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Public Works reports progress on PGI seawall program; two barges suffered failures causing short delays
Summary
Public Works supervisor Mark Storm reported phase-by-phase seawall program progress (noting about 86% completion for phase 1 and progress in Northwest/Northeast/Southwest zones), described two barges/crane failures that reduced capacity, and outlined expected sequencing and permit coordination.
Mark Storm, canal maintenance supervisor with Punta Gorda Public Works, gave a detailed update on the Punta Gorda Isles (PGI) seawall program and related maintenance work.
Storm said the program’s phase 1 was at about "86.2%" completion and described individual zone progress: several northwest and northeast sites finished, with northwest and southwest zones remaining as the most work-intensive. He reported that two barges experienced mechanical issues — an engine failure and cable release — which temporarily removed two cranes from service and slowed work on certain lots. "We lost 1 with the power, released with the cables, and then an engine blown on the other 1," Storm said, noting crews had taken action to recover and reposition equipment.
Storm outlined next steps: procurement and issuance of purchase orders to contractors, scheduling of remaining backfill and cap placement, tie-ins to newer epoxy-capped walls, and sequencing to minimize disruption for homeowners. He also said mangrove trimming is planned for late spring and that inlet dredging quotes were pending but likely within budgetary expectations.
The report included budget references for the city seawall program (staff mentioned a figure of $1,500,000 tied to remaining cells in a previous-year program) but did not present a detailed, itemized current-year budget total. Staff said they are awaiting formal council rollover/approval for some appropriations and are revising the 2026 program work plan.
Members asked logistical questions; staff said they would meet with contractors and homeowners as parts of the procurement and scheduling steps. The committee requested that staff post updates via weekly Public Works communications and coordinate with realtors and the city clerk's office for broader homeowner outreach.
Next steps: staff will continue contractor coordination, finalize outstanding quotes for inlet dredging, and post schedule updates to the department’s weekly communications.
