Commissioners keep civic center rebuild and boat-ramp improvements on the capital planning map

At the May 21 workshop commissioners pressed staff to retain the civic center rebuild and parks work on the five-year capital map amid a relative lack of parks projects. The chair (S1) said the civic center commitment should not "go by the wayside," and County Manager Dave Horner said the item was not an oversight but lacked firm numbers yet.

Commissioner (S6) reported that parks staff and a consultant (Chris Bridal) are preparing a series of small projects for the civic center that could scale into larger efforts; she said staff will bring ideas back to the board.

Commissioner (S3) and others raised concerns about public boat-ramp access lost after Hurricane Ian and asked about additional ramps and the Ponderosa Boat Ramp timeline. Commissioner (S6) said staff is evaluating property, will coordinate timing with FDOT so there is no lapse between FDOT work and the county project, intends to issue an RFP, and will return with a county manager item when a firmer schedule is available. A staff speaker (S7) said the county is working with Safe Harbor on design for the old Waterway Estates marina property and expects another public community meeting on the island concept plan.

Next steps: staff will return with civic center small-project options, a Ponderosa timeline, and updates on boat-ramp and marina-property work.