sandbar on Big Pass Sunday afternoon for the second Party on the Pass.
Mike Cosentino explains to Party on the Pass attendees the process for reopening a portion of Beach Road on Siesta Key.
Mike Cosentino explains to Party on the Pass attendees the process for reopening a portion of Beach Road on Siesta Key.
Priscilla Savage fills out a charter amendment petition form to reopen a portion of Beach Road on Siesta Key.
Priscilla Savage fills out a charter amendment petition form to reopen a portion of Beach Road on Siesta Key.
Susy Reis fills out a charter amendment petition form to reopen a portion of Beach Road on Siesta Key.
Susy Reis fills out a charter amendment petition form to reopen a portion of Beach Road on Siesta Key.
Mike Cosentino asks Party on the Pass attendees to consider signing the charter amendment petition to reopen a portion of Beach Road on Siesta Key.
Mike Cosentino asks Party on the Pass attendees to consider signing the charter amendment petition to reopen a portion of Beach Road on Siesta Key.
Big Pass looking east toward Downtown Sarasota.
Big Pass looking east toward Downtown Sarasota.
Party on the Pass Organizer Rick Schineller estimates at least 100 boats and watercraft were docked at the Big Pass sandbar.
Party on the Pass Organizer Rick Schineller estimates at least 100 boats and watercraft were docked at the Big Pass sandbar.

 

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