Construction Contracts Approved on County Building Projects

A new roof for the historic courthous, a road paving project, a new restroom and concession facility and an expansion at the gun range will cost the county $3.9 million.

The Sarasota County Commission awarded four construction contracts for the capital improvement projects totaling about $3.9 million.

The projects are: 

• Replacement of the clay tile roof of the Historic Courthouse, 2000 Main St.: In 1926, the Historic Courthouse was described as "the most outstanding emblem of Sarasota County's prosperity." The courthouse, which currently houses operations for the Clerk of the Circuit Court, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The roof is nearly 50 years old and is leaking in several areas. Willis A. Smith Construction Inc. of Sarasota was awarded the $1.06 million project, which is funded in part by the Court Fund for Capital Outlay. Construction will start in March with an estimated completion in November.

• Road resurfacing for the Plantation community and various roads in Venice and south Sarasota County: The project involves milling and resurfacing, along with restoration of approximately 16.5 miles of roads. Sections of the following roads will be resurfaced: Rockley Boulevard, Wexford Boulevard, Woodbridge Drive, Gulf Coast Boulevard, Myrtle Avenue, Pineland Avenue, 2nd Street, Groveland Avenue and 1st Street. Ajax Paving Industries of Florida LLC in Nokomis was selected as the contractor for the $1.25 million project funded by the Environmental Land Management Study (ELMS) gas tax. The project is expected to begin in March, with substantial completion in June.

• New restroom and concession facility with related improvements at North Jetty Beach Park at the south end of Casey Key: The existing 30-year-old restroom will be replaced with a new facility that will almost double the restroom fixtures, including two family restrooms, combined with a family-friendly food concession. Other improvements include reconfiguration of the shell parking lot for improved traffic flow and safer pedestrian crossing areas. The existing trolley food concession and bait shop will remain in operation. Zirkelbach Construction Inc. of Palmetto was awarded the $1.4 million project, which will be funded by the infrastructure surtax (1-cent sales tax). Construction is expected to begin this month, with completion targeted in January.                                                                                                                               
• Gun Range expansion at Knight Trail Park: The Sheriff's Office leases and operates the Gun Range at Knight Trail Park, 3445 Rustic Road. Operations there include a Criminal Justice Firing Range, mounted patrol, K-9 Unit and an obstacle course. The Shooting Range Pavilion was completed in September 2010. The new contract provides for the addition of a 2,400-square-foot metal building for training Sheriff's Office staff members in live, scenario-based situations such as building searches, search/arrest warrant services, victim rescue drills, hostage rescue and family disturbances. Southern Cross Instruction Inc. of Sarasota was awarded the $175,000 contract, which will be funded through the Capital Improvements fund. Construction is slated to begin in March, with completion in August.