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: September 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Wabasso Causeway Park FIND Grant IR-24-78 Withdrawal
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BACKGROUND
Wabasso Causeway Park is located along Wabasso Beach Road (CR 510) and consists of four separate spoil island lobes encompassing an area of approximately 13.4 acres. Features include a boat launch, restroom facilities, picnic tables, pavilions, and shoreline areas for recreation. Conditions within the park have deteriorated over the years due to storm damage, increases in wave energy associated with high water events from King Tides, and wear from public use. The boat ramp and adjacent parking area require significant repair and replacement, and amenities along the shoreline areas are significantly affected by continuous erosion.
On March 5, 2024, the Board passed the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) Resolution For Assistance 2024 (Resolution #2024-008) as required for the Waterways Assistance Program (WAP) grant application process. The approved Resolution was included as part of the WAP application submitted by staff to FIND on April 1, 2024, for “Phase 1 Design and Engineering of Wabasso Causeway Park Improvements.” The FIND application included a $150,000 project to design and engineer improvements to the existing parking areas and boat ramps. The County was required to provide a $75,000 (50:50) match for this grant. On October 15, 2024, FIND notified the County that the project had been selected for funding and provided a project agreement for consideration by the Board. The Wabasso Causeway WAP Grant Agreement IR-24-78 was executed by FIND on December 2, 2024.
ANALYSIS
Following t...
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