The City of Sarasota with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Sarasota County will soon begin a comprehensive coastal protection project to restore and fortify Lido Beach.
Beach renourishment is estimated to begin late 2025, with construction of a new vegetative dune system south of the Lido Beach Pavilion for additional resiliency anticipated to begin in late 2026.
Lido Beach has experienced accelerated shoreline degradation due to the cumulative impacts of multiple hurricanes. This infrastructure project, paid for by $12 million in federal funding, will restore 1.2 miles of eroded shoreline and improve resiliency by depositing 200,000 – 300,000 cubic yards of sand sourced locally from the dredging of New Pass.
“The renourishment of Lido Beach will not only improve the area for residents and visitors but also increase the resiliency of our coastal community,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “We thank our local, state, and federal partners for working alongside us in fortifying Lido Beach against sea level rise, tropical weather, and future climate impacts.”
Lido Beach will remain open for the duration of the project. Sections of the beach may be temporarily inaccessible as renourishment takes place. Signage will be posted notifying the public of temporary closures.
Minimizing impacts to beachgoers and wildlife is a top priority. Coordination with Mote Marine Laboratory and the Sarasota Audubon Society has helped guide the renourishment plan to reduce environmental and wildlife impacts, and the project has been timed to take place outside of shorebird nesting season and sea turtle nesting season, which ends Oct. 31.
Renourishment of Lido Beach is estimated to be complete in early 2026. The vegetative dune system, providing added protection against erosion and weather impacts, is anticipated to be complete by spring 2027.
“As Sarasota continues to face the growing impacts of severe weather and sea level rise, this project exemplifies a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to shoreline resilience grounded in long-term planning, scientific insight, and meaningful collaboration with our community,” said City Engineer Nikesh Patel. “With strong federal investment and robust community engagement, the City of Sarasota is proud to lead this critical effort to protect and preserve one of our region’s most treasured natural assets for generations to come.”
This renourishment is the second under a long-term agreement between the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The first renourishment of Lido Beach under this agreement took place in 2021.
