If you spend time on Lido Beach in Sarasota, you might notice some new activity on the sand this month. The City of Sarasota is starting a dune restoration project on September 21st, with equipment possibly arriving as early as September 14th. Crews will place about 3,000 cubic yards of sand to rebuild more than a mile of dunes along the shoreline, then plant Florida-friendly vegetation to secure everything in place.
The good news for local beach lovers is that public access to Lido Beach will not be affected during the project. You can still enjoy your regular beach days while the work happens around you. These dunes play a critical role in protecting the barrier island from waves, erosion, and flooding during storms, and they also provide important habitat for local wildlife like nesting birds.
This is the kind of infrastructure work that often goes unnoticed until a hurricane threatens our coast. The restored dunes will help safeguard homes, businesses, and the natural beauty that draws so many of us to the Suncoast. Have you noticed the dunes looking different after recent storms, and do you think this restoration is enough to prepare for the next big one? Let us know what you think.
