Summary
City staff said Gulf Coast Construction was hired for dune walkover replacements ($439,000 funded through CIP, partial FEMA reimbursement expected); staff expects permitting during turtle season and aims to begin construction after nesting season; public requested a progress report on Gulf Way wall and repainted crosswalks following a fatality.
City staff reported that Gulf Coast Construction has been awarded a design, permitting and construction contract for dune walkover replacements at multiple locations, with the purchase order issued and the vendor in design. The staff presentation identified a $439,000 contract amount funded through the city's CIP, with some FEMA reimbursement expected for storm damage repairs.
"The vendor selected for this work was Gulf Coast Construction, in the amount of $439,000," staff said. The work covers replacement at several walkovers, with design and permitting underway. Staff stated the goal is to complete permitting before the end of turtle season so construction can begin as soon as the season ends.
On the Gulf Way seawall, staff said a temporary concrete barrier to hold sand in place will be installed in the coming weeks while the permanent wall is planned through a fiscal year 2026 CIP project that would include a stronger foundation and approaches to reduce wave uplift. A public commenter, Kathleen Atraguyan, asked for updates on the progress of the Gulf Way wall and urged repainting crosswalks at several intersections after a recent fatality; staff agreed to report back and said some short‑term repainting and signage adjustments can be made ahead of the permanent project.
Committee members and residents also raised safety concerns about the steep slope and drainage at several existing walkovers in the south end of Passagrille. Staff said the FY26 proposal includes replacing problematic walkovers (noting 12th and 16th as candidates for modification) and committed to reviewing drainage and slope designs to reduce hazard and ponding at ramp bases.
Why it matters: walkover condition, crosswalk visibility and seawall stability affect pedestrian safety, dune protection and property resilience to storms; the city is balancing short‑term fixes with longer CIP‑funded permanent solutions.
Ending: Staff will provide dates for temporary Gulf Way barrier installation, move forward with design and permitting for walkovers and include crosswalk repainting and signage recommendations in near‑term actions.
