Residents party on Big Pass in opposition of dredging

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.