SARASOTA — The Sarasota County Commission has voted to move forward with repairs to Manasota Key Road, approving a plan that includes a temporary access road while a permanent rebuild is designed and constructed. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has agreed to provide Sarasota County $457,791 for the redesign of a 2,400-foot section of Manasota Key Road that Hurricanes Helene and Milton nearly destroyed in 2024.
The total cost of the work, a county memo said, has been put at $527,239. The decision came during a Wednesday meeting where commissioners emphasized the need to restore safe and reliable access to the barrier island community. Recent damage caused by coastal erosion and storms had compromised sections of the road, raising concerns among residents and local officials.
The temporary access road will provide an interim solution, expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the county will begin planning and engineering for a permanent reconstruction that aims to protect against future erosion and storm damage.
Residents in the area have expressed support for the decision, acknowledging the urgency of the repairs. However, some voiced concerns over the timeline and the environmental impact of the project.
County officials assured the public that environmental considerations will be a priority, with input from coastal engineers and environmental experts to mitigate any adverse effects.
Further updates on the project timeline and construction details are expected in the coming weeks as planning progresses.
For the latest information, residents can visit the Sarasota County website or contact the county’s public works department.