Florida Beach Declares State of Emergency Following Severe Erosion

June 4, 2018
Lido Beach of Sarasota, Fla., sustained erosion damages during Subtropical Storm Alberto

A local state of emergency has been declared for Lido Beach in Sarasota, Fla., following severe erosion. The beach had previously suffered erosion problems, with the situation exacerbated by Subtropical Storm Alberto which hit during Memorial Day weekend. Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin and a Florida Department of Environmental Protection official issued the state of emergency following an extensive walking inspection of the eroded beach, according to My Sun Coast.

As a coastal tourist town, Sarasota residents face concerns over economic losses caused by the beach erosion. The Herald-Tribune reported the concession stand at Lido Beach Pool and Pavilion has already suffered economic losses and other local businesses may face repercussions as tourists turn to surrounding towns.

Moving forward, the city will work to restore the beach and property owners are able to petition the city for sandbags to help protect their land.

“The next step is to continue to collaborate with our residents and partners at the county, state and federal levels to restore and protect our beautiful, protective shoreline on Florida’s west coast,” Barwin said.