Conceptual drawing of Apollo Sunguard shade structure to be installed at Lido Beach Pavilion.

The City of Sarasota has selected Apollo Sunguard as the contractor to design and install a shade sail structure at the historic Lido Beach Concession Building. The shade will provide a refuge from the sun and heat for patrons enjoying the beach and concession area. Custom engineered to suit the location, the shade structure will include multiple fabric shade sails set at different heights and angles. The design will maximize the amount of shade provided in the courtyard while placing the steel structure on the outside to keep the courtyard and walkways clear. The shade panels will block up to 94% of UV rays and lower temperatures underneath by up to 20 degrees, helping reduce exposure to sun damage and heat-related illnesses. Apollo Sunguard was selected for the Lido Beach project by the City of Sarasota's Parks and Recreation department following a Request for Proposal process. Kevin Connelly, president of Apollo Sunguard, says, “We’re especially proud to be selected for projects in our own hometown. We emphasize form and function, so this project for Lido Beach will have a coastal and nautical feel while providing the UV reduction and cooling shade that beachgoers need on a hot day. It will also be designed to withstand the winds that we know will come over the lifetime of the shade.” The structure is engineered to withstand winds up to 90 mph with the sail shades installed and up to 150 mph with the shades removed. A quick-release system allows the shade panels to be easily removed and reinstalled if needed. The shade structure is one of several improvements being made to the Lido Beach concession area.

The installation of the sunshade is expected to begin in April or May. The concession stand is currently closed, but the installation of the sunshade will not interfere with concession or restroom operations. No installation will take place on Saturdays or Sundays.

Conceptual drawing of Apollo Sunguard shade structure to be installed at Lido Beach Pavilion.

To learn more about this project or Apollo Sunguard