Island to decide: How much is sand worth? Voters will weigh whether to fund beach renourishment with a tax increase.(B SECTION)

Longboat Key resident Julian Hansen remembers when there was little sand in front of his beachfront condominium.

"We were really threatened a couple of times in the past, with water close to the structure," said Hansen, president of the Sands Point Condominium Association, on the south end of the island.

The beach there now is about 200 feet wide, but that may not be enough if a hurricane slams into the key.

That's why Hansen and many of his neighbors support the beach restoration project the town has proposed for the 10-mile barrier island.

Tuesday, Longboat residents will vote for or against a 10-year tax increase to pay for the beach …