At a time when waterfront property is becoming increasingly exclusive and increasingly expensive, Sarasota County has a rare opportunity to do something that benefits everyone: preserve public access to our shoreline for generations to come.
Unfortunately, much of the discussion surrounding this project has been driven by manufactured outrage and misinformation.
This does not serve the community. In reality, the facts are straightforward.
The county previously acquired a lot at 162 Beach Road believing it had secured public water access.
After further legal review, it became clear that assumption was incorrect.
There is no public beach or water access across private property.
Solution serves the community
Rather than accept that limitation, a solution was created.
An $11-million Gulf-front property with direct public beach access is being made available to the county in exchange for this small, landlocked county parcel with no water access.
The values of these lots are not remotely comparable, but it serves the community.
And it solves a problem that had prevented meaningful public access from becoming a reality.
The decision to acquire Gulf-front property and create a public beach is not complicated.
Anytime we have an opportunity to convert private waterfront land into public beach access, managed under parks and recreation rules, the entire community benefits.
Public beaches serve residents, visitors and local businesses alike.
They provide families with places to gather, preserve access to our natural resources and enhance the quality of life that makes Siesta Key and Sarasota County such special places to live.
They also support our tourism economy, helping generate the tourist development tax revenue that funds important community investments throughout the county.
Benefits go beyond beachgoers
Simply put, a vote for this land swap is a vote for public beach access.
The benefits extend beyond beachgoers.
A public beach managed by Sarasota County Parks and Recreation rules provides clear rules, oversight, and enforcement mechanisms.
That matters to neighboring property owners, law enforcement officers and visitors alike.
Public access under established park rules helps reduce conflicts and discourages the lawlessness that can occur when access points are unclear or unmanaged.
It is no surprise that neighboring property owners support this effort.
They understand the value of a well-managed public park and recognize the importance of creating responsible access to the shoreline.
Most importantly, acquiring this property is about more than a single parcel of land.
It is about connecting people to hundreds of acres of surrounding public resources and ensuring future generations can experience and appreciate Siesta Key and Sarasota County’s natural beauty.
People do not protect what they do not know.
They do not love what they cannot experience.
If we want lasting environmental stewardship, we must provide opportunities for people to enjoy these places firsthand.
Sarasota County has the opportunity to secure a permanent public beach access, protect a treasured natural resource and create a legacy that will benefit residents and visitors for decades to come.
That is a win worth celebrating.
Michael Holderness is a Siesta Key resident and the owner of several local businesses, including Beachside Management, Siesta Key Beachside Villas and Siesta Beach Resort.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County residents deserve more beach access | Opinion
Reporting by Michael Holderness Guest columnist, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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By Michael Holderness Guest columnist, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
