Buena Vista Waterways Dredging Project

Project Description

The dredging project started in early September of 2024 was intended to include exterior parts of the Sunrise, George Road and Gardner Drive channels, respectively.  Unfortunately Hurricanes Helene and Milton disrupted the project while in progress.  

Summary of what was accomplished through November 13, 2024:

•  Sunrise Waterway - prior to Hurricane Helene
  • September 6 - started dredging about 50 feet seaward of channel marker RG "A" 
  • Dredged towards shore and stopped approximately 300 feet seaward from the "point" at the Beach Park
  • September 23 - Last day of dredging due to Hurricane Helene
  • After Helene, the contractor was directed to move over to the Gardner Drive Waterway to keep the project moving
  • Length of channel dredged on the Sunrise = 450 feet long by 50 feet wide (at channel bottom)
  • Beach replenishment:  None due to unsuitable material encountered offshore
• Gardner Drive Waterway - did not start dredging until after Hurricane Milton
  • October 16 - started dredging from a point just inside the shoreline
  • Dredged seaward to a point approximately 200 feet seaward of channel markers G “5” and R “6”
    • The channel does not need dredged beyond this point
    • November 13 – completed dredging
    • Length of channel dredged = 700 feet long by 75 feet wide (at channel bottom)  
• George Road Waterway
  • Not dredged - remainder of the project cancelled on November 13

Upcoming Project (Fall of 2025)

The revised project shall finish the dredging of the Sunrise channel (1,940 cubic yards) and place all of that material on the beach at the Beach Park.  Dredged sand not suitable for beach use shall be placed above the Mean High-Water Line.  Good sand shall be placed below that line.

In addition to the sand placement at the Beach Park from the dredging project, there is also sand being trucked in to the Beach Park from an off-site source (3,719 cubic yards) under a component requested by Community Services.  This also includes an item for Rock Removal (640 cubic yards).  

There are also two other sand renourishment projects being included with the Sunrise contract to assist Community Services.  These are at the Bayshore Live Oak Park and the Chester Roberts Park, respectively.  See Addendum #1 to the Sunrise Dredging project that was posted on the County's Purchasing Website on June 18. 

All three of the beach renourishment projects, and the rock removal, are being paid for by funding sources arranged by Community Services.

Project Location

The project is generally located along the northern bank of the Peace River west of Tamiami Trail.  

Project Impacts

*  Improved and safer navigation.

*  Improved beach at the Charlotte County Beach Park

Latest Updates

All three of the beach renourishment projects by Community Services are being paid for by funding sources arranged by Community Services.

Update on June 27, 2025:  Added a slightly revised set of plans (relocated the rock stockpile area for the beach project from the site of the former "Rec Center" to where the pavillions were located at the east end of the Beach Park).

Update on July 2, 2025:  Bids will be opened on July 9.

Update on August 15, 2025:  The BOCC awarded this project to Kelly Brothers, Inc., at its meeting on July 22.  The dollar amount for the Sunrise Dredging Project, only, is $443,839.     

Budget

Schedule

Supporting Materials

• Project Plans