Posted on June 1, 2026
SARASOTA, Fla. (May 29, 2026) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, joined the City of Sarasota, Sarasota County leadership, community stakeholders and residents of Lido Key on Tuesday to celebrate the completion of the Lido Key Beach renourishment project during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Lido Key Beach.
The completed project placed approximately 300,000 cubic yards of sand along nearly 1.2 miles of critically eroded shoreline, strengthening coastal resilience, reducing storm damage risk and helping preserve one of Sarasota’s most valued shoreline resources.
The renourishment effort was completed as part of the federally funded New Pass navigation dredging project, allowing the Corps to maximize the beneficial use of dredged material for shoreline protection while also maintaining safe navigation channels.
“This project demonstrates how we can deliver multiple benefits to the public through smart, coordinated infrastructure investment,” said Maj. Cory Bell, Deputy Commander for South Florida, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District. “By pairing navigation dredging with beach renourishment, we were able to protect critical shoreline infrastructure, support the local economy, preserve environmental habitat and maximize value for the American taxpayer.”
Approximately 80 percent of the project’s design template was completed using compatible beach-quality sand generated directly from the New Pass Operations and Maintenance dredging effort. The approach reduced costs and increased efficiency while minimizing impacts to the surrounding community.
“The work was made possible through a fully federally funded effort tied to the New Pass navigation dredging project — a great example of how the Corps of Engineers maximizes value for the American taxpayer as we continue to Build Infrastructure, NOT paperwork,” Bell continued.
Debbie Trice, Mayor of the City of Sarasota, praised the District’s efficiency.
“Today, thanks to the Army Corps decision to use the sand removed from their dredging of New Pass to renourish Lido Key Beach, we’re gathered on a perfect beach, on a perfect beach day!” she beamed.
During construction, the Corps worked closely with local officials and business owners to minimize disruptions during the busy spring break season. After receiving community concerns about construction impacts near commercial areas, the project team coordinated with contractors to re-sequence portions of the work so sections of the beach could remain open during peak tourism periods.
“That level of flexibility and collaboration is what strong partnerships look like,” Bell said. “We understood the importance of keeping this beach accessible for residents, visitors and local businesses while still maintaining the project schedule.”
The partnership between the Corps and the City of Sarasota also extended beyond the renourishment project itself. The Corps coordinated with federal agencies and city officials to authorize and provide approximately 3,000 cubic yards of sand for future dune construction work planned by the city.
According to project estimates, the effort saved the city approximately $400,000 while also reducing local traffic impacts by eliminating the need to transport an estimated 150 truckloads of material to the site.
Bell also recognized the engineers, project managers, contractors and field personnel whose efforts helped bring the project from concept to completion.
“Projects like this reflect the strength of regional collaboration and shared commitment to protecting our coastlines,” Bell said. “Lido Key Beach is one of Sarasota’s treasures, and today we celebrate not just a restored shoreline, but a stronger and more resilient future for this community.”
The completed project placed approximately 300,000 cubic yards of sand along nearly 1.2 miles of critically eroded shoreline, strengthening coastal resilience, reducing storm damage risk and helping preserve one of Sarasota’s most valued shoreline resources.
The renourishment effort was completed as part of the federally funded New Pass navigation dredging project, allowing the Corps to maximize the beneficial use of dredged material for shoreline protection while also maintaining safe navigation channels.
“This project demonstrates how we can deliver multiple benefits to the public through smart, coordinated infrastructure investment,” said Maj. Cory Bell, Deputy Commander for South Florida, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District. “By pairing navigation dredging with beach renourishment, we were able to protect critical shoreline infrastructure, support the local economy, preserve environmental habitat and maximize value for the American taxpayer.”
Approximately 80 percent of the project’s design template was completed using compatible beach-quality sand generated directly from the New Pass Operations and Maintenance dredging effort. The approach reduced costs and increased efficiency while minimizing impacts to the surrounding community.
“The work was made possible through a fully federally funded effort tied to the New Pass navigation dredging project — a great example of how the Corps of Engineers maximizes value for the American taxpayer as we continue to Build Infrastructure, NOT paperwork,” Bell continued.
Debbie Trice, Mayor of the City of Sarasota, praised the District’s efficiency.
“Today, thanks to the Army Corps decision to use the sand removed from their dredging of New Pass to renourish Lido Key Beach, we’re gathered on a perfect beach, on a perfect beach day!” she beamed.
During construction, the Corps worked closely with local officials and business owners to minimize disruptions during the busy spring break season. After receiving community concerns about construction impacts near commercial areas, the project team coordinated with contractors to re-sequence portions of the work so sections of the beach could remain open during peak tourism periods.
“That level of flexibility and collaboration is what strong partnerships look like,” Bell said. “We understood the importance of keeping this beach accessible for residents, visitors and local businesses while still maintaining the project schedule.”
The partnership between the Corps and the City of Sarasota also extended beyond the renourishment project itself. The Corps coordinated with federal agencies and city officials to authorize and provide approximately 3,000 cubic yards of sand for future dune construction work planned by the city.
According to project estimates, the effort saved the city approximately $400,000 while also reducing local traffic impacts by eliminating the need to transport an estimated 150 truckloads of material to the site.
Bell also recognized the engineers, project managers, contractors and field personnel whose efforts helped bring the project from concept to completion.
“Projects like this reflect the strength of regional collaboration and shared commitment to protecting our coastlines,” Bell said. “Lido Key Beach is one of Sarasota’s treasures, and today we celebrate not just a restored shoreline, but a stronger and more resilient future for this community.”
To learn more about the Jacksonville District visit: www.saj.usace.army.mil/.
