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Humiston Park boardwalk cleared for permitting; city targets November construction window outside sea‑turtle season
Summary
Staff reported DEP verification letters and pending permits for the Humiston Park boardwalk, with bids to be issued in summer and an anticipated November start to avoid nesting season; fundraising still must close roughly a $2 million gap, and private donations of materials were noted.
City staff told the council the Humiston Park boardwalk permitting process is moving forward and the city is targeting construction outside sea‑turtle nesting season.
Staff said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued a verification letter that preserves the previous boardwalk alignment and that permitting documents are being finalized; the city plans to advertise bid packages this summer and target contractor selection so construction that disturbs the beach can begin November 1, after the sea‑turtle nesting season restriction. Staff explained that certain work (e.g., non‑beach deck work) could be performed outside that window but that pile driving and other major disturbance must occur after nesting season ends.
Fundraising remains a critical piece: staff said private and public requests are active and that, as of the meeting, a funding gap of roughly $2,000,000 remained to be filled through federal, state, county and private contributions. Staff also noted a private manufacturer had offered to donate pilings and concrete substructure material valued at roughly half a million dollars, a contribution city staff described as significant to closing the funding gap.
Staff asked for council support in continuing fundraising outreach; members and staff discussed coordination with local contractors to secure competitive fabrication and installation bids. If permits and bids proceed on schedule, staff said there is adequate time to assemble materials and meet a November‑1 construction mobilization target.
