New College's Seawall restoration project

The New College is in the works of restoring the Seawall that was commissioned by John Ringling back in the 1920's. Over the years, time has made an effect on the wall, it is rundown and in disrepair. This project of restoring the wall is a $2 million project, and this serve as focal point for learning and to bring the look of the area back. Morris a New College official says "We're reconstructing the seawall, we will have an esplanade along the Bayfront, we going to reconstruct the historic balustrade that was at the top of the seawall." Basically the goal of this project is to recreate the aesthetic feel of the Ringling era. The seawall is not the only project that is going on, there is also going to be in that section, they are going to degrade and breach the seawall and create a new inter-tidal lagoon. This lagoon will help improve the health of the bay. Morris says that "to remove a vertical seawall and create a soft, sandy sloping, inter-tidal habitat, it's really a positive benefit for the bay."

I think that this is a very good thing that Florida (Sarasota) is doing. Unlike some places that would not think hard of restoring an area and end up leaving it alone for years. Florida is really taking it part in helping it's environment and trying to save it. If this seawall was not getting its restoring, then it will continue to rundown till there is nothing left, and some of it might end up in the water affecting the fish and their habitat. I hope that we hear more of these kinds of projects on the news, help rebuild and save buildings and areas and not spend more money on rebuilding and damaging the area. When this project is finished, it will give a new place for New College biology students and anyone else who wants to study the Suncoast waters.

I also like it how this is a project from a college, showing that students are concerned with the area they live in (living in Florida) and want to help in what ever way they can. I am sure Ringling has done projects like this in the past. But I think this is a great example to share is other schools and not just colleges. Like by raise money for these projects and or volunteering to save money.







http://www.mysuncoast.com/news/local/story/Seawall-restoration-the-centerpiece-of-New/kzWLnXLuYUqvUHRFxzuGiQ.cspx