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Commissioners approve cantilevered seawall at two Casey Key properties; plan includes dune restoration
Summary
The board unanimously approved a coastal setback variance to allow a 312-foot cantilevered steel sheet-pile seawall and dune restoration at two North Casey Key addresses after staff and neighbors discussed turtle nesting and shoreline compatibility.
Sarasota County commissioners on April 8 approved a coastal setback variance allowing construction of a 312-foot-long cantilevered steel sheet-pile seawall up to 54 feet seaward of the back-of-beach setback line at two North Casey Key properties, with conditions to preserve beach area and sea-turtle nesting habitat.
Applicant and opponents Property owners and their attorney presented the variance request and design materials; one nearby property owner and planning consultant Brian Lichterman spoke in opposition, saying the seawall could worsen erosion at adjacent parcels and might affect a recorded beach easement. The applicant’s representatives said the design ties into existing riprap and includes dune replanting and nourishment to support sea-turtle habitat.
Staff and board considerations Planning and Development Services staff recommended approval conditioned on construction tying into adjacent riprap and implementing beach restoration and dune vegetation. Commissioners discussed sea-turtle nesting protections and impact on public beach access.
Board action and conditions The board voted unanimously to approve the coastal setback variance, with the expectation that standard environmental protections and beach-restoration measures — including dune plantings — will be implemented as conditions of permit approval.
