Board hears update on Lido Beach renourishment; city staff working with county on South Lido enforcement

Board member Carl Schoelson reported that the Lido Beach renourishment project is scheduled to start toward the end of the year with completion anticipated by April and that the scope will move sand from New Pass to rebuild dunes and beach north and south of the public beach. Schoelson said the city is coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under a longer‑term agreement: "we're on a 15 year permit, 50 year deal with them," he said, describing the Corps role in permitting and long‑term shoreline management.

Schoelson said the city expects an information presentation in October and that the Lido Key Residents Association will also receive a presentation. He asked that the board and staff plan to hear a fuller update at the next meeting.

The board also received an extended report on South Lido/Ted Sperling Park, which is owned by Sarasota County but located inside the city. Board members described recurring public‑safety and nuisance complaints including noise, jet skis and boats beaching near swimmers, informal parking and picnic table placement following hurricane washouts, and heavy weekend use that has produced long traffic lines. The board said it has met twice with the city attorney to pursue revised park rules intended to increase city enforcement presence; the city attorney is engaged in discussions with county staff to rewrite park rules so city police can better enforce conduct on the site.

Board members said the County Commission is slated to discuss South Lido/Ted Sperling Park at an upcoming county meeting on October 21; staff said they will update the board after that meeting. Board members discussed the long‑term possibility of returning management or ownership to the city but characterized that as aspirational and not an imminent action. No formal vote or transfer of authority occurred at the board meeting.