Commissioners OK Eastpoint waterfront park plan

By unanimous vote August 3, county commissioners gave final permission for construction of a new recreational facility in Eastpoint to begin.

The new park, tentatively called Eastpoint Waterfront Park, will be located at the site of the old Allen Brothers Seafood processing facility on 340 Patton Drive in Eastpoint.

County Planner Alan Pierce displayed plans that included a 24’ by 48’ open-air pavilion with a handicapped ramp, a circular access road with six parking spaces and room for trailer parking. There are no restrooms included in the plan but Commissioner Pinki Jackel said she will seek additional funding to add them.

Money for the improvements was provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Pierce said $15,000 of the original $60,000 grant has been spent to clear the property and repair an existing 160’ pier.

Jackel said the pier is already in use by seafood workers.

Pierce said the recreational facility will not conflict with commercial use of the property, since workers will be able to drive behind the pavilion and unload oysters directly from their boats. He said the pavilion will be open to the public.

Jackel and engineer Jack Husband collaborated with Pierce on the park’s design.

Pierce said he expects the project to be completed by December. He said the county is seeking to obtain an adjacent wedge of land that is under foreclosure.