Craig Park Seawall Replacement (Phase 1)

PURPOSE

To protect Craig Park from tidal flooding by raising the elevations around the perimeter of the park.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

• The existing sidewalk and seawall are failing in parts around the permitter of Craig Park. Failing sidewalk sections have undergone “patch” repairs over the past few years, but they have intermittently and frequently been closed to pedestrians for safety reasons.
• In most places the sidewalk sits at approximately +/- 2.0 feet above mean sea level.
• The existing observation deck (the dock on the east side of Spring Bayou) sits at approximately 3.0 feet above mean sea level and is supported by a shallow sea wall. It is structurally failing and is at risk of eventual collapse.
• A $2M grant from the Federal Government (secured through efforts of Representative Gus Bilirakis) is being used to cover a significant portion of the cost of the project. The grant covers only the waterfront adjacent to Craig Park from the boat ramp to and including the observation deck. The remaining waterfront on the north side of Spring Bayou will be completed as a later second phase.

IMPLEMENTATION

The project goal will be accomplished by the following:

• Replacement of most of the seawall with a new seawall at a higher target elevation (5.0 feet or more above sea level)
• Replacement of the existing sidewalk at the new elevation.
• Replacement of the existing observation deck at the new elevation.
• Addition of a short grassy berm (less than 2-feet above grade) around the western side of the park at the new elevation.
• Replacement of seawall cap along the western side of the park (no seawall replacement is necessary in that portion of the project).
• Protection of the War Memorial including additional drainage
• Addition of drainage inlets, manatee protection grates, pipes, and stormwater check valves to prevent tidal influx throughout the park.
• Other various repairs as needed.
• No changes are proposed to the boat ramp or the boat ramp parking area at this time.

TIMELIME

The project plans and permitting are 100% complete (View Phase 1 Construction Plans (PDF)). They City intends to issue the project for bid by August 2025. Construction would begin by approximately October 2025. Special instructions will be provided to the contractor to accommodate and facilitate the January 6, 2026 Epiphany Celebration. Construction is expected to be completed in full by late Spring of 2026.