Bury It - Fall 2017

Hurricane Irma highlighted the benefit of having underground electric lines. In the wake of the storm, many area residents were without power for six days or longer, and had to endure 90-degree heat, excessive humidity and the inconvenience of losing stored refrigerated or frozen food. Sarasotans scrambled to find alternate living space to get away from the relentless heat, all the while worrying about their dark, unattended homes. Others attempted to tough out the extended power outage and sweated. If electric lines were buried, however, not only would tree limbs be unable to knock elevated lines out of commission during storms, but there would also be less need for unsightly concrete poles that interrupt walking, biking and the overall aesthetic. Such is the case now on Orange Avenue, from Main Street, where the newly installed, above-ground power lines on the west side of the road have a particularly industrial, uneasy and intense look. Submarines have most of their interworking exposed with the intended effect of intensifying the environment so sailors are always alert. Powerlines have the same intensifying effect, which is undesired in an urban environment. Removing the overhead power lines and burying them would both cleanup the area and evoke a less-congested feeling. Burying all the power lines in Sarasota, in a fashion similar to Lakewood Ranch to the north or Palmer Ranch to the south, would be a monumental task – but one well worth tackling,