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Tarpon Wants Grant for Sunset Beach Pavilion

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: October 27, 2007

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - City officials will seek state grants to build a concert pavilion on Sunset Beach.

The city initially estimated constructing the pavilion at the beachfront city park at the western end of Gulf Road would cost around $75,000.

When the city sought bids on the project, the lowest was $86,000, according to Paul Smith, public services administrator. Some were much higher, he said.

The rising cost of construction materials has made the project more expensive than the city budgeted, Smith said.

The city stills wants to construct an open-air concert pavilion of 1,100 square feet on Sunset Beach.

The city's Sunset Beach Music series has grown in popularity over the years.

Margie Prichard, recreation supervisor who helped initiate the city's monthly concert series a decade ago, said some beach concerts attract more than 500.

So, it would be nice to have a professional stage for these performances, Pritchard said. Performers now have to make due with a makeshift performance area and sometimes have to stand on plywood boards.

A pavilion could also be utilized by local groups such as the Boys and Girls Club during fundraising events.

The structure would have concrete columns and a back wall to shade performers from the sun. Those watching the musical entertainment would not have the sun setting in the west in their eyes, Smith said.

The pavilion would have lighting and sound capabilities.

Everyone is watching their budgets and the city thought going out for grants would be the most cost-effective way of paying for the pavilion, he added.

Recreation grants are now being written and will be filed later this year.

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