Bennett Park project extension on table

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MANATEE -- Work on the 180-acre Tom Bennett Park near the intersection of Interstate 75 and State Road 64 East is taking a little longer, and costing a little more than county officials expected.
Manatee County Commissioners are set Tuesday to consider a 63-day extension of the project and an additional $481,373.46, pushing the total cost to $3,028,784.
More time is needed for the new county regional park because of delays caused by the Southwest Florida Water Management District permit modification.
“In addition, Manatee County added needed elements to the project that were not apparent at the onset of contract, for example additional communications and related electrical devices and extension of water sewer and facility investment fees,” according to a meeting agenda memorandum.
Groundbreaking for the park was in May 2010, but 124 construction days were lost because of permitting delays, and another 14 were lost to bad weather.
Holland Construction Corp. is the contractor for the project.
In other business Tuesday, county commissioners are expected to:
n Consider authorizing the county attorney’s office and the county administrator to attend the mediation and dispute resolution process with representatives of The Bearded Clam Waterfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar, 7150 N. Tamiami Trail.
In June, county commissioners sided with neighbors who complained about loud live music from the establishment.
By a 4-3 vote, commissioners supported a recommendation of the county staff to restrict amplified outdoor music at the restaurant.
n Manatee County commissioners are not expected to take any action on a new development of regional impact called Parrish Lakes that would allow 3,300 residential units, 400,000 square feet of retail, and 50,000 square feet of retail.
The request for approval has been continued to Oct. 6.
Parrish Lakes would be east of Interstate 75 between Moccasin Wallow Road and Erie Road.
n Declare Aug. 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week in Manatee County. The week is designed to call attention to the health benefits to babies of mother’s milk, and cost savings to families of money spent on formula.
n Approve distribution of $16,999 in fees from the Choose Life speciality auto plate program to Family Creations Inc., Manasota SOLVE Inc., Kimberly Home Inc., and Carenet Manasota. Each nonprofit will receive $5,083, with the exception of Carenet, which will receive $1,750.
James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee editor, can be contacted at 745-7021.
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