The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously March 25 to accept state funding for shore-based projects benefiting south Anna Maria Island.
The 7-0 vote directs funds from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to nearshore artificial reefs and beach renourishment.
A county projects report shared with The Islander March 27 by Commissioner Tal Siddique, R-District 3, outlines planned improvements, including:
- Nearshore breakwaters at Coquina Beach;
- A mitigation boulder reef;
- A recreational snorkel reef;
- The rehabilitation of the Longboat Pass jetty.
The artificial reef projects, funded in part with $60,000 from the FWC, involves the construction of a 2-acre mitigation boulder reef and a nearshore limestone, recreational reef off Coquina Beach.
Artificial reefs support marine biodiversity by creating habitats for fish, coral and other aquatic life. They also enhance recreational opportunities and contribute to long-term ecological sustainability.
The commission also approved $375,000 from the DEP for erosion control at Coquina Beach. The project involves removing deteriorating concrete groins and constructing four offshore breakwaters.
Breakwaters help reduce the intensity of wave action in inshore waters, protecting the shoreline from erosion and maintaining a stable, gently sloping beach.
Another component of the plan is the rehabilitation of the Longboat Pass jetty. The project aims to stabilize the southern end of Coquina Beach by retaining the sand updrift at the jetty and reducing shoaling in the inlet.
The rehabilitation will include the installation of a sheet pile retaining wall to reinforce the jetty.
Additionally, crews will reconstruct the storm-damaged seaward end of the jetty using limestone boulders.
Beach erosion control became a priority for Manatee County following hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall. In particular, flooding from Helene caused extensive erosion in Bradenton Beach, washing away significant portions of the shoreline and increasing the risk of future storm surge-related flooding.
While the commission’s approval secures funding to advance planning and implementation, specific allocations and timelines for each project remain undecided.
“They’re technically decided upon and in our capital improvement plan,” Siddique said. “The funding is not fully lined up yet.”