Work had barely begun on the groins at Cortez Beach when Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon and the police department began getting complaints.
So Bradenton Beach officials met March 17 with representatives of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department to address public safety issues related to the replacement of three erosion control groins at Cortez Beach.
The on-site meeting was an information session.
County natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker notified city officials of the gathering during the March 16 Island Transportation and Planning Organization meeting at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
For Shearon, the session was a chance to point out the lack of onsite safety.
“There’s no signage here,” Shearon said. “People have no idea what to do or where to go. Even the locals don’t know what to do around here.”
To illustrate the point, as the meeting began, a group of four passed through the construction staging area to a trolley stop. Then a car entered the area looking for a parking spot.
“See?” said Shearon.
The staging area is currently located between Ninth and 13th streets south along Gulf Drive. A multi-use trail runs between the staging area and the beach.
As the officials met, workers and their heavy equipment encountered runners, walkers and cyclists, halting progress.
To alleviate Shearon’s concerns, Hunsicker and Coastal Planning and Engineering representative Michelle Pfeiffer said caution signs would be erected.
Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale suggested closing a portion of the trail on weekdays, and CAYO Marine Construction and county representatives agreed.
Shearon also brought up a concern that the staging area blocks the six Cortez Beach handicap-accessible parking spots and the ramp to the beach.
“We can move the fences further south,” said Pfeiffer. “This’ll open up three spots.”
For the ramp, Hunsicker proposed closing off the beach side of the ramp, but leaving access from the parking lot open to serve as an overlook.
“Beach sand is not an easily accessible area for people with handicaps,” said Hunsicker. “It’s too soft. What we can do is keep the top half open, to allow people to look over the beach and enjoy the view. That’s the best we can do here.”
The reason for closing off the beach side of the ramp is that large equipment is being used in the construction area, directly crossing over footpaths from the beach access points.
“It’s too dangerous to leave this part open,” Hunsicker said.
Pfeiffer was quick to point out that handicap-accessible parking was still available at Coquina Beach.
Hunsicker said the groins must be replaced and equipment must move between the groin sites and staging area.
“This project has to get done, there’s no question about it,” he said. “People will be inconvenienced. All we can do is work to get it done as quick as possible so visitors can get back to enjoying the beach.”
County and city officials will meet weekly to discuss the project.
Safety plan during the groin project:
• Multi-use trail will be closed Monday-Friday and open weekends, as long as there is no construction on weekends.
• The handicap-access ramp leading from Ninth Street South will remain open as an overlook. Beachside access will be closed during construction of the northern groin.
• Three handicap-accessible parking spots on Cortez Beach will remain open.
• The staging area fence will be moved south of the Gulf Drive crosswalk at Ninth Street South.
• Signs will be posted along the multi-use trail to inform pedestrians of closures and detours.
• Signs will be placed north and south of the construction areas to alert the construction and announce parking availability at Coquina Beach.