BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County officials remind beachgoers to avoid the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot during the busy Memorial Day weekend.
The south end of the beach parking lot remains closed during a stormwater drainage and parking upgrade project. The central and north area of the parking lot remain open, as does the free public parking at the adjacent Cortez Beach along Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.
Anna Maria Island residents and visitors will begin to see roadside advisory signs reminding drivers of the limited parking on the southern end of Coquina Beach. Drivers are encouraged to carpool to the Island, use the Anna Maria Island trolley or park in designated parking areas away from the construction, especially during busy holiday weekends like the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
The stormwater and drainage project is a two-phase project designed to reduce flooding at the public beach. Phase 1, now underway, is scheduled for completion by Spring, 2020. Once Phase 1 is complete, Phase 2 will begin with similar work being done on the north end of the parking lot. When complete, stormwater should drain more quickly, helping to address frequent flooding and standing water conditions at Coquina Beach.
