Dredging is underway as part of a major restoration project that will replenish nearly a mile of Coquina Beach with more than 63,000 cubic yards of sand lost during Hurricane Idalia.
Work on the Coquina Beach nourishment project began this week and will place approximately 63,450 cubic yards of sand along the shoreline. The project is expected to continue through November.
The restoration is being federally funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with FEMA covering 75% of the cost. The remaining cost will be divided evenly between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Manatee County.
In addition to restoring the storm-damaged beach, dredging is expected to provide a secondary benefit by improving navigation through the nearby pass.
Construction areas will be marked with temporary fencing and will move along the shoreline as the project progresses. Some beach access points may temporarily close when construction reaches those areas.
The south end of Coquina Beach will be closed to accommodate dredging operations and construction equipment. Other portions of the beach are expected to remain accessible whenever conditions allow.
Crews will work around the clock, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, in an effort to complete the restoration as quickly as possible.
Beachgoers should use caution around construction areas and be prepared for changing access points as equipment moves along the shoreline.
The project is anticipated to be completed in November.
