Phase 1: January 23 Update

Here’s a quick update on the recent activity that’s happened within the past week.

Tree Relocation

Three live oak trees are being relocated from the former G.WIZ/Selby Library parking lot. Each tree is being carefully prepped for the move to their new, larger home next to the Mangrove Walkway. In the coming days, heavy machinery will be on-site to assist with the process. Several buttonwood trees along the shoreline are also scheduled for relocation. 

New Landscaping

Along the sidewalk connecting the Historic District parking lot and Mangrove Walkway, crews began preparing the area for the addition of new palm trees, plants and ambient lighting. The new landscaping is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Walkway Lighting

Many visitors have inquired about the new lighting fixtures along the western portion of the Mangrove Walkway. While we’re making great progress on this project, there’s still work to be done before the lights can be activated. Stay tuned for more updates.

Parking Lot & Street Closures

• To enable the tree relocation, as well as the anticipated work on Phase 1, the G.WIZ/Selby Library parking lot is now permanently closed. There is plenty of parking available for park-goers at the Historic District or Van Wezel lots.
• The south end of Van Wezel Way is temporarily closed to replace underground, undersized stormwater pipes in that location.
• The City of Sarasota is replacing the waterline along Blvd. of the Arts and traffic patterns on this street may change.

We encourage visitors to access The Bay via 10th Street and then park along Van Wezel Way, in the Van Wezel parking lot or the Historic District parking lot. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out via Ask The Bay.