Charlotte County commissioners have approved a $29,348,880 contract with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company of Houston to restore hurricane-damaged beaches on Manasota Key and South Beach. The plan places roughly 590,000 cubic yards of sand on Manasota Key and 400,000 on South Beach, using sediment pulled from navigation channel dredging. That means the county handles routine channel maintenance and beach renourishment in a single project.
The price tag comes with substantial relief. Charlotte County expects up to $8,223,342 back through a Florida DEP grant, $7,574,014 from FEMA, and $1,109,243 from the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Those reimbursements tie to Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, Eta, Elsa, Helene, and Milton. The work was already built into the FY27 dredging plan, so no additional budget action was required at the meeting.
Crews are working against a 180-calendar-day completion window, with substantial completion targeted at 165 days. For residents and business owners along the key, the project represents the most concrete storm recovery step yet. Sand on the shoreline protects property, supports tourism, and restores access for the walkers, shellers, and snowbirds who plan their winters around these beaches.
How has beach erosion changed the way you use Manasota Key? Tell us in the comments.
