SOSS2 to host three speakers at St. Boniface on Nov. 27
Save our Siesta Sand (SOSS2) has announced more details about its special event on Nov. 27 as part of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving.
From 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, the nonprofit organization will present three speakers who will discuss its efforts to prevent the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass:
- “Jono Miller, celebrated environmentalist will explore common myths and misconceptions about Lido Key, the Big Pass Shoal, and Siesta Key, emphasizing the shoal’s crucial benefits for Siesta Key,” a news release points out.
- Jane West, environmental attorney, will discuss the federal lawsuit SOSS2 will file late this month. SOSS2 is seeking to force the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to undertake an in-depth environmental analysis of the potential damage to the pass and Siesta Key if the dredging is allowed to proceed. SOSS2 argues that the USACE has violated a number of federal regulations in its design of a 50-year renourishment initiative on South Lido Key Beach, with an initial 1.3 million cubic yards of sand proposed to be removed from Big Pass within the next year.
- Mark Smith, civic leader and Siesta Key architect, “will project the economic impact and environmental impact if the dredge is allowed to happen,” the release says.
“Your donations will be doubled until our matching funds of $25,000 are exhausted” on Giving Tuesday, the SOSS2 news release points out. “Funds raised will help to pay for the expert witnesses” to be called to testify in the federal case, it adds.
The event will be held in the Parish Hall at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, which is located at 5615 Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key.
Refreshments will be provided by the Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) and Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.
To donate to SOSS2’s legal expense fund, visit www.soss2.com/donate.