Posted on November 3, 2025
Charlotte County commissioners on July 22 approved moving forward with dredging that residents say will restore navigation and return sand to an eroded shoreline at Bosilia (Basilia) Lagoon on Don Pedro/Night Island.
Public comment at the meeting emphasized boating safety, navigation problems for emergency response boats and the loss of beach in front of shoreline properties after recent storms. Residents asked the board to pursue FEMA funding but also to move quickly so the beach and launch access can be restored ahead of a new storm season.
Board action: the board voted unanimously to allow the county to start the dredge work before FEMA authorization if necessary, with the county to front costs and be reimbursed through an MSTU (municipal service taxing unit) or other funding sources if FEMA does not grant funds. Staff described the waterway as non‑maintained (no existing county maintenance funding), and said the dredge would be sized to move the sediment back onto the critically eroded shoreline rather than remove it from the system.
Key details
– Estimate: staff presented a preliminary engineer’s estimate in the meeting of roughly $650,000 to cover survey, design and the dredge operation (figure used in discussions; final bid to define exact contract cost).
– Funding mechanics: Bosilia Lagoon is not a county‑maintained navigable waterway and has no local funding source identified; the board directed staff to start work with the county fronting costs and to return the MSTU or other reimbursement plan as appropriate. The board accepted staff’s assurance they will pursue FEMA and DEP funding and that MSBU/MSPU or an MSTU could be used for local match or reimbursement.
– Public safety: residents and the board noted that sediment in the channel can prevent the sheriff’s fireboat and other emergency craft from reaching island residents at the lagoon’s south end.
What speakers said
Residents told the board they had already repaired private damage and were grateful for county help to avoid repeated road work; residents urged quick action ahead of future storms. Staff noted the work is similar to prior emergency dredges the county has done and would require a small temporary construction easement for beach access during the operation.
Next steps
Staff will begin procurement/design steps to enable construction and will present a financing plan and timetable for MSBU/MSTU/FEMA reimbursement; the work will proceed under the board’s direction and be sized to place sand back on the adjacent beach and to restore navigation.
Ending
Commissioners said they recognized residents’ urgency and approved the early start with the county bearing initial costs pending the creation of a local MSTU or receipt of state/federal recovery funds.
