© 2025 WGCU News
PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Beach Erosion Is A Two-Part Problem For Sarasota

Tom Barwin (left) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection representative Kelly Cramer inspect Lido Beach following Subtropical Storm Alberto in late May.
City of Sarasota
Tom Barwin (left) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection representative Kelly Cramer inspect Lido Beach following Subtropical Storm Alberto in late May.

Even though Subtropical Storm Alberto only brushed the coast of Florida last month, at least one of its beaches experienced some significant damage.

Lido Beach, a popular tourist spot in Sarasota, was under a state of emergency due to beach erosion.

"Tropical force winds were not really consistent," Tom Barwin, the City Manager of Sarasota said. "The rain was not heavy, but the Gulf of Mexico was really churned up and it took a good seven to eight feet of beach." WUSF's Sam Newlon reports on efforts by the city of Sarasota to renourish Lido Beach following Subtropical Storm Alberto.

During the storm, the surf was consistently pounding the sand on Lido Beach. Barwin said such beach erosion can lead to a variety of problems.

The immediate issue is increased potential for flooding in public and private property, but the other is more cause for environmental concern.

"This beach erosion is taking a serious toll on sea-turtle nesting and some of our summertime bird breeding," Barwin said.

The city is seeking funding from the state to help fix the problem. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has pledged $3.3 million to renourish Lido Beach.

Sarasota was permitted to dredge up to 1.3 million cubic yards of sand to restore the beach, which is about 86,000 full dump trucks. Barwin said the city doesn't plan to use all that allotment, but it aims to renourish Lido Beach at least 100 feet into the Gulf of Mexico.

Copyright 2020 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7. To see more, visit WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7.

Sam Newlon interning as a WUSF/USF Zimmerman School digital news reporter for spring 2018.
Trusted by over 30,000 local subscribers

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning

Quick briefs when you are busy, deeper explainers when it matters, delivered early morning and curated by WGCU editors.

  • Environment
  • Local politics
  • Health
  • And more

Free and local. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

More from WGCU
  • Gray Catbirds are in a bird family known as the “Mimidae” – because they mimic other birds, other animals, and even mechanical sounds. Other members of their family in Florida include the Brown Thrasher and the Northern Mockingbird – two excellent mimics that we often see and hear year-round as they feed, sing, and nest in relatively open vegetation. They often mimic the vocalizations of other bird species and it has been suggested that their mimicry may send the message that the area is crowded – and cause other birds to search for food elsewhere.
  • Residents and visitors once again may enjoy convenient, stress-free travel to some of Lee County’s most popular destinations as LeeTran resumes free seasonal trolley and tram services. Connectivity and timing improvements made to other LeeTran routes.
  •  As the nation prepares to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites Floridians to reflect on the people and places that shaped the nation’s story and the service members who have safeguarded it. On Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, Florida State Parks will offer free admission for all visitors to recognize and thank those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.