Longboat Pass Dredging Project Advances Amid Weather Delays

Driving along the Longboat Pass Bridge, dredge equipment in the channel signals ongoing work on the Gulfside Road beach nourishment project. The initiative aims to address erosion concerns by placing 80,000 cubic yards of sand on the Gulfside Road beach, using dredged sand from the Longboat Pass channel.

The project experienced delays late last year due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and has continued to face setbacks from recent cold weather fronts. Adverse weather conditions have hampered progress, with approximately 40% of the sand placement completed as of Jan. 9. Cold fronts causing disruptive wave action have temporarily paused dredging operations.

Town officials are pushing to complete the project by the end of January to avoid potential conflicts with the shorebird nesting season, which begins Feb. 15. Delaying beyond this date could necessitate additional environmental monitoring, potentially complicating the project timeline further.

Another factor in completing the project on time is the opportunity for financial reimbursement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). A grant program established after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole allows for reimbursement of sand-only projects, with $15 million still available in funding. The town has already received a positive response to its initial reimbursement request of $773,000 and plans to submit additional billing as the project progresses.

While the beach nourishment provides temporary relief, town officials acknowledge it as a short-term solution for the area’s persistent erosion issues. A longer-term approach involves installing up to seven groin structures, as the town's coastal engineer consultant proposed in June 2024. This more permanent solution is currently in the permitting phase, which involves coordination with multiple agencies, including the FDEP and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Due to its complexity, the permitting process is expected to take several years. Meanwhile, erosion concerns continue to be a challenge. The presence of a seawall at the Ohana estate, which has restricted beach access and may contribute to the problem, further exacerbates the situation.

Town officials remain optimistic that the ongoing nourishment project and long-term strategies will provide much-needed relief for the Gulfside Road beach area.