MANATEE COUNTY- More Australian Pines are set to be removed and trimmed at Coquina Beach. In efforts to move forward with the Coquina Beach parking lot and drainage improvement, more than 100 pines could be affected, so far.
According to the Herald Tribune, Manatee County Commissioners disagreed about a plan to replace the current parking lot with concrete and remove Australian Pines in the way. They would also remove any roots which would be damaged in the process of putting in a pipeline and underground drainage.
Residents say the Australian Pines are part of what makes Coquina Beach special and would hate to see them go.
“Instead of being forced to cut them down, maybe there’s some other options that they should look in to,” said Laurie Cumbie.
More than 1,000 people signed a petition to save the invasive trees.
