Coquina Beach parking lot upgrades nearly complete. This part shouldn’t flood anymore
The first phase of a construction project that saw the removal of several Australian pine trees in exchange for a paved parking lot and improved drainage at Coquina Beach is nearly complete.
Manatee County staff updated the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday on the status of the project, which became controversial when officials learned that it could require the removal of hundreds of Australian pine trees in the area. In the first phase of the project, about 100 trees had to be removed.
“Although we did lose some of the nature with the Australian pines, we’re putting in that green space and that canopy and putting the new trees in at 12 feet tall,” said Mike Sturm, the project manager.
Staff selected three species of salt-tolerant trees. Most of them will be green buttonwoods, but the county is also installing 10 gumbo limbo and 10 shady lady black olive trees in the area.
Eventually, those trees will grow to between 30 and 40 feet tall, and provide the same shade that the Australian pines were known for. The project also includes new picnic tables and nearly 200 marked parking spaces.
On Friday, staff expect to re-open the parking lot, which has been closed to the public since last April. The upgrades are meant to resolve long-standing issues with flooding in the Coquina Beach parking area, where giant rain puddles would form and sit for days or weeks.
The newly paved surface is made of pervious concrete, which allows water to fall right through it and enter a newly installed stormwater system underground.
“When it rains, this will drain quickly,” Sturm told the board.
Last year, staff asked to remove up to 232 Australian pines because their roots interfered with the parking lot construction. The trees were also a safety hazard because they encouraged beach erosion and the branches often snapped in high winds. Despite initial concern, several commissioners said they were pleased with the final product.
“Like many, many development projects, the result is not nearly as scary as what people thought it would be,” said Commissioner Betsy Benac. “I’ve heard from people who love the way it looks. They think it’s beautiful.”
Not everyone likes the look, though. Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who voted against the project, said the construction has changed the look of a classic Florida beach that Anna Maria Island is known for.
“I don’t like it, but it’s done so that the city of Bradenton Beach can do their deal,” said Whitmore, who vowed to vote against the second phase of the project.
There are still several steps left to wrap up the project, according to Sturm. Manatee is responsible for replacing the trees they had to remove during construction. Crews will plant about 100 new trees that are salt-tolerant.
“These Australian pines can be a public safety hazard,” said Commissioner Misty Servia. “Now we’re going to have a canopy and trees that are salt-tolerant. I’m excited.”
Board members will vote on whether to proceed with the second phase of the project at a later date. That construction would take place on the north side of the beach, creating more than 650 marked parking spaces.
