City prepares for improvements
BY VICI PAPAJOHN Gulf Breeze News vici@gulfbreezenews.com

Gulf Breeze city staff have provided Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) with related cost estimates for the projects on the approved list for alternate parks improvements.

Cost estimates are very rough, according to Steve Milford, the city's special projects manager, until more detailed specifications for each of the elements is approved and can be let for bid.

The vast majority of the requested activity will involve three primary projects:

Deconstruction of existing fishing bridge at an estimated cost of $3 million. Permits are in hand from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)

Phase I Development of Wastewater Treatment Site in the Bergen Road area, at an estimated cost of $4 million. Permits and hearing phases are complete and approved. Phase I will accept effluent from south Santa Rosa county, particularly Navarre Beach, enabling discharge into Sound to cease

Expanding Shoreline Park North Recreation Center and area facilities at an estimated cost of $6.5 million. PLans include adding on to the existing structure of the Rec Center.

Plans may include relocating or expanding the tennis courts. Plans also include building two permanent concession stands and stand-alone bathroom facilities.

Adding football field fencing, seating and parking lots and redesigning the roadway in front of the park to calm traffic and provide diagonal parking.

There are also a couple smaller construction projects expected to total approximately $1.9 million. They include:

Building a stormwater lift station near Baycliffs Street.

Enhancing the waste transfer station.

Building natural gas fueling stations.

Building improved Fencing along Highway 98 around schools and stadium

Purchasing new city and utility repair vehicles.