Anna Maria Island-wide beach renourishment project begins in July

MANATEE – A contractor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will begin an extensive beach renourishment to restock a 5.5-mile stretch of beach northern Holmes Beach to the southern end of Coquina Beach at Longboat Pass.

Crews began mobilizing equipment this week for the project that is scheduled to begin during the first week of July. Construction will start at 78th Street North in Holmes Beach and continue south to Coquina Beach. The project schedule calls for restocking about 300-feet of beach per day, baring weather delays, the project should be complete by the end of October.

"This beach nourishment management program is very much like a roadway or other such infrastructure, as in once it is built, it must be maintained," said Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director. "The work you see is maintenance that will help ensure continued presence of a sandy beach and storm protection for the upland, as well as provide important nesting habitat for endangered sea turtles and shorebirds."

Portions of the beach will be closed during active construction, preventing the public from accessing that area of the shore. The progress will be updated throughout construction and a list of frequently asked questions are available at mymanatee.org/beachproject.

Residents and business owners who have questions about the project may reach David Ruderman in the USACE Corporate Communication Office, at david.j.ruderman@usace.army.mil or by calling (904) 232-1623.

The awarded project cost is $17.3 million. The federal cost share is $8 million. The State of Florida is contributing $4.6 million and the County is contributing $4.6 million in tourism tax revenues..

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