Restrooms, public safety building is open

Hurricane Ivan demolished the public restroom facility on Casino beach and now, three years later, a new, improved combination restroom facility and public safety building is open on the same site.

Dedication ceremonies were Tuesday for the building,

The two-story building includes restrooms and a lifeguard ready room for quick breaks or to provide shelter during a storm, a first aid room to treat minor injuries such as overheating, a senior lifeguard office and a storage room on the first floor.

The second floor has locker rooms to accommodate 50 lifeguards, a training/break room and administrative offices.

Public Safety Director Bob West said the lifeguard area will operate as a command center, with a Public Address system and radar.