Project Description
This study will be conducted in the following two phases:
Phase 1 (Public Input Process): The initial phase of this study will seek input from residents and interested parties of Charlotte County's bridgeless barrier islands on exploring the needs for alternative/additional means of access to/from their islands and the mainland. It will also explore recommendations for which additional mode(s) of access are desired for the transferring of people, goods, and/or services, if any. Elements include, but are not limited to, the following: barge landing, launch area, ferry service, parking, boat docks for marine patrol, fire rescue, and law enforcement, restroom facility, and entrance sign. This input will be gathered over two or three public citizen input surveys. The data collected from the citizen input will then be presented to the Board of County Commissioners. If it is determined that there are needs for additional mode(s) of access, then further action will be taken, and the Study will transition into Phase 2.
Phase 2 (Feasibility Study): If further action is deemed necessary by Phase 1, a feasibility study will be performed, which will include researching potential properties for property acquisition, zoning, environmental resources, access, traffic, and utilities; with site analysis and data gathering, reports, and a final feasibility report with recommendations for potential properties and potential services to be provided. These findings and recommendations on the study will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners to determine next steps.
Project Location
The bridgeless barrier islands that are part of this Study include Palm Island, Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro Island, and Knight Island/Thornton Key.Latest Updates
This Study is currently in the Phase 1 Public Input Process phase. The first public input drop-in meeting was held on Jan. 11, 2024, with an online public input survey, which ran concurrently for five weeks and closed on Jan. 26, 2024. Survey results can be found in the attachments under "Supporting Materials".
A public input meeting occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Mac V. Horton West County Annex, 6868 San Casa Drive, Englewood. Phase 2 survey responses have been collected and are under review.
Budget
| Phase | Cost |
|---|---|
| Engineering | $50,000 |
| Total Budget | $50,000 |
Schedule
| Phase | Estimated Start Date | Forecast Completion | Actual Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning and Approval | 09/08/2022 | 07/31/2024 | |
| Design Development | 09/11/2024 | 06/30/2025 |
Supporting Materials
Project Phase
Planning and Project Approval
Last Updated
02/05/2025
Public Relations
Brian Gleason
Email Public Relations
Project Number
s192303
Sponsor Department
Community Development
Design Engineer/Architect
Johnson Engineering, Inc.