Manatee County approves $6 million to start major beach renourishment
Manatee County beaches will soon receive a major renourishment with help from state and federal agencies.
On Tuesday, county commissioners approved using $6.18 million from the tourist development tax fund to start the renourishment project on Anna Maria Island Officials say the project will restore the islands’ beaches to pre-storm conditions from before 2024’s devastating hurricane season.
Most of the funds will be reimbursed by state and federal officials, the county said.
“During Idalia, Helene, Milton, Debby, we suffered tremendous losses of sand from our beaches,” Director of Natural Resources Charlie Hunsicker said. “The federal government stands ready to help us in support of returning that sand to the beach.”
Construction is expected to begin in November and last through spring 2027. The renourishment will focus on the central beach segment from 79th Street North in Holmes Beach to Fifth Street South in Bradenton Beach. Areas of Cortez and Coquina beaches will also be restored.
“The beach renourishment effort is part of Manatee County’s ongoing commitment to protecting coastal infrastructure, supporting tourism, enhancing storm resilience and preserving the beaches that serve as both recreational destinations and natural barriers during coastal-storm events,” a press release from the county said.
Funding helps accelerate island renourishment project
The county will immediately use the tourist development tax funds to coordinate construction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida.
“By advancing these funds now, Manatee County can coordinate beach-recovery efforts with our state and federal partners, reducing overall construction costs while accelerating restoration of some of our community’s most valuable coastal assets,” Hunsicker said in a press release.
The renourishment combines two projects — the central beach segment, and the Cortez and Coquina beach areas that are supported by FEMA.
Part of what commissioners approved Tuesday is an agreement between the county and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to combine the projects into one contract, which is expected to save the county at least $4 million in contractor costs.
“That allows us to not just renourish the beach, protect properties … but we have a lot of other great things coming up that will improve the beaches in the future,” Commissioner Tal Siddique said.
Commissioners unanimously approved the use of $6 million in tourist development tax funding while awaiting reimbursement from FEMA and other agencies, with Commissioner Jason Bearden absent.
