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Port Authority approves bids schedule for demolition; staff to seek bids for Lake Townsend boat ramp after $380,000 award
Summary
Officials said demolition bids are out for condemned waterways buildings, the county secured an extra $380,000 from U.S. Fish & Wildlife for the Lake Townsend boat ramp, and staff described permit and funding status for artificial‑reef and canal maintenance work while committing to better communication on Hunters Lake drought impacts.
Chris Linsbeck, Community Services Director, and Carla Berman, Natural Resources Department Manager, told the Hernando County Port Authority the county will demolish multiple condemned waterways structures and move forward on several waterway projects.
Berman said four waterfront structures damaged by recent hurricanes have been placed out to bid, with contractor selection planned for Dec. 29. She said the county acquired adjacent properties and will remove flood‑damaged buildings as part of a site redesign.
On Lake Townsend, Berman said the county received an additional $380,000 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to add to the boat‑ramp project budget; the agreement was amended and staff expects to advertise the solicitation in January. "It's going to be poured; it's not crushed concrete," she said when asked about ramp construction and ADA access improvements.
Staff also reported progress on an artificial reef restoration: most permits are in hand and two Army Corps permits remain under review, with consultants confirming available construction funding for phase one once permitting completes.
A canal maintenance study focused on canals west of U.S. 19 identified sediment‑choked reaches and private canals where an MSBU (Municipal Service Benefit Unit) could be considered; staff suggested budgeting feasibility and cost estimates for future discussion. Commissioners and staff agreed to investigate options and return with cost proposals during the budget process.
Board members raised navigation safety issues, including a lime‑rock seabed off Bayport and a large submerged rock in a channel. Matt Harrington, Natural Resources field supervisor, said removal would require state dredging permits and potential habitat mitigation; divers confirmed a broad lime‑rock field rather than a single movable rock.
During public comment, residents pressed for action on Hunters Lake, where low water levels are preventing launches. Berman and staff said the lake's low level is drought‑related, vegetation on the lake is largely appropriate and removing vegetation could harm water quality. Staff said FWC and other agencies have inspected the lake and that staff will return with options, including the possibility of moving a public access dredge CIP earlier in the schedule. The board directed staff to improve communications with affected residents about agency findings and next steps.
Next steps: staff will finalize demolition procurement, solicit bids for the Lake Townsend ramp in January, complete permitting for reef construction, develop cost estimates for canal maintenance/MSBU options, and provide an update on Hunters Lake outreach and dredge timing.
