Lido Beach is is recognized as on of the 'Best Restored Beaches of 2009'

Lido Beach named of the best restored beaches

Posted: May 18, 2009 10:18 AM

Updated: May 18, 2009 10:18 AM

SARASOTA - Lido Beach is being recognized as one of the Best Restored Beaches for 2009 by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association. 

"We are honored our preservation and enhancement efforts at Lido Beach have been recognized as some of the best in the nation," said Mayor Richard Clapp.  "Our beaches are very important to both our residents and our visitors.  This terrific restoration project is appreciated by all of us."

Portions of Lido Beach are now 150 - 200 yards wider, following the renourishment project, which began in February 2009 and concluded in April 2009.  The project pumped more than 600,000 tons of pristine white sand from nearby Big Pass onto Lido Key, restoring the beach to the condition it was prior to the damaging 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons.   "We're so happy," said Karen Rangel, Sales Director at the Lido Beach Resort.  "I can't believe this is our beach because it's changed so dramatically.  It's wonderful.  It's exciting.  We see all the potential we have in the future," said Rangel.

The potential is for the new renourished Lido Beach to serve as an economic engine, attracting tourists who patronize nearby shops and eateries.  To receive a federal grant for the beach renourishment project, the City of Sarasota had to provide an economic justification.  Collaborating with the Army Corps of Engineers, it was determined that for each dollar spent on Lido Beach restoration, the Sarasota community would receive   $4.60 - $8.10 in return.  The restoration project cost $4.6 million, translating into a potential economic impact of $21 million - $37 million.

Funding sources for the project included:  Federal grant for $2.34 million; State of Florida grant for $1 million; and Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax dollars totaling $1.27 million.

Six other restored beaches, including two in Florida, are being honored by the ASBPA as one of the Best Restored Beaches:  Fire Island, NY; South Padre Island, TX; Marine Park - Bellingham, WA; St. Joseph Peninsula, FL; Encinitas, CA; Duval County, FL.