Manatee County Marine Rescue Division Chief Jay Moyles, who oversees the lifeguards at Coquina Beach, said the new division facility on the bay side of Coquina Beach is a “home run” for his department and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Speaking at the Aug. 2 Manatee County Council of Governments meeting in Bradenton, Moyles said the facility has long been needed by his staff. Now, they have a building with a small kitchen, lockers and showers, storage and training areas and offices for staff.
The building also is a “home run” for the MCSO marine unit, which shares the structure with the marine rescue personnel.
“We have a professional facility with a dock that makes their access to the water quicker and easier than before,” Moyles said.
“It’s a home run. I’ve had a lot of compliments about the building and it’s built to environmental standards to keep electrical costs down. It’s an investment in us and a crown jewel for Anna Maria Island,” he said.
Moyles also thanked the Bradenton Beach staff for assisting with getting the proper permits and paperwork necessary to build the structure.
Manatee County Marine Rescue and the MCSO marine unit will hold an open house to show off the facility from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15.