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County awards Pioneer Park berm-remediation contract, wins $1.9M for Peace River cleanup
Summary
Hardee County awarded a $176,435 contract to repair a berm damaged during Hurricane Ian and announced a $1.9 million state award to remove debris from the Peace River; FEMA has obligated part of the berm project cost and the county expects reimbursement under public assistance programs.
The Hardee County Board on Dec. 18 authorized a contract for remediation of a berm at Pioneer Park damaged by Hurricane Ian and heard news of a separate state grant for Peace River debris removal.
Assistant County Manager Chris Cibrian presented the Pioneer Park Berm Remediation Project and said the county received three responsive bids; the low bidder, Adam Boyd Bobcat Service Inc., submitted $176,435.53. Cibrian said FEMA has obligated $168,792.94 under public assistance for the project and staff will pursue reimbursement for eligible costs. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2026-11 awarding the contract and authorized execution of the agreement.
Cibrian described the berm as damaged by high river pressure near the SR-64 overflow bridge and said the timing is favorable given dry-season conditions that facilitate work and permitting; staff obtained FDOT and Swiftmud approvals or exemptions necessary for the scope.
Separately, county staff reported that the governor announced a $1.9 million award for Peace River waterway debris removal; staff said the scope covers the county's stretch of the Peace River and will be coordinated with the sheriff's office for prioritized cleanup and rescue access. An additional $250,000 award announced the same day may support county biosolids dewatering infrastructure pending confirmation.
The contract award will allow remediation to proceed, with county staff advancing the FEMA reimbursement process. The Peace River funding is earmarked for debris removal along the county's river corridor and is intended to improve navigation, public safety and rescue access.
Quotes: "FEMA has obligated an amount of $168,792.94 as a reimbursement," Assistant County Manager Chris Cibrian said when presenting the low bid; sheriff's office representatives highlighted the safety benefits of improved river access.
Next steps: Staff will execute the contract with the low bidder, perform the repair work while pursuing FEMA reimbursement, and coordinate Peace River debris removal planning with law enforcement and grant administrators.
