Lido Beach Dune Restoration Project should take 60 days
The Lido Beach Dune Restoration Project is expected to begin on or shortly after Sept. 21. Beachgoers can expect to see equipment mobilizing on the beach this weekend.
The project includes placing approximately 3,000 cubic yards of sand onto Lido Beach to create 1.2 miles of dunes, followed by the planting of Florida-friendly vegetation to anchor and protect the newly restored dunes. Public access to Lido Beach will be maintained throughout the expected 60-day project.
Sand dunes play a critical role in protecting Sarasota’s barrier islands by absorbing wave energy, containing windblown sand, and acting as natural flood barriers during severe weather events. The project includes the placement of new post and rope barriers and signage to protect the dunes once
completed.
According to the city, sand for the project was sourced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the recent New Pass maintenance dredge. For more information, visit Engage.Sarasotafl.gov/lido-beach-renourishment.
Author James Patterson heads Manatee Libraries fundraiser
Bestselling author James Patterson will headline the second annual Booked for Lunch fundraiser benefiting the Manatee County Public Library System on Oct. 23 at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. The luncheon (noon to 1 p.m.) will be followed by a book signing featuring Patterson's newest Alex Cross novel, "The Family Cross," which is expected to be released on Oct. 19.
Hosted by the Library Foundation of Manatee County, proceeds from the event will support library services, programs, and resources. Last year's luncheon featuring Jenna Bush Hager helped fund a $25,000 investment in the Manatee County Public Library System's new bookmobile collection along with expanded youth reading programs.
"We're honored to welcome James Patterson to Manatee County," said Emma Hartman, executive director of the foundation. "His commitment to literacy and libraries aligns beautifully with our mission, and we're excited to bring our community together in support of this important work."
For information, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit manateelibraryfoundation.org.
League of Women Voters hosts 2026 General Election forums
The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County will host multiple candidate forums for local races in the 2026 General Election.
In accord with the League’s commitment to neutrality, additional forums will be scheduled if at least two candidates in each race agree to participate.
All forums will be livestreamed on the League’s YouTube channel. Confirmed forums include U.S. Congressional District 16, Sept. 23 (noon-1 p.m.); Sarasota City Commission, Oct. 7 (5:30-6:30 p.m.); North Port City Commission, Oct. 15 (5:30-6:30 p.m.); and Venice City Commission, Oct. 23 (5:30-6:30 p.m.).
This year’s forums are being hosted in partnership with Suncoast Searchlight. Vilia Johnson, LWVSRQ co-president, and Emily Le Coz, Suncoast Searchlight editor-in-chief, will moderate the forums. Visit lwvsrq.org for livestream links and updates.
Around and about
· Nik Wallenda's Wonderland Circus is seeking community support to provide free tickets for Sarasota-Manatee children in Title I schools, underserved families, first responders, and local charities. The circus is scheduled Nov. 21 through Jan. 2. Visit nikwallendafamilyfoundation.org.
· America's Boating Club is offering its eight-hour America's Safe Boating Class for free on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. Each four-hour class begins at 8:30 a.m. at Venice Police Station, 1575 E. Venice Ave. To get registered and qualify for the free classes, call 941-244-8331.
· The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County will host a nonpartisan election information fair on Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Shannon Staub Library in North Port. Talks will include Sarasota County Ballot Referendums and Florida Ballot Amendments. lwvsrq.org/events.
· Tickets are on sale for All Faiths Food Bank's 20th annual Bowls of Hope fundraiser on Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at Ed Smith Stadium (2700 12th St., Sarasota). The event supports the fight against food insecurity in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Tickets and sponsorships are available by visiting allfaithsfoodbank.org/bowls-of-hope.
· The Sarasota Players has launched a six-month fundraising campaign to raise $500,000 for renovations to its new home, Payne Park Auditorium. Information about naming opportunities is coming soon; new seats are already available for $250. To learn more, visit theplayers.org/PayneParkSprint or contact The Sarasota Players at 941-365-2494.
· Gulf Islands Ferry recently expanded service to Coquina Beach at 1465 Gulf Drive S. in Bradenton Beach. For more information about ferry service between Bradenton (Riverwalk Pier, 452 Third Ave. W.) and Anna Maria Island, visit bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry.
· Seeds of Life Montessori Academy in South Manatee County (5805 Whitfield Ave.), which serves children ages 18 months through 12, has been named a 2026 Top Montessori Academy by Education Insider magazine. educationinsidermagazine.com/seeds-of-life-montessori-academy-2026
Submissions by Sharon Kunkel, City of Sarasota, Nancy Morrison, Jesse Biter, Tim McGarr, Amanda Heisey, Keenan Singleton, and Jeff Chaffin.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Lido Beach Dune Restoration Project expected to take 60 days
