Siesta Key Beach changes coming

County commissioners are expected to approve Tuesday initial funding for long-discussed improvements at Siesta Key Beach.

The commission will vote on a $598,701 contract for partial design development for the Siesta Beach Improvements Project.

The plans call for more than 300 more parking spaces, most of them unpaved; landscaped parking-lot islands; landscaped circular entryway; new concession building; new restrooms; park-wide walkway; elimination of the public safety building at the beach entrance; nature trails; and paver walkways from the parking lot to the beach.

The entire project is expected to cost between $10 million and $15 million. Funding comes through the voter-approved 1% surtax.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].