TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
THROUGH: Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation, & Conservation Director
FROM: Wendy Swindell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Assistant Director
DATE: March 11, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners Authorizing Funding for a Florida Inland Navigation District Waterways Assistance Program Grant for Gifford Dock Park & Conservation Area
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BACKGROUND
Gifford Dock Park is located at the east end of Gifford Dock Road (also referred to as 45th Street). The park has been a historic feature of the Gifford community for many generations. The park contains an unimproved parking area and a pier that requires significant renovation due to wear from numerous extreme storm events and use by the public. The County has been working with the City of Vero Beach to design a picnic pavilion within the park boundaries.
To the south of Gifford Dock Park the County recently acquired 15.47 acres of conservation lands through the 2022 voter approved Environmental Land Acquisition Bond process. This acquisition was referred to as the “Osprey Estates” project. This Lagoon front property is dominated by mangroves that were once managed for mosquito control. The earthen berms surrounding the mangrove impoundments are eroded and vegetated with dense vegetation; these existing conditions restrict public access to the conservation lands.
ANALYSIS
Staff are initiating the process developing a plan for improvements to the park as well as for the conservation area. The integration of the park and the conservation area is expected to provide increased opportunity for public use and enjoyment. Project plans would be developed with resiliency and sustainability in mind. These considerations will reduce the need for maintenance and repair following extreme weather events and will provide a significant opportunity for cost-share funding.
Design & engineering will develop plans to include improvements such as a renovated pier, improved kayak launching, picnic areas, improved parking, and boardwalks for shoreline recreation. Phase 1 of the plan includes submittal of a 2026 Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) Waterways Assistance Program (WAP) grant application to provide funding towards the design and engineering of improvements. The 3-year Phase 1 design and engineering FIND grant is reimbursable once the Phase 2 portion of the project is submitted to FIND (for construction of Phase 1 amenities).
As part of the FIND WAP application process, the County is required to provide a Resolution that states that matching funds have been allocated for this grant. The cost for the design and engineering of the project is estimated to be approximately $150,000. The County is required to match 50% ($75,000) towards the completion of the grant deliverable. A copy of the draft FIND Resolution has been attached.
Should the grant be awarded, a grant agreement provided by FIND will be brought to the Board for consideration and execution, if approved.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Currently, there is no budgetary impact, as this item is approval to apply for the grant. However, funding for this project, in the total amount of $75,000, is currently programmed into the current Capital Improvement Element in the Optional Sales Tax/Parks/Gifford Dock Park Improvements account, number 31521072-066510-26014. If the grant is awarded, FIND funds will provide an additional $75,000 as a matching share toward this project and will be brought to the Board for acceptance.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
23-0802 09/12/2023 Stormwater Pipeline Easement Request, Gifford Dock Park
25-1111 12/09/2025 Consideration of a Sale Agreement for the Purchase of the 15.47-acre Osprey Estates site through the Environmental lands Acquisition Bond
26-0204 02/10/2026 Osprey Estates ELAP Project - Completion of the Due Diligence process & Final Closing
26-0248 02/24/2026 Osprey Estates ELAP Project - Completion of the Due Diligence process & Final Closing
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Approval of Gifford Park & Conservation Area 2026-2027 FIND WAP Grant Agreement
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
Parks Master Plan
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff respectfully requests that the Board approve the submittal of a FIND 2026 Waterways Assistance Program Grant for the Gifford Dock Park & Conservation Area project, and authorize the Chairman to execute the Resolution after review by the County Attorney for legal sufficiency.