Beach project costs rise before cuts

Sarasota County commissioners reacted with surprise yesterday when County Engineer Jim Harriott said the estimated cost of the Siesta Key beach improvements was somewhere between $26 million and $27 million.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard that number,” said Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Barbetta.

Harriott said staff is working to bring that number down to the roughly $20 million budgeted for the beach project, which has had varying price estimates over the past year as the design team and the county considers different options for park enhancements.

County staff postponed an open house with the architects and engineers behind the beach project that was originally planned for Nov. 13, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.

“That meeting was scheduled months ago but I’m not sure we’re ready to proceed with that,” Harriott said.