Phase 1: July 31 Update

Construction continues on Phase 1 and there is a lot of activity and progress at The Bay. Watch Bill Waddill’s latest construction update video or read below to learn more.

Baffled by our Baffle Box?
Some of you have asked… What’s that box in the ground? Well, that’s our Baffle Box! At The Bay, we intend to treat virtually every drop of the more than 70 million gallons of polluted stormwater that flows through the site directly into Sarasota Bay. How do we do that?  With the use of innovative, yet simple technologies, such as the newly installed Baffle Box. Designed to remove silt and pollutants from onsite and offsite runoff as it flows through underground stormwater pipes, our baffle box helps ensure that water passing through our park is treated before it flows into Sarasota Bay.

Restoring the Bayou
We were approved by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the Mangrove Bayou, allowing us to remove more than three feet of polluted silt that has been accumulating in the bayou for decades. We’re so excited to be taking another step towards preserving and restoring our ecosystem. Starting next week, we will be closing the pedestrian bridge to complete the dredging. But, don’t worry! We’ll be opening up another leg of the Mangrove Bayou Walkway – allowing full access around the bayou. And, the bridge will soon be back (and better than ever)!

A New Tree Nursery at The Bay
Thanks to a generous donation by a local philanthropist, we’ve initiating a tree rescue program at The Bay! In partnership with a City of Sarasota arborist, onsite arborist and a local developer, we’ve installed a temporary tree nursery that will be used to restore and relocate offsite palm trees that would otherwise have been cut down. After spending 3-6 months in the nursery, restored trees will be re-planted throughout the park. More to come…

Road, Walkway & Parking Updates

Sidewalk Closure: As we prepare to expand the sidewalk along the north side of Boulevard of the Arts, we’ll be temporarily closing the walkway between Van Wezel Way and US 41. All pedestrian traffic will be shifted to the sidewalk on the south side of Boulevard of the Arts. The good news? We’ll soon have an 8 foot wide, safe, open and accessible walkway for the public’s enjoyment.

Roadway Opening: Starting next week, both the east and west lanes of Boulevard of the Arts will be open, thus normalizing traffic. 

If you’re coming to visit The Bay, please use the entrance at the 10th Street roundabout. There is plenty of parking available in the Van Wezel parking lot, and the Historic District parking lot.