South sand project going smoothly

By John Morton

It’s so far, so good for the $8.2 million South Siesta Beach Repair Project, as smooth sailing is the report from Carolyn Eastwood, the director of Sarasota County’s capital projects.

“Everything is moving along as planned,” Eastwood said.

Only one day of bad weather has emerged since the project’s April 24 inception, it coming on Sunday, April 30 as strong winds and waves crashed Turtle Beach, home of the worksite. But Eastwood said no significant sand loss occurred.

Otherwise, as of the middle of May the dumping of about 25,000 cubic yards of sand had occurred on the beach during the first three weeks. At that roughly 8,333 cubic-yardsper-week average, with a June 30 deadline in mind, the pace would bring the total to about 85,000 cubic yards being in place. That’s about 10,000 cubic yards shy of the 95,000 cubic yards needed to facilitate the beach’s needs.

In 2016, a renourishment of the area saw a major setback when Hurricane Hermine washed away a portion of the new sand, necessitating today’s project.

As of now, about 65 trucks continue to make two round trips per day back and forth from agenda.

The Ways & Means Committee’s vicechairman happens to be state Rep. James Buchanan, the Osprey resident and former Siesta Key resident who represents District 74. As a member of the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation, he twice voted against the local incorporation effort -- in January 2022 when he cited a lack of money in the proposed budget for infrastructure in what would be a 3-3 vote in defeat, and again in January 2023 as the lone no vote when he cited his lack of comfort with the island’s proximity to the city of Sarasota in what would be a 3-1 vote in favor of the bill moving forward.

Did Buchanan play a role in keeping the bill off the committee’s agenda?

He was asked that question by the Siesta Sand in an email but had not responded by press time.

Continued on page 16

Page 9

Midnight Pass gets $1 million

Happiness Is…Knowing the Future

Okay, maybe not knowing the actual future…but knowing that the future is in good hands. Jerry and Jill Williams, the owners of Abel’s Ice Cream, are excited about this year’s graduating class, and they are certain the future is bright.They’re proud to present this year’s graduating seniors.

Liam, whose favorite flavor is Caramel Caribou, will be a marketing major at Auburn University. He’s also going to be a collegiate swimmer. Addie favorite flavor is Birthday Cake, and she is headed to Savannah,

GA to study art and design with the dream of becoming an artist.

Bella’s favorite flavor is Elephant Ears and is headed to Idaho to learn the welding trade and is focused on becoming a singer.

Maggie, a bigtime Cookie Dough fan, will be attending the University of Northwestern Ohio to play tennis on scholarship and major in Business Administration. Last but not least, Samantha has received her first degree and will continuing her schooling in English Literature. Her favorite flavor is Purple Daze.

Pop in when you can and congratulate these superstars on their successes and encourage them to change the world for good.While you’re there, grab a cup or cone of your favorite summertime ice cream flavor.

Abel’s is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at our website, www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Citizen’s

ar-REST! Citizen’s arREST!

It was 60 years ago when Jim Nabors chased Barney Fife down the streets of Mayberry, telling the world he was taking matters into his own hands. Google it if you don’t remember this episode of the Andy Griffith Show – it’s a classic.

But an antiquated notion? No, not at all, if you plan to join the S.S.S. In fact, you should practice bellowing out those very words, as it will be your battle cry.

If C. Everett Koop was here, I’d have him and Woodsy Owl ride in on Joe Camel for this one.

Folks, with a smoking ban finally coming to life on Siesta Key’s public beaches (see article on page 6), enforcement will have to come from us all. And the Siesta Smokeout Squadron will be front and center, serving as the community’s watchdog. Remember how the Guardian Angels practiced vigilantism in the late ‘70s on the New York City subways? We’re talking about the same thing here –but don’t worry, you won’t be forced to wear one of those silly raspberry berets for which they were known. No, I was thinking more along the lines of magenta.

Now, as much as I’d love to give violators a good swift kick in the ashtray, this will have to be done without violence. Last year, when the Florida Legislature voted to allow local governments to enforce such a ban, I suggested the creation