Jiggs Landing county park reopening Saturday in East Manatee

EAST MANATEE -- Jiggs Landing park and boat ramp, closed since Jan. 19 for dock expansion, shoring launch ramp erosion and parking lot resurfacing, reopens Saturday.

Crews were putting the final touches on the park Friday at 6106 63rd St. E. in preparation for the reopening, which comes six weeks early, said Alan Lai Hipp, county environmental program manager.

Originally $700,000, was allocated, but the final cost was $498,000, said Charlie Hunsicker, director of Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources.

"We acknowledge and appreciate Kelly Brothers for having the skills to finish the job under budget," Hunsicker said Friday.

In 2005, the county bought the historic fish camp south of Tara and constructed a county park there, which opened in 2010.

In keeping with the property's history, the county constructed several rustic rental cabins along with picnic pavilions, boardwalks, shower

house, restrooms and a wildlife viewing area.

A final item on Hunsicker's to-do list for Jiggs Landing is finding someone to handle the rental cabins and operate the park concession.

The county readvertised a request for proposals to operate the concession. An information meeting with potential vendors is set for 10 a.m. Monday at Jiggs Landing. Bids will be opened June 29.

Hunsicker wants to put the final piece of the Jiggs puzzle in place and end the frustration for folks who want to rent a cabin.

"We have had a lot of interest, but they never quite come up with the bona fides," Hunsicker has said.

James A. Jones Jr., Herald reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter @jajones1.

This story was originally published May 30, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Jiggs Landing county park reopening Saturday in East Manatee."