David Gomez, director of the city's Capital Improvements Projects Office, told the committee that the baywalk behind the Mondrian Hotel from 10th to 12th streets is “essentially complete” but cannot open until a rescheduled inspection is closed and permits are finalized.

The same update showed the Fifth Street pedestrian bridge remains under construction and has encountered an unmarked underground utility. "As of a couple of days ago, we hit another unmarked line at 33 foot in-depth," Gomez said, noting Florida Power & Light is investigating the line.

The bridge contractor has finished most utility relocations and is drilling test piles, Gomez said. He described a series of maintenance-of-traffic plans that will be used during specific work phases and said intermittent lane closures are expected as work progresses. "Once we get to the point where they are flying the actual structure over Fifth Street, that will require a full closure, and that'll happen at night," Gomez said, adding the full nighttime closure for the lift operation is "projected to last about 2 weeks." He said the project team has coordinated closures with police and fire for public safety.

Gomez gave the committee a target timeframe for completing the bridge: "The completion date right now is ... the end of the first quarter of 27," language he used to indicate the schedule through first quarter 2027. He also cautioned that schedule tightening is not possible until crews place the bridge structure on site and unknown subsurface conditions are resolved.

Committee members raised concerns about timing during high‑season events. One commissioner asked specifically about Art Basel and setup periods; Gomez said the project team has coordinated with event scheduling and will avoid major closures during that week.

On safety and amenities, committee members asked that the bridge include lighting and surveillance. Gomez said lighting is planned and that security cameras are "already planned," and added that infrastructure will be available for police to install their systems.

Because the city hit an unmarked utility at considerable depth, Gomez warned that the schedule remains contingent on utility owners' responses and any further subsurface discoveries. No formal vote was taken; the item was presented as an informational project update and will return as progress continues.