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Tarpon Hopes To Acquire Sunset Beach Improvement Grant

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: October 11, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS - The city hopes to acquire a $50,000 state grant to pay for extensive improvements to Sunset Beach.

The municipal beach at the western end of Gulf Road should see many more visitors this year. Pinellas County has closed the causeway and beach at its nearby Fred Howard Park until next fall so it can replace the causeway's pair of aging bridges.

If the city were to acquire a grant to pay for Sunset Beach improvements, however, it won't get the money until its 2010 fiscal year, which will start Oct. 1, 2009.

Paul Smith, assistant public services director, said Sunset Beach is already a favorite among local visitors, especially during a series of monthly concerts held at the gulf-front recreation area.

The good news is the state grant the city is seeking would require no local matching funds, Smith said.

Improvements would include clearly delineating areas for swimmers and boaters, along with renovation of the boat ramp. Outdoor showers and beach restrooms would also be improved.

The city already has funding it needs to build a pavilion at Sunset Beach.

In its heyday, the early part of the last century, the beach was a favorite meeting spot for locals to gather for large outings and watch the sunset. A wooden pavilion that once stood there was destroyed by fire decades ago.

In recent years the beach, largely ignored by visitors, has become a quieter spot to enjoy the surf than its larger neighbor to the south, Fred Howard Park.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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