Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/100825
LOOKING BACK YEAR IN REVIEW: APRIL A permeable and adjustable groin stretches out into the Gulf of Mexico on Longboat Key. Photo by Norman Schimmel APRIL 5 APRIL 11 Because aspects of the inlet management plan approved by the Town of Longboat Key and the Manatee County Commission could adversely affect areas south of Longboat Key, members of the Siesta Key Association and the Boaters Coalition in Sarasota County are seeking support to block funding for aspects of the project. Siesta Key Association Vice President Peter van Roekens alerted Siesta residents to the potential problems during his organization���s April 5 meeting. The inlet management plan calls for permeable groins on the southern part of Longboat Key, van Roekens pointed out. ���Now that���s a very dangerous thing for us [on Siesta],��� he added. ���When you mess with an inlet,��� he said, referring to Big Pass, ���who knows what���s going to happen. Hardened structures are a real serious problem.��� The Sarasota County Commission votes unanimously to simplify the appraisal process related to construction in flood-prone areas. Dubbed ���Alternative 2,��� the amendment allows a property owner who wishes to improve or modify a structure to use the Sarasota County Property Appraiser���s Office���s assessed value of the improvement, plus 20%; an appraisal report prepared by a state-certified residential appraiser; or a state-certified general appraiser, to determine the market value of the affected property. The commission also requests County Administrator Randall Reid to undertake an investigation into the events that led up to their vote and identify any further problems that need resolution.