Collier County to reimburse Marco Island $647,873 for Tigertail Sand Dollar spit restoration

The Collier County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a request on Sept. 23 to reimburse the City of Marco Island $647,873 from tourist development tax (TDT) funds to restore the Tiger Tail Sand Dollar Island spit following erosion caused by three storms.

Justin Martin, Marco Island public works director, told the board the spit is a popular and ecologically significant feature accessible from Tigertail Beach and by boat. He said the restoration was permitted, completed in the permitted seasonal window (after sea turtle season and before shorebird nesting), and used locally migrated sand so costs were lower than importing material.

Engineers described the spit as part of a managed ecosystem and a low‑cost, renewable restoration because nearby sand sources can be mechanically redistributed rather than trucked long distances. Commissioners discussed how the project met TDT eligibility (public access, visitor activity and parking), noted parking counts at Tigertail (226 regular and six handicap spaces), and asked about cost‑sharing with the City of Marco Island and the Hideaway Beach special tax district. City staff said the district and city budget include contributions but also that the district would need county support to sustain the work.

Commissioners emphasized the need for earlier conversations about reimbursement when restoration will be required and asked staff to coordinate with city leaders on cost‑sharing before future post‑storm repairs. The reimbursement request was approved unanimously.