Commission to discuss beach program today

The Longboat Key Town Commission will get an update about the town’s beach program at its regular workshop at 1 p.m. today at Longboat Key Town Hall.

The town originally planned to perform a beach renourishment project last summer. But when the town received just one bid that came with a $13.3 million price tag — $3.7 million higher than projected — the commission directed town staff to hold off on the project. The high bid was due to the high demand for projects along the Atlantic Seaboard and limited availability of equipment due to Superstorm Sandy.

The town hired Olsen Associates Inc., which will report to the commission today about near-term beach management plans and interim nourishment options for the town and provide recommendations for near-term and long-term strategies for beach renourishment.

The commission will use the information and recommendations to give direction to town staff.

Longboat Key voters approved a $16 million bond in 2011 to fund beach projects.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].