TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
Quintin Bergman, Coastal Resources Manage
FROM: Dakota Whelan, Coastal Specialist
DATE: February 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Work Order No. 2018029-15 - APTIM Sector 5 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole
Beach and Dune Restoration Project - 2026 Environmental Monitoring
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
On April 3, 2018, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved a contract (RFQ#2018029) with APTIM Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC (APTIM) for professional coastal engineering and biological support services related to the management and restoration of the Sector 5 project area. The Sector 5 project area is a 3.1 mile section of shoreline that extends just north of Tracking Station Beach Park south to just south of the Riomar Golf Course. The Sector 5 project area suffered significant storm related losses to the beach and dune system from the impacts of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole during the 2022 hurricane season. These storm-related impacts, combined with prescribed maintenance activities to address background erosion, has created the need for a Sector 5 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole Beach and Dune Restoration Project (Sector 5 Project) to maintain protection of upland properties and infrastructure, while restoring habitat for wildlife.
On November 7, 2025, the BCC awarded Bid No. 2025060 to Guettler Brothers Construction, LLC, for the Sector 5 Project. Construction began on November 10, 2025. The project consists of a beach and dune restoration effort that aims to place approximately 153,300 cubic yards of beach-compatible sand fill and install approximately 117,500 native dune plants along the shoreline in Indian River County. The Sector 5 Project is anticipated to complete construction no later than April 30, 2026.
Regulatory permits issued for the beach restoration activities identify post-construction environmental monitoring requirements to be performed on a set schedule for several years following completion of construction. These monitoring activities are evaluated to demonstrate compliance with permit conditions. For the Sector 5 Project, required post-construction requirement includes nearshore hardbottom, escarpment, sea turtle, and shorebird monitoring.
The proposed Work Order No. 2018029-15 in the amount of $289,684.18, includes two (2) separate tasks to provide professional services for permit-required construction-related environmental monitoring for the Sector 5 Project, as follows:
- Under Task one (1), APTIM will perform the FDEP-approved Biological Monitoring Plan (0363427-001-JC), which includes scientific divers mapping 3.6 miles of hardbottom edge and monitoring twenty (20) biological transects at a rate not to exceed $98,004.84.
- Under Task two (2) APTIM will monitor approximately 3.1 miles of project area for sea turtle, escarpment, and shorebird nests following the post-construction permit-compliance monitoring during the 2026 nesting season. Daily monitoring will occur approximately for 271 days. Task 2 is estimated at a rate not to exceed $191,679.34.
Work Order No. 2018029-15 for hardbottom, sea turtle, and shorebird monitoring associated with the Sector 5 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole Beach and Dune Restoration Project is not to exceed $289,684.18.
ANALYSIS
N/A
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funds, in the amount of $289,684.18, are budgeted and available in the Coastal Engineering Fund/Other Contractual Services/Sector 5 Beach Renourishment account, number 12814472-033490-15021.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
Approval of Agreement - Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. for Engineering and Biological Support Services for Sector 5 (City of Vero Beach) Beach and Dune Renourishment Project (RFQ# 2018029, April 3, 2018)
Approval of Work Order No. 2018029-13 - APTIM Sector 5 Pre-Construction and Engineering Services, May 20, 2025
Approval of Work Order No. 2018029-14 - APTIM Sector 5 Construction Administration, October 21, 2025
Approval of Award of Bid 2025060 - Sector 5 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole Beach and Dune Restoration Project, October 21, 2025
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Approval of a future Work Order for Sector 5 Project 2027 Permit Required Environmental Monitoring
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Environment
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
The Sector 5 management area is one of the 8 management areas outlined in the Beach Preservation Plan.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the BCC authorize Work Order No. 2018029-15 in the not to exceed amount of $289,684.18. Additionally, staff recommends the BCC authorize the Chairman to execute Work Order No. 2018029-15 after review and approval of the agreement by the County Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency.