en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has approved $6.18 million in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds to advance a major beach nourishment and restoration project on Anna Maria Island. The island suffered severe storm erosion caused by Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in 2024.

According to an official announcement, this funding will enable Manatee County to coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the State of Florida to initiate construction activities while awaiting reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state. The Manatee County Board stated in a release that this move allows the county to seize opportunities for collaborative construction, which is expected to generate significant savings for local, state, and federal partners.

The nourishment project will restore severely eroded shorelines within the federally authorized Central Beach Segment, roughly extending from North 79th Street in Holmes Beach to South 5th Street in Bradenton Beach, as well as coastal areas of Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach. Construction is currently scheduled from November 2026 to March or April 2027.

This beach nourishment project is part of Manatee County's ongoing efforts to protect coastal infrastructure, support tourism, enhance storm resilience, and preserve beaches. These beaches serve both as recreational destinations and as natural barriers during coastal storm events.