Cummins Cederberg was retained by the City of Sarasota (City) to perform marine engineering, environmental services, and full-service grant management to support the design, permitting, and replacement of approximately 1,500 LF of existing deteriorated bulkhead located at the iconic Marina Jacks marina at Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota. The City received $2.68M in grant funding from the Resilient Florida Implementation Grant program and an additional $500,000 from the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) to support implementation of a new seawall, which includes raising the cap elevation to reduce flood vulnerabilities to the downtown Sarasota area.

Our team of engineer-divers performed an above and below-water inspection of approximately 1,500 feet of seawall along the Bayfront Park project site to evaluate the condition of the existing seawall. Prior to field inspections, a full permitting due diligence review was performed to identify permit history, previous repairs, historic design, and dredge records. The inspection included visual assessment of the structural components (e.g., cap, panels, pile) in accordance with the ASCE 130 manual for underwater inspections to identify forms and degree of deterioration and methods for repair or replacement. A signed and sealed engineering inspection report was prepared, recommending replacement of the 1960’s era wall.

Temporary removal of the existing docks will be required to accommodate seawall improvements. The project involves a thorough assessment of current and projected water levels concerning storm surge, king tide, and sea level rise. A coastal analysis was carried out to evaluate various water levels, including existing king tide levels.

Additionally, Cummins Cederberg performed a detailed review of regional policies related to sea level rise, resilience, seawall ordinances, and tidal flood barrier policy for adjacent counties and municipalities to inform decision-making and develop a basis for recommendations in concert with the flood analysis. Cummins Cederberg collaborated closely with multiple City departments to facilitate public outreach workshops with marina stakeholders, the Estuary Program’s Technical Advisory Committee, Mote Marine, and others to review and discuss potential design alternatives relative to seawall cap raising and upland harmonization.

Based on feedback received and the field investigation results, the design will include elevating the cap and upland harmonization to improve park access and match upland grades. Cummins Cederberg will lead regulatory coordination, secure local, state, and federal permits, as well as manage grants and coordination efforts, including exploring additional grant opportunities to maximize existing City funds.