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Hardee County EDA narrows Hardy Lakes work, refocuses grant deliverables on Pioneer Park bathhouse upgrades
Summary
The board approved an amendment to the Hardy Lakes infrastructure grant scope to remove some deliverables at Hardy Lakes and concentrate on a new ADA-compliant bathhouse and restroom renovations at Pioneer Park; the change requires a written amendment to Exhibit B of the contract.
The Hardee County Economic Development Authority on Feb. 11 approved a change in scope for the county’s Hardy Lakes infrastructure grant, striking some planned deliverables at Hardy Lakes and refocusing the grant on construction and renovations at Pioneer Park.
Topanga Arana of the county grants department described the revised Exhibit B: the updated scope would fund design and construction of a single four-stall ADA-compliant bathhouse with ADA parking and utilities at Pioneer Park, replacement of one restroom with a new ADA-compliant facility and renovation of two additional restrooms. Arana said some planned Hardy Lakes deliverables — including potable-water connections near Deer Lake and a larger new bathhouse there — are no longer feasible because of preservation and permitting limits on parts of that property.
Capital projects manager Mr. Keane and county staff explained that increased construction costs over the last three years made the original joint scope (Hardy Lakes plus Pioneer Park) unaffordable; prioritizing Pioneer Park would produce more immediate benefit to park users. Commissioners pressed for clarity on whether the change required a contract amendment; legal counsel and staff confirmed Exhibit B must be amended in writing and authorized the chair to execute the amendment if the board approved the change.
Commissioner Flores moved to approve the Hardy Lakes infrastructure project update with the discussed changes and to authorize the chair to execute any necessary amendments to Exhibit B; Commissioner Wells seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The board directed staff to document the amended deliverables in writing, include the change in quarterly reports and reimbursements, and return with updated project paperwork where appropriate.
County staff said the overall grant contract and funding level remain unchanged; the amendment will clarify which deliverables will be completed under the existing budget and timeline.
