Marco Island Shoreline Project Set to End...For Now

The Sand Dollar Island berm project has undergone several repair and maintenance efforts since its initial completion in May 2023. The initial Tigertail Lagoon/Sand Dollar Island Ecosystem Restoration Project was designed to enhance the flow of water and restore the shoreline using sediment dredged from specific areas. The permit for this project is valid for 15 years (expiring in 2037), allowing for periodic maintenance every two years and event-driven emergency repairs.

 

Since that completion, Tropical Storm Idalia in August 2023 prompted emergency repairs due to beach sand displacement, which were authorized by the then-city manager, Mike McNees. Subsequent storms in 2024, including Tropical Storm Debby, Hurricane Helene, and Hurricane Milton, necessitated additional repairs, conducted between November 2024 and February 2025.

 

Now, maintenance and repair work is occurring again, expected to conclude by February 15, 2026. This marks the second routine maintenance event, alongside one emergency repair, since the project's completion. There is ongoing discussion about potentially adopting a schedule for yearly maintenance and repair to better manage the impact of weather events on the berm.

 

We remember when the area to get through to the inside of Coconut Island was skinny and just passable with 2 boats in the channel, but the inside seemed to stay deeper on its own.  The beach does seem to be more enjoyable to boat to where the beach and lagoon meet, but is it better for the environment?  Hard to say.