Dredging and beach fill. Sand placement is reaching the north end of the project. Dredging is expected to finish this week. See the latest update →
Coquina Beach Project Manatee County, Florida · Hurricane Idalia Repair
Dredging and beach fill

Manatee County, Florida 2026 Coquina Beach Hurricane Idalia Storm Damage Repair Project

Manatee County will restore approximately 0.9 miles of Coquina Beach by placing 63,450 cubic yards of sand dredged from the Longboat Pass navigation channel — restoring the beach while improving navigation through the pass.

Latest Construction Updates Beach Access & Closures
0.9 miOf Beach To Be Restored
63,450 cyOf Sand To Be Placed
$1.92MEstimated Project Cost
2 moPlanned Construction Window

Where things stand

Project Progression

Five phases carry the project from mobilization to a completed, restored beach. This tracker is updated as each phase begins and finishes.

  1. 1

    Mobilization

    Complete

  2. 2

    Dredging

    Began September 9

    In progress
  3. 3

    Beach Fill

    South end, moving north

    In progress
  4. 4

    Final Grading

    Shaping the design template

    Up next
  5. 5

    Completion

    October 2026

Project progression: truck mobilization, dredge vessel, sand placement through pipeline, bulldozer grading, and a restored beach.

Project overview

Restoring The Sand Idalia Took

This project will restore sand lost to Hurricane Idalia along approximately 0.9 miles of Coquina Beach — from just south of 13 St S to Longboat Pass (FDEP reference monuments R-36 to R-41+305).

Approximately 63,450 cubic yards of sand will be dredged from the Longboat Pass navigation channel and placed on the beach. Dredging the channel does double duty: it restores the beach while improving navigation through the pass.

All work is performed under state and federal permits, including protective conditions for nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. Construction began in September 2026, with completion anticipated by the end of October 2026.

Permits & Project Documents

Who Is Paying For This

The project is federally funded through FEMA at a 75% cost share, with the balance split evenly between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Manatee County.

  • FEMA75.0%
  • FDEP12.5%
  • Manatee County12.5%

Estimated total project cost: $1,924,407.65

Project Team

Manatee County — local sponsor and project owner

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) — funding partner and permitting agency

Coastal Protection Engineering — coastal engineering, design and construction observation

Sea Hawk Maritime — contractor

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring — sea turtle and shorebird monitoring

Project area

Where The Work Is Happening

Work areas will be marked with temporary construction fencing and will move along the beach as work progresses. Some beach access points may be temporarily closed near active construction areas. Every effort will be made to keep beach access available whenever possible. Work will take place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in order to complete the project in the timeliest manner.

Project progress map as of September 15, 2026. The fill area runs along Coquina Beach from FDEP reference monument R-36 in the north, south past Gulf Drive S to R-41+305 at Longboat Pass. Sand placement is now complete along almost the whole project, from Longboat Pass north. A short segment near the north end is under construction, and only a small stretch just below R-36 remains upcoming. Staging areas are marked near the north end and at the south end adjacent to Longboat Pass.

Project limits, staging areas and progress as of 15 September 2026. The legend distinguishes upcoming, active and completed segments; this figure is updated as construction progresses.

North Limit

FDEP reference monument R-36, just south of 13 St S. The fill begins here and extends south.

South Limit

FDEP reference monument R-41+305 at Longboat Pass, the southern end of the project.

Borrow Area

Sand is dredged from the Longboat Pass navigation channel, restoring navigable depth while supplying the beach fill.

Staging Areas

Equipment staging near the south end, adjacent to Longboat Pass, will be fenced and closed to the public for the duration of construction. The Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp remains accessible.

Beach safety & access

What To Expect During Construction

Portions of the beach close temporarily as work progresses. Closures move with the equipment — the rest of Coquina Beach stays open.

For Your Safety, Please

  • Keep clear of dredging equipment, pipeline and active work zones
  • Observe all posted signs, fencing and flagging
  • Do not climb on or cross the dredge pipeline
  • Use designated pedestrian detours around work areas

Sea Turtle Nesting

Work follows FDEP and FWC permit conditions to protect nesting sea turtles, including nest surveys, nest relocations and lighting restrictions during nesting season.

The sea turtle nesting program is carried out in partnership with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring.

Please do not disturb marked nests.

Access & Staging

Equipment staging and beach-access areas near the south end of the project, adjacent to Longboat Pass, will be fenced and closed to the public for the duration of construction.

Most of the beach stays open, and the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp remains accessible.

Work zones and closures change daily as operations progress. Always follow on-site signage and staff direction. Current closure information is posted on the construction updates page.

Construction updates

The Latest From The Beach

Short progress notes and photos, posted as work advances.

View All Updates

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the whole beach be closed?

No. Only the active work zone and the south-end staging area are closed. Closures move along the beach with the equipment, and the remainder of Coquina Beach stays open throughout construction. The Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp remains accessible.

Where does the sand come from?

The sand is dredged from the Longboat Pass navigation channel. It is tested for compatibility with the native beach before placement. Dredging the channel also restores navigable depth through the pass.

How is the project being paid for?

FEMA funds 75% of the project as Hurricane Idalia storm damage repair. The State of Florida (FDEP) and Manatee County each contribute 12.5%. The estimated total project cost is $1,924,407.65.

What about sea turtles and shorebirds?

Construction is conducted under state and federal permits that include protections for nesting sea turtles and shorebirds — daily nest surveys during nesting season, lighting restrictions, marked nests and buffer zones, and monitoring by qualified personnel.

Will construction be noisy or run at night?

Yes. Work will take place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in order to complete the project in the timeliest manner. Equipment noise is most noticeable near the active work zone and the staging area, and both move along the beach as work progresses.

How will I know where work is happening this week?

Check the construction updates page. Progress notes and closure information are posted there as work advances.

Stay informed

Follow Construction Progress Here

Construction updates are posted to this website — where work is happening, which beach segments are closed or reopened, and each project milestone. Check the updates page for the current status.

See Construction Updates

Project contact

Charlie Hunsicker Director of Natural Resources, Manatee County (941) 748-4501 charlie.hunsicker@mymanatee.org