Anna Maria Island beaches eroded by 2023-24 hurricanes will be renourished this fall with $6.18 million in county tourist tax funds allocated by Manatee County commissioners in June.
The renourishment project, scheduled for November and expected to be completed in spring 2027, will include the public beaches at the south end of the island — Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach — both in Bradenton Beach, and the beach extending north to 79th Street North in Holmes Beach.
Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024 significantly eroded the previously renourished beaches. Record-breaking 2024 storm flooding also destroyed roads, homes and businesses, some still under renovation.
Previous projects have mined sand compatible with the island’s native sand from offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and piped it onto the beach, then bulldozed it into the Gulf of Mexico to widen the beach. The project is designed to reduce erosion and provide storm protection for the island’s buildings and roads.
With the tourist tax funds, paid by owners of accommodations that rent to visitors for six months or less, the county can move forward on the project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state of Florida, seeking reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state.
County officials estimate a $4 million cost savings by approving the funding.
“By advancing these funds now, Manatee County can coordinate beach recovery efforts with our state and federal partners, reducing overall construction costs while accelerating restoration of some of our community’s most valuable coastal assets,” Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County’s director of Natural Resources, said in a press release.
Commissioners also approved easements required by the Army Corps in both cities to provide access to the beach, which will be closed in segments as construction progresses.
Cindy Lane is a staff writer for the Tampa Bay Beacons. She can be reached at clane@tbnweekly.com.