The BISA board's resolution was similar
to the one the SKA board approved unan-
imously during its Jan. 9 meeting, the news
release notes: "Whereas Big Pass has never
been dredged and the shoal provides both
protection and natural renourishment of
Siesta beaches, the Siesta Key Association,
based on documentation currently available
to us, states its grave concern and opposition
to any form of dredging in Big Pass channel
and shoal."
The BISA was organized in 1944, when fewer
than 500 people lived on Siesta Key, accord-
ing to a written history of the organization
provided by Vaughan-Birch. "Since the begin-
ning, active association members have worked
to protect and enhance the quality of life for
residents on this part of the key," it adds. "The
association has maintained the single family
residential neighborhood through building
restrictions and zoning, enhanced the open
areas within the neighborhood's 19 streets
with park beautification, and prevented sea-
wall erosion along the unmarked channels of
the waterway by adding no wake signage," it
notes, among other accomplishments
Rachel Brown Hackney
Most Sarasota County Government offices,
including the Florida Department of Health
in Sarasota County, will be closed Monday,
Feb. 17, in observance of Presidents Day, the
county has announced.
City of Sarasota administration offices also
will be closed, a city news release says.
The regular City Commission meeting will
be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 2:30 p.m. and
6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in City
Hall, located at 1565 First St.
The city garbage and recycling schedule will
not be affected, the city release points out.
All Sarasota County libraries will be closed,
as well as Sarasota County recreation cen-
ters, with the exception of the following:
• Payne Park Tennis Center, open 7:30 a.m.
to 9 p.m.
• Arlington Park Recreation Center, open
noon to 5 p.m.
Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) will be
on a normal bus schedule. The customer ser-
vice stations at SCAT Administration and the
downtown transfer station will be closed.
The county collection schedule for solid
waste, yard waste and recyclables will not be
affected by the holiday, a county news release
notes.
The landfill at 4000 Knights Trail Road in
Nokomis will be open, but the administrative
office will be closed.
Sarasota County's chemical collection cen-
ters at 8750 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota and
250 S. Jackson Road in Venice will be closed.
However, the Citizens Convenience Center at
4010 Knights Trail Road in Nokomis will be
open.
For more information about county sched-
ules, visit scgov.net or contact the Sarasota
County Call Center at 861-5000.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO CLOSE FOR PRESIDENTS DAY
Sarasota News Leader February 14, 2014 Page 76
