Venice: Tarpon Center Dr. Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Pilot Project UPDATE 7/2
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
COV
Construction of the Tarpon Center Drive Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Pilot Project in Venice is nearing completion. The project includes replacing approximately 400 linear feet of the existing seawall along Tarpon Center Dr. that was damaged by Hurricane Idalia in 2023. The replacement seawall has been topped with a glass flood barrier that will provide additional protection from storm surge and high tide flooding of this important evacuation route, while maintaining a clear view of the waterfront. The protective film currently covering the installed panels will be removed after inspection by the glass flood barrier manufacturer.
Additionally, reef balls have been placed under the water along approximately 100 linear feet of the seawall. These reef balls provide living habitats for fish, oysters, plants and other marine life. Water and wastewater service has been improved along the seawall by the installation of new water services to adjacent buildings and replacing older sewer lines under Tarpon Center Dr.
The total project cost is approximately $3 million. The project is being partially funded by a $1,575,000 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) grant.
Remaining seawall project construction includes repaving and restriping the roadway in the vicinity of the seawall to provide an expanded bike lane and single lane of traffic in each direction. The remainder of the Tarpon Center peninsula roadways will be repaved and restriped at the conclusion of the upcoming Utilities Department’s Water Main Replacement Program Phase 8 project. Phase 8 is scheduled to go out for bid in September 2025, with construction and repaving work completed by the end of 2026.
