Update on Shell Beach (Siesta Key Beach Access #1) from Sarasota County

From our Sarasota County Manager of Parks Recreation and Natural Resources ~ "The rocks that were recently placed on the beach were part of a City of Sarasota maintenance/repair project. The waterline that crosses under Big Pass and aligns with North Shell Rd. was damaged during the 2024 hurricanes. Some of the damage was near the water’s edge, was repaired, and rocks placed to stabilize and protect the pipe. Sarasota County does have a potential project planned to replace the ADA parking space and other improvements to the beach access. However, we are currently awaiting guidance from FEMA on whether they will reimburse the costs associated with the repairs. Parks staff was on site yesterday evaluating the area and they did remove dead vegetation adjacent to the bayou.

The contractor that was awarded the Sarasota County storm recovery contract for north county parks has submitted pre-construction proposals for multiple park facilities. A contract amendment is in progress that includes ten parks and will support both pre-construction (design) and targeted construction-only services. The amendment includes services to address damages at Siesta Beach, Siesta Key Beach Access #1, Siesta Key Beach Access #7, Siesta Key Beach Access #12, Nora Patterson Bay Island Park, Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach, Turtle Beach, Turtle Beach Campground, Osprey Fishing Pier, and West Bay Street Park. Once the amendment is finalized, we anticipate that the Siesta Key Beach Access #1 and Nora Patterson Bay Island projects will proceed to design. Since we have not moved into the design phase it is difficult to provide a timeline for construction."