Longboat Key plans $32M beach nourishment and erosion control project by 2028

In a recent joint meeting between the Barrier Island Council and the Town of Longboat Key, significant discussions centered on the urgent need for beach nourishment and restoration efforts following the impacts of Hurricane Helene in 2024. The meeting highlighted the community's ongoing concerns about beach conditions, which were identified as a top priority in a recent citizen survey, alongside traffic issues.

Longboat Key officials reported an estimated loss of 407,000 cubic yards of sand due to erosion, exacerbated by recent storms. They are currently awaiting a response to a claim submitted to FEMA and the Florida Department of Emergency Management, which could provide crucial funding for restoration efforts. The town is looking to advance a comprehensive beach nourishment project, with initial estimates placing the cost at approximately $16 million for the immediate restoration of lost sand. However, officials are advocating for a more extensive project that would restore an additional 212,000 cubic yards, bringing the total project cost to around $24.8 million.

The long-term vision includes a larger-scale project of 800,000 cubic yards, projected to start in 2027 or 2028, with an estimated total cost of $32 million. After anticipated contributions from federal and state agencies, the town's share could be reduced to about $12 to $13 million. This ambitious plan aims not only to restore the beaches to their pre-2021 condition but also to address ongoing erosion challenges.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the importance of structural solutions for areas like Gulfside Road, which is located on the Manatee County side. Town officials expressed gratitude for past support from Manatee County and welcomed continued collaboration to enhance beach resilience.

As the community grapples with the impacts of climate change and storm-related damage, these discussions underscore the critical need for proactive measures to protect Longboat Key's beaches, which are vital for both local residents and the tourism economy. The outcomes of this meeting will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of beach management and restoration efforts in the region.