Supporters of Florida's Amendment 4, which would expand tax exemptions for solar, wind and other renewable energy devices, say its passage will encourage more homeowners and businesses to install renewable energy systems.

Residents had their last chance this week to comment on an environmental study that will help determine what type of shore protection the town will pursue along its southernmost beaches.

Samantha David, head of plaza landlord Up Markets, said crews are finishing work on the south side and then will move to the north. Workers are installing new driveways, sidewalks, drive aisles and lighting.

The landmarks board gave final approval last week to the revised plan. With the 22 new spaces, the northern parking lot will have 88 spaces, giving the Four Arts 177 parking spaces in all. WGI landscape architect Bryan Donahue said bridal veil trees will be planted in the two new green spaces.

For decades, the highly visible lot has been left untouched: a grassy carpet dotted with elegant sabal palms, a rare pocket of open space in a town where towering property values have long fostered maximum development. Now the lot's owner, The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, which faces it from across South County Road, proposes to convert the vacant site into a parking lot.