TARPON SPRINGS — City commissioners unanimously approved a $2.78 million contract to rebuild the failing seawall and sidewalk around Craig Park, a long-awaited project officials expect to complete before next year’s Epiphany celebration.
The contract with Florida Solid Solutions, doing business as Florida Seawall Solutions, covers the first phase of work stretching from the boat ramp to the pedestrian observation deck on Spring Bayou. A $2 million federal grant will cover most of the cost, with the balance coming from the city’s borrowing package.
The project aims to protect the park from tidal flooding by raising the seawall and sidewalk elevation, said Bob Robertson, project administration department director.
“The existing sidewalk and seawall are failing in parts around the perimeter of Craig Park,” Robertson said. “Failing sidewalk sections have undergone patch repairs over the past several years, but they have intermittently and frequently been closed to pedestrians for safety reasons.”
The sidewalk currently sits about 2 feet above mean sea level. The observation deck on the east side of Spring Bayou sits about 3 feet above mean sea level and is supported by a shallow seawall that is structurally failing and at risk of eventual collapse, Robertson said.
Phase one will replace most of the seawall at a target elevation of 5 feet or more above sea level. The sidewalk and observation deck will be rebuilt at the new elevation.
Procurement Services Director Janina Lewis said the design calls for a fiberglass-reinforced polymer, or vinyl sheet pile wall, installed about 18 inches in front of the existing seawall. The new wall will include tiebacks with anchors and a reinforced concrete cap, raising the structure by about 2 feet.
A grassy berm less than 2 feet above grade will be added on the park’s western side, where the seawall cap will be replaced but the wall itself will remain, Robertson said. Drainage inlets, pipes and stormwater check valves will be added throughout the park to prevent tidal influx, and the War Memorial will get drainage enhancements.
The remaining waterfront on the north side of Spring Bayou will be addressed in a second phase, along with potential work on the boat ramp and parking area.
The $2 million federal grant covers only the waterfront from the boat ramp to the observation deck. City borrowing will cover the remainder — initially estimated at $1.6 million but reduced to about $785,727 based on the final bid, a savings of roughly $814,000. The contract includes a $100,000 contingency.
The contractor must reach substantial completion within 270 days of receiving a notice to proceed and final completion within 300 days.
“Major construction on the project is expected to be completed well before Jan. 6, 2027, next Epiphany,” Robertson said. If work runs long, the contractor must accommodate the annual Greek Epiphany celebration with unrestricted access to the eastern section of Spring Bayou, including the War Memorial and surrounding platforms and sidewalks.
Mayor John Koulianos asked how long the raised seawall would hold up against rising seas.
“The target elevation is 5 feet,” Robertson said. “I think that gives us 50-plus years, the last numbers I saw.”
Commissioner Panagiotis Koulias asked how a change order might affect the city’s borrowing. Robertson said the $100,000 contingency would be tapped first, and any additional costs could come from the borrowing package or the Penny Fund.
Commissioner Michael Eisner asked whether the boat ramp would also need to be raised. Robertson said the ramp is not part of phase one and would likely be addressed as part of a future Whitcomb Boulevard project.
“We have to draw a line somewhere,” he said.