Cummins Cederberg served as the Engineer of Record (EOR) for the Longboat Key Bayfront Park Living Seawall project, a pilot initiative in partnership with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP). The project involved the installation of approximately 350 living seawall tiles along an existing vinyl sheet pile seawall at Bayfront Park. Cummins Cederberg’s role was critical, involving the permitting, engineering analysis and design of the reef tiles.

To confirm loading during coastal storm conditions, the team conducted Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling to evaluate wave loads and environmental forces. These results informed the design of both the tiles and their connections, with special attention given to bolt placement and tile strength to avoid overstressing the material. The tiles were also designed with a rough surface texture to encourage the attachment of oysters and barnacles, supporting the project’s ecological goals of habitat restoration and shoreline resilience.

In addition to structural design, Cummins Cederberg coordinated environmental permitting with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Engineering design documents included structural sections and material specifications tailored to the unique conditions of the site. Post-design services included milestone construction visits and a final walkthrough with the Town of Longboat Key to confirm alignment with approved plans. Construction was completed in September 2025 and funded through a federal grant administered by SBEP. Throughout the project, Cummins Cederberg actively supported public outreach and coordination with local officials, helping to introduce and implement this first-of-its-kind installation for the Town.