The two year project wrapped officially on Feb. 20 and opened to the public.
By
Jack Short
| 12:40 p.m. February 20, 2016
Siesta Key
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Siesta Key Public Beach is open, officially.
Approximately 1,000 people attended the official opening of Siesta Key Public Beach’s newly renovated facilities on Feb. 20. The project, which includes new restrooms, concessions, pavilions and a restored historic pavilion, moved in phases to allow the beach to stay open during construction, and all that work is finished.
The renovations cost $21.5 million to build and design, and took two years to complete.
“It’s awesome,” said Lydia Dawson, who was visiting from Maine for the first time in eight years.
Referring to the addition of 143 extra parking spaces to the park, Bob Gray, who built a winter home on Siesta Key two years ago, said, “I love the new parking. Parking’s always tough so it's great to see they expanded it.”
Sarasota County Commissioner Alan Maio said he was proud that the project was able to stay open during the construction, come in on time, under budget, and that, during the construction of the project, Siesta was still able to win awards for being a standout beach.
Clara Eustace explores the touch tank at Mote Marine's display.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Carolyn Brown addressed the crowd.
Walt Rothenbach, who worked in Sarasota County's park system for 37 years, and former county commissioner Jon Thaxton
County administrator Tom Harmer
Isaac Brownman, director of Sarasota County Public Works
County Commissioner Charles Hines.
John Abel as Lenny the Lions Club Lion, and Lydia Dawson, who visited for the first time in eight years from Maine
Bill Waddill of Kimely Horn and Jerry Sparkman of Sweet Sparkman Architects, whose firms helped design the project
Beach yogis meditate on the new park
Olivia Picotte throws a bag in a friendly game of cornhole with Bob and Lora Gray, and Barbara Glidden
Chloe, Lyla and Roberta Rogers, and Grant Hasbrook pet Charlie, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office mounted patrol horse
Members of the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard at the opening ceremony
In the foreground (wearing bright green), county commissioners Charles Hines, Paul Caragiulo, Carolyn Mason and Christine Robinson
A flash mob of students from Booker High School's visual and performing arts program celebrates
A flash mob of students from Booker High School's visual and performing arts program poses with Lenny the Lions Club Lion
Virginia Haley, Christine Robinson, Carolyn Mason, Jon Thaxton, Alan Maio, Nora Patterson, Charles Hines, Paul Caragiulo, Carolyn Brown and Tom Harmer
The new public safety building that houses sheriff's deputies, lifeguards and a concession
The historic pavilion preserved, and once again filled with people
Toni and Ron Sokacz display their passports, part of the opening ceremony activities.
