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AUGUST 2013 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC
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TLC Needed for a Landings Jewel Nestled at the end of the Landings nature trail is a wonderful little retreat used by fishermen and nature lovers. Off the beaten path, this little jewel may be missed by many Landins. I’m referring to the gazebo that stands quietly in the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. The nature trail, near the condominiums, is a half-mile long shell path that weaves through the mangroves and ends at the Intracoastal Waterway. The metal roofed gazebo stands on pilings sunk deep into the waterway at the end of the trail. “It’s a special place,” said Bill Whitman, Chairman of the Safety/Security committee. “And we’re right on the inland waterway. And a lot of the guys, we’ve got some Michiganders and Canadians, come down here and fish all the time. This is a little jewel.” Experts say that pilings have a lifespan of about 30 years and that’s just about the amount of time the Gazebo has been standing. The Landing gazebo really has stood the test of time. Unfortunately, the same experts suggest it should be replaced in the next few years. They all agree it’s in no danger of collapse, but suggest the LMA begin to look into replacing it. LMA Treasurer Don McMurray’s best guess, based on estimates from companies that deal with dock repair and pilings,
is replacing the gazebo will cost between $40,000-$50,000. The process of funding the replacement will be addressed in the 2014 budget. Don said the 2014 budget process will begin at the LMA meeting in August and should be completed by the October or November meeting. LMA President Henry Rhodes asked Bill Whitman and George Niel to co-chair a gazebo committee to look at all the issues that surround replacing the gazebo. The issues to review are of design as well as environmental issues. If the gazebo was removed entirely, and not replaced, the LMA may have difficulty getting a permit to rebuild it in the future. Bill Whitman recently discovered a resident of The Landings who may be a marine engineer and is going to try to make contact with him to discuss the gazebo issue. A formal bid process will begin once a decision is made about design and the type of materials they will use. Even when a decision is made about exactly what the LMA wants to do, they could face some delays once they begin talking with the county.
Joel Lustgarten, who has lived in the villas for 20 years said, “Replacing the gazebo is an excellent idea. I know several fishermen, and it’s a great spot for them to get out of the sun. The trail is being maintained. To me, fixing up the gazebo is probably the last thing that needs to be done.” Joel visits the gazebo about four times a year and anytime they have guests, they make sure they walk the nature trail.
RACQUET CLUB NEWS PAGES 16-17
Story and Photos by Trebor Britt
The bottom step of the gazebo has been scheduled for repair
Emily Calvert has lived in Eagles Point Circle for 11 years. I caught up with her halfway through her 8 mile walk on the treadmill at the fitness center. “I think the gazebo is beautiful”, she said. “I think The Landings is a spectacular area to live in and it adds to the prestige of it all.” Emily visits the gazebo about six times a year. Photos by Trebor Britt