Charlotte County rejects single‑bid for Manasota Key renourishment project amid cost and funding uncertainty

The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 11 rejected the county’s sole responsive bid for the Manasota Key and South Beachville hurricane recovery renourishment project after staff and commissioners cited sharply higher-than-expected costs and unresolved funding sources.

Public Works Director John Elias told the board that the apparent low bidder’s price was far above prior projects and county estimates. Staff and commissioners noted the county lacks a confirmed appropriation and that a significant portion of the $51 million bid — roughly $7 million — was attributable to work at Milton’s Pass, an element that state park stakeholders have discussed funding for separately.

During the hearing, the contractor on site told the board the county procurement code allows negotiation with a low responsive bidder to value‑engineer or rescope a project. County procurement staff responded that negotiations can be used if the contractor can correct deviations without changing the project’s intent, but a large cost gap and time constraints made immediate negotiations impractical. Commissioners expressed concern about obligating county funds while major storm recovery reimbursements remain unsettled and about the proximity to nesting and turtle seasons, which compress the available work window.

After discussion the board voted unanimously to reject the bid. Staff said they will continue to explore options, including coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions and state partners, seeking clearer commitments for state park funding, and rebidding or rescoping for the next available construction window.