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An Urgent Message to Prevent Coastal Destruction

  • Jul 29
  • 3 min read

An Urgent Message to Prevent Coastal Destruction

July 29, 2026

Dear Cortezians and Friends of Cortez,

 

We need your help by Thursday, August 7.

 

A proposal currently before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could permanently impact one of the most important remaining mangrove wetlands in Sarasota Bay. We hope you'll take just a few minutes to submit a comment asking the Corps to deny the permit unless the project is redesigned to protect these irreplaceable wetlands.

 

Long Bar Pointe LLC, led by Carlos Beruff, is seeking permission to fill more than three acres of wetlands and construct an 8- to 10-foot seawall immediately adjacent to a mature mangrove forest. The proposed development includes 2,468 residential units and 200,000 square feet of commercial space on a 460-acre site—leaving ample opportunity to redesign the project without placing these sensitive wetlands at risk. The developer proposes to offset the destruction through a "mitigation bank," claiming that restoring wetlands more than 70 miles away on Pine Island compensates for the loss here in Sarasota Bay. Many environmental experts and community members believe this proposal does not satisfy the intent of state and federal wetland protections, particularly given the potential impacts of placing a massive seawall directly beside one of Sarasota Bay's most valuable mangrove systems.

 

The Army Corps of Engineers has the authority to require changes or deny this permit. Public comments are an important part of that decision- making process, and a strong community response can make a real difference.

How to Comment:

Please submit your comments no later than August 7.

 

By email: Edgar.W.Garcia@usace.army.mil

 

By U.S. Mail:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Attn: Edgar W. Garcia, Senior Project Manager 10117 Princess Palm Avenue, Suite 120 Tampa, FL 33610

 

All comments become part of the public record and will be considered as the Corps decides whether to approve, modify, condition, or deny the permit.

 

Suggested Points to Include:

Please use your own words whenever possible. It is especially helpful to explain your connection to Sarasota Bay—whether you are a fisherman, business owner, resident, visitor, recreational boater, angler, or someone who simply values this remarkable estuary.

You may wish to include points such as:

  • I oppose approval of USACE Permit SAJ-2015-01503 (Sea Spray/Aqua by the Bay) as currently proposed.

  • The project would fill more than three acres of wetlands and construct an 8- to 10-foot gabion wall along one of Sarasota Bay's most significant remaining mangrove forests.

  • The applicant has not demonstrated that less environmentally damaging alternatives have been fully considered. Given the size of the 460-acre property, the development could be redesigned farther inland to avoid harming these wetlands.

  • Protecting Sarasota Bay's wetlands is essential for water quality, fisheries, wildlife habitat, storm protection, and our community's maritime heritage and economy.

  • I respectfully request a public hearing and ask that the permit not be approved unless the applicant clearly demonstrates compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and shows that the project will not adversely affect the mangrove ecosystem, freshwater wetlands, wildlife, or the public interest.

After submitting your comments, we would greatly appreciate it if you would cc us (cvhs2016@aol.com) so we can compile community comments for the anticipated public hearing.

If you have questions, please contact us:

Learn More (including maps and aerial views of proposed area):

 

 

 

Thank you for standing up for Sarasota Bay and for helping protect the natural resources that define Cortez and our coastal community.

Together, our voices matter.

 

 

2026 CVHS Board Members:

Steve Baker

Dave Beccue

JB Crawford, Emeritus

Valeri DeCastris

Paul Dryfoos, Vice President

Allen Garner

Dave McCluskey

Lynne McGinnis, Secretary

Linda Molto, Emeritus

Pat Potts, Treasurer

Merry Retus

Cindy Rodgers, President

 

 

 

The mission of the Cortez Village Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and disseminate the history and heritage of the Village of Cortez and the Cortez peninsula on which it is located. We also collect memorabilia reflecting the history of the commercial fishing industry and fishing as a way of life.

 
 
 

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