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 initia...
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