The Siesta Key Association established the Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund to educate and advocate for the protection and preservation of the environmentally sensitive structures and areas of Siesta Key.
Our current focus is to support Siesta Key Association’s effort to protect Siesta Key from harm that may result from the proposed dredging of Big Sarasota Pass.
SKA most recently filed to be heard in the 2nd District Court of Appeals on Oct. 4, 2019. Once accepted for Appeal, SKA filed our Initial Brief on Merits Feb. 6, 2020 . An Appeal is based on matters of law. The challenge includes One count from prior Rulings in the 12th Circuit Court of Sarasota County. The 12th Circuit Court ruled SKA was not eligible to file under the environmental regulations of 403.412 Fla. Stat. since a ‘Final’ Permit had been issued.
SKA is asking for this decision to be reversed and remanded back to the 12th Circuit Court for further proceedings. We further assert the Ordinances applicable to the Permit process were not considered by the Circuit Court. SKA is asking our local governments to abide by laws they enacted to protect our coastal waters, shoreline and marine habitat.
On March 2, 2020, the City of Sarasota and LKRA, et al, requested a 30- day extension to file their initial Response in this matter. Their Response is now due on or before April 4, 2020.
The SKED Fund is fully registered with the IRS and Florida to accept tax-deductible donations from concerned citizens. SKEDF is a 501(c) (3) Charitable Entity. 100% of all donations are used in defense of this environmental challenge.
Special Matching Donations Program
Please Donate ANY amount today! Friends of Siesta Key have pledged $10,000 in matching funds to win our legal fight. Any amount of donation from you will be matched until we reach $10,000. Help double our funds for this most important fight to protect our homes, shoreline, Siesta Key Public beach and coastal waters of Big Sarasota Pass.
Donate now to help $10,000 become $20,000 to fund the significant legal fees required to continue our defense of the Big Pass environment. Since the outset of planning for this beach nourishment with 2 groins constructed, the City of Sarasota refused to conduct an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) or to discuss alternative sources of sand that do not endanger Siesta Key. We have no choice but to continue this fight within the Courts.
If you’re currently employed, please check to see whether your company will match your donation. In some cases, you may need to request that SKEDF be added to their approved charities. Some companies also match donations made by retirees, so even if you’re out of the workforce, see if your gift can be matched as well.
If you’d like to join in supporting our efforts, please use our Donate Now page. We sincerely appreciate your support.
FLORIDA REGISTRATION NUMBER: CH50564
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR ONLINE AT HTTP://WWW.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM/. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.