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Beach makeover to evolve on camera
Cameras will stream live video of the Beach Walk project to the city's Web site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, officials say.
By AARON SHAROCKMAN
Published November 29, 2005
CLEARWATER - The multimillion-dollar makeover of the beachfront will be shown live on the city's Web site, fulfilling curiosity while reminding visitors the tourist strip won't be completely closed off to public access, city officials say.
Web cameras will anchor each end of the Beach Walk project along S Gulfview Boulevard, documenting construction from start to finish, said city public communications director Doug Matthews. The cameras, which are expected to be installed before construction begins in January, will stream video live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The cameras are a part of a larger outreach effort associated with the 42-month, $20-million-plus construction project, which Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback called "the biggest request for patience we've ever asked for from our citizenry."
A special Web page has been created on the city's Web site, www.myclearwater.com to specifically detail Beach Walk progress.
"It's important for our residents to have regular updates available," Matthews said. "It's important for the tourist and travel market to have the latest construction information in one place."
The site, which was launched quietly before Thanksgiving, now includes a synopsis of the project, along with links to the new hotel developments also planned for Clearwater Beach.
A virtual reality DVD presentation, updated aerial construction photos and a monthly progress newsletter are also planned to beef up the site, Matthews said.
Beach Walk would transform a banal half-mile of S Gulfview into a winding promenade bordered by lush landscaping and wide sidewalks. The roadway would be repositioned closer to the beach, and the street-level parking would be reincorporated in a hotel development.
Work will actually begin on a parallel street, widening Coronado Drive to accept more through-traffic.
The City Council is expected to approve a $9.85-million contract for that portion of the work Dec. 15.
[Last modified November 29, 2005, 02:15:28]
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