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Foundation and county describe progress and $2 million shortfall to finish veterans memorial tower
Summary
County staff and the memorial foundation reported Phase 1 completion at William Hargaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, $2.6 million invested to date, and about $2 million more needed to complete Phase 2 and raise the tower; foundation expects to announce a major partner in October.
Tommy Scott, the county’s community services director, and Michael Gaines of the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Fund told the Board the park’s first construction and public amenities are complete and fundraising is underway to finish the Beirut Peacekeeper Tower.
Scott reviewed the project history and grants supporting the park, including a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Recreation Trails grant and a $2,000,000 grant initially routed through the Department of Economic Opportunity (now Commerce) that helped fund tower construction elements. He summarized completed Phase 1 work — parking, playground, a pavilion and signage — and said Phase 2 (trails boardwalks, utility connections and courts) is in design and funded from local sales tax for construction.
Michael Gaines, representing the foundation, said precast sections of the tower are built and stored in Tampa and that about $2,600,000 has been invested so far in Phase 1 (state grant plus foundation match). “We’ve got about 2,600,000.0, that we’ve invested so far into phase 1,” he said. He told the board the foundation has contributed roughly $1.5 million in other park elements (memorials, flagpole, kayak launch) and that roughly $2 million or less remains to complete Phase 2 tower construction, including elevator and lighting.
Gaines said the foundation has an MOU with a significant partner and expects to make a public announcement in October; if fundraising succeeds, construction could begin in February 2026 and finish by October 2026.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the funding mix, the foundation’s total contributions to date, and the timing of the MOU announcement. The board praised the park’s community use and accessibility improvements, including the recently opened ADA kayak launch and upcoming FEMA‑funded sunshade replacements.
No formal board action was taken; commissioners encouraged continued coordination between county staff and the foundation and noted interest in public announcements when fundraising milestones are confirmed.
