Longboat Key starts beach project

Trucks began hauling thousands of cubic yards of sand to the mid-Key shoreline this morning.

  • By Alex Mahadevan
  • | 1:13 p.m. April 6, 2016
  • Longboat Key
  • News
  • Share

Massive dump trucks capable of carrying more than 40 tons of cargo rumbled into the shuttered Colony Beach & Tennis Resort this morning, hauling fresh sand to Longboat Key’s shoreline.

The first of three major town renourishment projects kicked off this week, with contractor Olsen Associates running more than 60 trucks twice a day from a sand mine in Immokalee to the local barrier island. The vehicles, which arrive about every 15 minutes, drive up the beach from the Colony to the new Aria condominiums.

The contractor had a bit of a shaky start, as Town Manager Dave Bullock said two newly-purchased vehicles had already broken down. But the project remains on schedule. 

Click here to learn more about the mid-Key renourishment, or visit Longboat Key Town Hall for an interactive display.

 

Contractor Alberto Benavides chats with Assistant Town Manager Michael Hein during a lull in activity.
Contractor Alberto Benavides chats with Assistant Town Manager Michael Hein during a lull in activity.
A dump truck makes the first of two trips to deliver sand from Immokalee to Longboat Key beaches Wednesday.
A dump truck makes the first of two trips to deliver sand from Immokalee to Longboat Key beaches Wednesday.
A dump truck unloads the second of thousands of loads of sand slated for the Longboat Key shoreline.
A dump truck unloads the second of thousands of loads of sand slated for the Longboat Key shoreline.
Longboat Key has broken down the mid-Key beach project into four segments.
Longboat Key has broken down the mid-Key beach project into four segments.
A dolphin appeared near the renourishment site. “We train him to do that,” said Town Manager Dave Bullock.
A dolphin appeared near the renourishment site. “We train him to do that,” said Town Manager Dave Bullock.
The mid-Key beach project will cost about $10 million.
The mid-Key beach project will cost about $10 million.
The new sand coming in for Longboat Key’s beach renourishment is lighter than the current stock.
The new sand coming in for Longboat Key’s beach renourishment is lighter than the current stock.
Contractor Alberto Benavides spreads the newly placed sand on Longboat Key’s shoreline Wednesday.
Contractor Alberto Benavides spreads the newly placed sand on Longboat Key’s shoreline Wednesday.
The truck haul should end in October.
The truck haul should end in October.

 

Latest News

The the site of the proposed 1899 Fruitville apartment development is outlined in red.
  • March 19, 2026
Proposed apartments would replace Breakfast House and more on Fruitville
The Well Sarasota would include 28 condominiums and 72 hotel/condo units.
  • March 19, 2026
Is the hotel/condo trend coming to Sarasota?
Beachgoers set up near and rest on one of two concrete permeable adjustable groins on the north end of Longboat Key.
  • March 18, 2026
Town eyes Gulfside Road for next beach groin project
Condos and single-family homes for sale dot the map of downtown Sarasota and its adjacent neighborhoods.
  • March 18, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee real estate market a mixed bag

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content