On Southport Island, spring is busting out all over.

At Hendricks Head Beach, a few people were taking in the sunshine and breathing the cool fresh air coming off the sparkling water on April 9.

A woman from Newport, R.I., who is staying in the area for a year, was walking on the beach while her two children sat on the rock wall, cavorted on the beach, and climbed around on Kitten Island with a couple other kids, who were there with their father.

The area across the road from the beach, designated for a new parking area, is on hold until the ground dries up a little, and a permit is issued.

Southport Selectman Mary Lou Koskela said there is a wetlands issue that will determine how much of the area can be converted to a parking lot, but that the project will move ahead soon. “When things dry up we'll get back to work,” she said.

A little further down the road at Cozy Harbor, a 120-foot barge from Prock Marine was waiting for an incoming tide, and for winds to die down, before to making its way back to Rockland.

The barge was there to dredge the harbor, allowing larger boats to enter and moor at low tide.

The dredging began on February 25, and according to Southport Harbor Master Jim Gagnon, the project is finished. A dock that had been moved to allow for the dredging is back in place, and moorings are being reset.

Sitting above the newly dredged area in Cozy Harbor is Oliver's Restaurant. Boothbay Harbor Country Club Clubhouse and Oliver's Restaurant Manager Allyson Melchreit said in an email that the restaurant will be opening for its third season on May 20.

Melchreit said that Oliver's will be open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and will feature specials and cocktails for Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Melchreit and Executive Chef Thomas Conboy, who has owned high-end bakeries and restaurants in Cambodia and Vietnam, will be overseeing the operation this summer, and Anya Arsenault, owner of Wannawaf in Boothbay Harbor, will be dining room manager. Conboy will also be overseeing the restaurant at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club, along with Melchreit.

At the Newagen Seaside Resort, renovations have been completed, and the resort will be opening for the summer on May 16 for a retreat event. The restaurant will open on May 25.

Event Planner Jeremy Constanzer said the resort will be hosting the annual Southport Firemen's dinner on May 29.

Things are happening on Southport. Take a drive over and check out the changes, or just enjoy the peace and beauty the island affords.