County Seeks Public Input on Proposed Upgrades to South Coquina Boat Ramp

Members of the public are invited to attend an informal meeting with the public at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at South Coquina Boat Ramp, 2651 South Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, to discuss the repairs for the boat launch.

Representatives from Manatee County Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources and Property Management departments will be fielding questions for the following purposed upgrades:

• An expansion of the shell parking lot and associated storm water areas to improve water quality from runoff. Under this plan, officials say the number of designated trailer parking spaces would grow from 18 to 49. 

• Parking lot improvements would also include drive aisles and boat trailer parking spaces which would be defined by new sea turtle friendly lighting and native landscaping. 

• The concrete ramp or apron leading into the water will be extended to better serve boat ramp users and to help direct storm water runoff away from the ramp. 

• The restroom building will remain the same along with the ramp and docks. 

The West Coast Inland Navigation District funds and the Florida Boater Improvement Program will fund the project, as they designate monies for public water access every year. Construction dates have not been decided, however, the ramp will close during the project and boater traffic will be redirected to Kingfish, Warner’s Bayou or Palma Sola boat ramps. 

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov. 

What would you like to see here? Please comment below!