South Gulf Cove Parallel Locks Project

Project Description

This project consists of the permitting, surveying, engineering, and design of a parallel Lock, at the existing South Gulf Cove Locks location. This project will be funded through the SGC MSBU tax money. The Parallel Locks Project was initiated by request of the SGC MSBU due to the need for additional access in and out of the SGC waterway system. With the population steadily growing in Florida, specifically in this area, there is a growing number of boaters. Resulting in a higher traffic volume level through the existing lock. There have been reoccurring maintenance issues with the existing lock, with periods of downtime. It's because of these issues that this project is being initiated. To provide additional and timelier access and a secondary option of access in and out of the system.

Project Location

15801 Cattle Dock Point Road, South Gulf Cove. In the Butterford Waterway at the SGC Turn Basin.

Project Impacts

Possible delays of navigation during construction. Additional ingress and egress once complete.

Latest Updates

Lock and Tender House Projects:  The County Design Consultant DMK completed the 60% construction plans for the Parallel Lock in early 2021. They were working towards 90% plans until we added the Tender House to the design. Lock design was temporarily slowed until Tender House design can be advanced to the same. We received FDEP approval for this project but have not been able to obtain a ACOE permit due to lack of approval from US Fish and Wildlife Service. USFWS has stated an incidental take for manatee will need to be issued due to manatee Lock entrapment deaths. There has been a history of manatee deaths from being crushed by the lock in SGC. County staff is working on a work around for the situation in trying to obtain the necessary permits. DMK recently completed 30 percent plans for the Tender House, and they were reviewed by county staff and returned with comments. Tender House plans will now be advanced to 60 percent to then be completed in conjunction with the Lock plans.  The Geotechnical Exploration report for the Tender House was just completed and added to design components. DMK provided an update recently stating 60% Tender House design will be complete within a couple month. From there the entire project will advance towards 90%.

Waterways update as of December 13, 2024:  At the MSBU Waterway Advisory Committee meeting held on May 22, 2024, County staff were informed of the need for spot dredging at 3 locations on the system inside of the lock.  These locations will be examined on the most recent survey of the interior waterways.  The Advisory Committee is also supposed to be identifying any other locations in need of spot dredging. 

Waterways update as of January 15, 2025:  County staff presented the findings of the most recent surveys for both the interior and exterior channels at the MSBU Waterway Advisory Committee meeting held on December 18, 2024. While there are some isolated areas of shoaling greater than one foot on the interior system, the Committee voted to give priority to dredging the exterior channel due to significant shoaling that has occured there.  County staff shall proceed accordingly. 

Budget

Funding source(s): South Gulf Cove Waterway MSBU

Schedule

Supporting Materials

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