A stormwater project on Anna Maria Island is turning out much differently than what some store owners expected.
Nearly all of the trees on historic Bridge Street have been cut down, and owners say they were never informed this would be part of the project.
Crews have been working on portions of Bridge Street to put in a new eco-friendly drainage system, which is expected to reduce the amount of pollutants that end up in the bay. The crews are replacing a system that is more than 50 years old, and is part of a larger project to reduce flooding on the island.
According to engineers, the trees were not compatible with the project. They had exposed roots that posed a safety threat, and many were under power lines.
However, store owners say they were shocked when they came to work one day to find all the trees cut down, and that no one had ever informed them that this would happen.
Store owner Gayden Shell said she was aware the project would take place, but she was not told the trees could be cut down. Now she's concerned the bare site will scare off tourists as the busy season approaches.
“It's so sad because Bridge Street is such a special magical place," she said. "To have all these beautiful trees cut down within a couple of hours...it's done.”
Engineers say they did speak with store owners and sent out letters notifying them of the plan. They say new trees with compatible irrigation systems will be planted to replace the trees that were cut down no later than Dec. 15.