“Beach University” returns to Siesta Key in March

As the only institute of higher learning with 100-percent acceptance rate, Beach University will start welcoming students again in March.

Although Beach University is not an official college, the environmental education program is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend the hour-long outdoor sessions with exceptional instructors and hands-on curriculum. All courses relate to the coastal environment and how to best care for the ecology. This year's classes cover sharks, habitat restoration, shells, manatees, invasive vegetation and the battle to preserve our beaches.

Beach University will return with weekly classes each Thursday and Saturday in March beginning March 5. All classes are 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key. The classes are free and all held at the main pavilion.

No registration is required. Seating is limited, attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair.

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.