- August 3, 2026
Flagler County commissioners unanimously approved a $34 million construction contract Monday for the long-awaited Reach 2 beach nourishment project, clearing the way for restoration of 5.5 miles of critically eroded coastline beginning later this year.
The board awarded the contract to Weeks Marine for the project, which will restore the beach and dune system from North Seventh Street in Flagler Beach north to Varn Park. County staff said construction is expected to begin in November following an October pre-construction meeting and should take approximately four to six months to complete.
County Engineer Hamid Tabassian told commissioners the project will place approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of dredged sand along the shoreline, along with dune plantings to stabilize the restored beach.
"The project consists of restoration of beach and dune system along five and a half miles of the coast," Tabassian said. "The project is going to take approximately four to six months to complete. Anticipate to get the project underway in November."
The original bid called for approximately 1.8 million cubic yards of sand, but staff reduced the quantity to keep the construction contract within the county's $34 million budget after the lowest bid came in at roughly $39 million. Even with the reduction, the total project, including engineering, inspection and environmental monitoring, is expected to cost just over $35 million.
Funding for the project comes from multiple sources, including Florida Department of Transportation agreements, FEMA disaster recovery funding and local beach management funds.
Commissioners expressed support for moving forward despite one unresolved issue involving the Camptown RV Resort seawall in Beverly Beach, which recently collapsed.
Commissioner Greg Hansen urged the county to proceed with the overall project rather than leave a section of shoreline unprotected while the property owner completes seawall repairs.
"We have a plan. I think we need to execute the plan," Hansen said. "If he elects not to repair the seawall, then we push the sand up to his property and provide him the protection of the dune."
Tabassian agreed that Hansen's proposal was technically reasonable but said he also wanted input from the county's coastal engineering consultant before making any final adjustments.
Coastal engineer Chris Creed cautioned against creating a large gap in the nourishment project.
"I would not recommend skipping it," Creed said. "The performance of a beach nourishment dune project is dependent upon a long shore length without significant gaps."
The consultant said the county's biggest concern near the seawall is preventing debris from becoming buried in the new sand, potentially creating a hazard as the beach naturally shifts over time.
Although commissioners approved moving forward with the project, some sought assurances that the county would be able to manage the financial obligations while awaiting reimbursement from state and federal funding sources. Commissioner Andy Dance said staff's explanation of the reimbursement schedule gave him greater confidence in the county's cash flow. "I have become more comfortable with our cash flow process. Again, 70% of the funds are state funds," Dance said. "What I would like to see is ... kind of a monthly progress of invoices that were sent ... and then the reimbursements as they come in so that we can be comfortable in the process."
Commissioners also received an update on the remaining easements needed for the project. County Engineer Hamid Tabassian said the county has reduced the number of outstanding easements to 13, representing approximately 1,000 feet of the 5.5-mile project area. He said several property owners have indicated they are willing to sign easement agreements once the construction contract is approved. Even where easements remain outstanding, Tabassian said the county can still place sand seaward of the erosion control line, allowing beach nourishment to proceed while limiting impacts to those properties.
With no further discussion, commissioners unanimously approved the construction contract, keeping the project on schedule for a November start. County officials said the restoration is designed to provide increased storm protection for oceanfront properties while rebuilding one of Flagler County's most erosion-prone stretches of coastline.
