Jacksonville wins $120,000 state grant to restart artificial reef program; next steps laid out

The Jacksonville Waterways Commission heard May 15 that Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) awarded the city a $120,000 grant to restart its artificial reef program, and volunteers and staff outlined the logistical work needed to deploy reef materials.

Mark Hardesty, a commission member, told the commission that the FWC coordinator for the artificial reef project, Keith Milley, approved the $120,000 award and said the grant provides “a springboard” for recreational and commercial fishing and other economic benefits. He introduced volunteers and local club leaders who helped secure the award.

Joe Kistel, who identified himself for the record and described his role in reef deployment planning, said the grant was awarded despite the application not meeting several usual stipulations — including a required funding match and a fully developed project plan. Kistel said the city applied for $120,000 (more than a typical $60,000 grant slot), and that the statewide competitive pool was about $600,000. He warned that significant preparation remains and asked the commission to support staff work.

Kistel and other presenters described the immediate next steps: take inventory of available concrete reef materials and their locations; determine logistics for moving those materials; provide the city procurement office the technical details needed to write bid specifications; and then put the project out to bid. The group had already identified a preferred deployment site, Harm’s Ledge, about 28 miles east of Mayport, with target water depths of about 90–100 feet depending on exact placement. Kistel said a site survey might still be required.

Melissa Long, who helped with the application work, said letters and seed funding from the Jacksonville Offshore Sport Fishing Club helped offset application point deficits and credited Keith Milley with wanting to get the city’s reef program restarted. Councilman Jimmy Paluso said he had checked the city’s artificial-reef fund and found roughly $1,000 available and that replenishment ideas could be discussed with colleagues.

Commissioners and staff discussed timing and process: the grant has a completion condition “by late next year,” with presenters aiming for an execution window in spring 2026 but noting actual timing will depend on procurement, permitting and logistics. Kistel asked for administrative support, including work in Melissa Long’s office, to prepare the procurement package.

No formal vote was recorded on providing city matching funds; council members said they would pursue internal briefings with auditors and general counsel to identify replenishment or matching options (including funds that may be available under local community benefit allocations). Commissioners planned a possible pre-meeting reef subcommittee session and to invite Keith Milley to speak at the June commission meeting for additional context.

The commission did not adopt any ordinance or contract at the meeting; discussion focused on planning and assigning next steps for procurement, site confirmation, and interagency coordination.