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Board hears FEMA and maintenance updates as several shoreline-impacted parks remain partially closed
Summary
Staff reported that most city parks are open but three remain closed for shoreline damage; FEMA reimbursement is on hold pending federal Department of Homeland Security status, and beach renourishment at Lido is progressing with a delayed ribbon-cutting.
Staff told the Park, Recreation and Environmental Advisory Board that most city parks are open and restored after recent damage, but three remain closed because of extensive shoreline damage and ongoing repairs.
Juan DePazos, landscape general manager (via staff report), said Ernest Dock, Eloise Whirlon Park and Indian Beach Park will remain closed because their shorelines require repair; parts of Bird Key Park, Ken Thompson Park and Whitaker Gateway Park remain partially closed around damaged shorelines while contractors work on repairs. Staff said fencing will be reinstalled where damage remains and that the parks are otherwise open outside fenced areas.
Board members said FEMA reimbursement is in limbo while the Department of Homeland Security is shut down, meaning there was no active FEMA movement at the time of the meeting and no timeline for reimbursement or contractor mobilization. "We're just in limbo until FEMA reopens," a staff member said.
Separately, the board received a progress update on Lido beach renourishment. Staff said sand is being sourced from the new pass between Longboat and Sarasota; work has been delayed enough to postpone a planned ribbon-cutting but is expected to finish before turtle season.
Board members also discussed routine maintenance concerns, neighborhood volunteer stewardship pilots for invasive-plant removal and a turtle platform pilot at Arlington Pond to provide a sunning spot for turtles and lessen dog interactions.
What happens next: staff will continue shoreline repairs under public-works-managed contracts, monitor FEMA and federal processes for potential reimbursement, and report status updates to the board at future meetings.
