- June 2, 2026
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Before hurricane-force winds destroyed a popular beachside pavilion on Lido Shores' north end, the outdoor space offered a vital sense of community to residents. Now, homeowners are on a path to regaining a place to gather with the recent groundbreaking of a new project.
Residents including Michelle Swartz joined contractors to ceremonially dig the first shovels full of sand on May 26 at the site of the old pavilion.
Swartz is the president of the Lido Shores Property Owners Association, which she noted is a longstanding neighborhood community group, not a private homeowners' association. As many of those homeowners are completing essential rebuilding works on their own homes, she said they are glad to be turning their attention to a project to benefit the estimated 109 households in the group.
"It was very challenging for a lot of people to be able to come to the happy hours and gatherings without the shade," Swartz said, explaining how important the weekly meetups are not only for community planning, but also for strengthening social ties.
She said residents have long enjoyed meeting for potlucks, small concerts, caroling during the holidays, community cleanups and volunteer events. Besides organized events, many residents also appreciated informally watching sunsets from the pavilion with friends, she said.
Though they maintained connections in recent years, especially as they helped one another through home repairs and other post-storm challenges, they have missed their former gathering space. The permanent structure afforded everyone, but especially residents with limited mobility, necessary shade and easier access to meet-ups.
Residents were determined to make the project happen, and Swartz said they are thrilled to see the entirely donor-funded project move forward.
Swartz said association members put plenty of thought into their vision for the new pavilion's design. The previous structure aligned with the area's architectural flair stemming from the 1970s. It was modernized in 2004, and Swartz said the revitalization drew inspiration from architect Paul Rudolph's historic Sanderling Beach Club cabana, designed in 1952.
For the new pavilion, the association called on the design talents of Damien Blumetti.
The Sarasota-based architect started his firm in 2017, and he has served on the city of Sarasota Planning Board.
Blumetti's design for the new pavilion is straightforward, offering visitors protection from the elements and bench seating.
But it also incorporates important elements geared toward storm resiliency, like open wall slats built for wind resistance. Composite plastic decking and pressure-treated wood will enhance its durability and make for easier maintenance.
The roof is also slightly contoured to meld with the natural surroundings, Swartz pointed out as one of her favorite features.
Todd Wagner, co-owner of the primary contracting company New Pass Dock & Seawall, said it will be about 18 by 24 feet, and a small ramp will make it easier for residents to reach the shaded seating.
Swartz also noted the structure will be set 75 yards farther inland.
"These guys have a lot of experience building around the ocean, which was important to us when we were trying to find someone," she said. "We had about eight companies bid on the project."
New Pass Dock & Seawall co-owner Jonathon Sisler said he and Wagner have a strong incentive to see the project get finished quickly considering it is in their own neighborhood.
"They can rest assured it will be a top priority for our company," Sisler said with a smile.
Swartz added, "They know the weather conditions we have to deal with here and understand the environment and corrosion considerations."
Ideally, the contractors said they aim to complete work before the end of the winter season, and Swartz said Lido Shores residents look forward to getting back part of what they lost in the storms.
"As a neighborhood, we usually have a welcome-back potluck," Swartz said. "We'll have a grand-opening ceremony for this, ideally when people are coming back into town."
Central to the celebration will be the unveiling of a plaque with the names of those who supported the rebuilding, many doing so in memory of beloved neighbors.
