Manatee County Commissioner Cheri Coryea addressed commissioners Thursday morning, recommending the removal of six Australian pines, to continue the storm water project, an effort to improve the drainage and reduce flooding in the area. Manatee County spokesperson, Nick Azzara says this was a time sensitive decision.
“The purpose for the six tree update today was so crews could progress with the storm water project without the county incurring any financial penalties,” said Azzara.
Azzara says there are approximately 1,500 total trees along the Coquina Beach parking area, nearly 1,000 of those, are Australian Pines.
“They’re an invasive species that are some of the first ones to blown down during a hurricane or strong storm so forth so that’s part of the arborist recommendation for the removal,” said Azzara.
Despite the need for the removal, Manatee County resident Laurie Cumbie says the Australian Pines are part of what makes Coquina Beach beautiful.
“It’s just a joy to even hear the wind go through them. Australian Pines are awesome,” said Cumbie.
She enjoys walking under the shade of the Australian pines and hates to see even six go.
“If we are trying to plant trees for out plant to have oxygen to grow make it more beautiful I don’t see why cutting six or more down would help that,” said Cumbie.
Azzara says commissioners are keeping the parking lot and storm water project, as well as the environment in mind when make these decisions.
“They’re trying to be sensitive to the environment while installing the storm water pipe that’s going to benefit the community out there so they’re definitely wanting to hear more details before any final details are made,” said Azzara.
Commissioners have agreed that no more than six pines will be removed from Coquina Beach until they deliver and discuss more details at the commissioners meeting on June 18.
