By Ned Steele

A symbolic milestone in the recovery from 2024’s hurricanes is set to occur this month as Sarasota County wraps up operations and shuts down the makeshift debris site at the 24-acre Benderson property near Stickney Point Road and South Tamiami Trail.

Wendi Crisp, a Sarasota County Solid Waste official, confirmed that the site is expected to be restored and handed back to its owner by the end of January. This marks a significant step in moving past the devastation caused by hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.

In the aftermath of the storms, the county urgently needed a large space to handle the immense amount of residential and plant debris from Siesta Key and surrounding areas. A temporary agreement with Benderson Development allowed the county to use the undeveloped property.

What followed were towering heaps of ruined drywall, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and uprooted trees, transforming the site into a necessary but unsightly part of the recovery process. By mid-December, the site had amassed over 580,000 cubic yards of waste. Around-the-clock efforts by workers and bulldozers led to the sorting and relocation of residential and construction debris to a permanent landfill, while plant debris was processed into mulch.

Although the temporary dump site will close, the location will remain a point of contention. A lawsuit regarding a traffic light installed at the intersection continues to move through the courts.

Looking ahead, Benderson Development plans to transform the property into “Siesta Promenade,” a substantial mixed-use development featuring retail and restaurant spaces, apartments, offices, and an 80-foot tall, 130-room hotel.