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County funds Weeki Wachee Preserve Phase 1 design; commissioners discuss moving observation tower
Summary
Board approved a budget amendment using tourist‑development funds to fully finance Phase 1 design for the Weeki Wachee Preserve (pedestrian bridge, parking, restroom, pavilion, access); commissioners discussed moving an observation tower to reduce vandalism and ensure tourist‑tax eligibility.
Public works staff presented a budget amendment to fully fund the Phase 1 design for the Weeki Wachee Preserve using tourism tax (bed‑tax) destination development funds. "This budget amendment utilizes $277,316 for the project from department 02812, which is the destination development within fund 1261 tourist development tax," the director said.
Phase 1 scope includes engineering design for a pedestrian bridge, parking improvements (60–70 spaces noted), restroom construction, large shade pavilion, and paved access on Shoal Line Boulevard to connect the preserve to passive‑recreation and trail networks. Staff said the change moves the design from 30% to 100% funding and enables the county to complete engineering design.
Commissioners also raised the question of relocating an observation tower within the project footprint to a site that might be less vulnerable to vandalism and better monitored. Staff noted lease and lease‑assignment questions: the tower location affects an existing lease and would need reauthorization from the relevant leaseholder; board members also discussed whether tourist‑development tax rules (statutory provisions for beach/park facility enhancements) allow funding a tower in this preserve location.
The board approved the Phase 1 funding items (J1 and J2) and asked staff to explore tower‑relocation logistics and lease implications with project partners and leaseholders.
