Sarasota seeking $11.5 million in storm resiliency appropriations

State appropriations on behalf of the city of Sarasota totaling $11.5 million have been as bills to the Florida House and the U.S. House of Representatives. All of the bills address weather-related vulnerabilities brought the forefront during last year’s trifecta of severe tropical weather systems.

The bills are the result of city staff preparing reports regarding local needs prior to this year’s legislative sessions.

“Following last year’s devastating hurricane season, the city’s 2025 appropriation requests focus on coastal and infrastructure resiliency,” said Interim City Manager Doug Jeffcoat. “The much-needed funding would address vulnerabilities to withstand future hurricanes, storm surges, and sea level rise at our coastal parks, St. Armands Key and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which lost two months of shows and revenue due to Hurricane Milton flooding.”

The appropriations requests are as follows:

St. Armand’s Resiliency Project — House 1858

Sponsor: Florida House Rep. Fiona McFarland

Amount requested: $3.5 million

Project description: To address critical stormwater and coastal infrastructure vulnerabilities at St. Armands Circle and key public areas of St. Armands. The project will employ advanced mitigation strategies, including:

• Hydrological and environmental impact studies to identify weak points in stormwater systems and predict future flooding scenarios.
• Infrastructure resilience upgrades to improve drainage systems, seawalls and roadways to withstand Category 5 hurricane impacts.
• Evacuation route protection to ensure evacuation corridors remain operational during emergencies, benefiting residents and tourists.

Key Components of the project include:

• Advanced modeling tools to predict storm surge and rainfall impacts.
• Community workshops to incorporate local feedback and ensure public engagement.
• Coordination with the Town of Longboat Key and the Florida Department of Transportation to align evacuation and resilience strategies.

Ocean technology and Chemical and Physical Ecology Program Implementation — House 1860.

Sponsor: Florida House Rep. Fiona McFarland

Amount requested: $1 million

Project description: Deploy an advanced network of ocean monitoring systems in Sarasota Bay to collect critical environmental data. Specific components and functions include:

• Sea level monitoring stations: Provide precise tracking of changes in sea level to support regional adaptation plans.
• Wave height and current sensors: Help in understanding physical dynamics critical to marine navigation and recreation.
• Water quality and nutrient sensors: Track pollution sources, nutrient loading and harmful algae bloom precursors.
• Storm surge and drainage sensors: Measure surge impacts during extreme weather events for better emergency response.

Key Partnerships for this project include Mote Marine Laboratory, which will provide scientific expertise to ensure data accuracy and usefulness, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which will aid in aligning this project with state environmental goals. The system will integrate with the Beach Condition Reporting System, enabling residents and tourists to access real-time conditions benefiting recreation, tourism and public safety.

Citywide Coastal Resiliency Hazard Mitigation – House 1861

Sponsor: Florida House Rep. Fiona McFarland

Amount requested: $3.5 million

Project description: To addresses vulnerabilities of parks, seawalls and stormwater systems by strengthening infrastructure to withstand future hurricanes, storm surges and sea-level rise. The project includes shoreline stabilization, seawall improvements and drainage enhancements across multiple city-owned properties, including:

• Ken Thompson Park (shoreline stabilization, sidewalk repairs and lighting upgrades),
• Bird Key Park (seawall and roadway restoration).
• Whitaker Park (pier and seawall improvements).
• Centennial Park (pier and parking lot improvements)
• Saprito Pier and Lido Key (stormwater drainage upgrades).

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Hazard Mitigation – House 3469

Sponsor: Florida Rep. James Buchanan

Amount requested: $3.5 million

Project Description: The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall faces significant flooding risks due to its shoreline proximity. In 2024, Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton caused flooding and structural damage, highlighting the urgent need for hazard mitigation. Built in 1969, the structure lacks modern flood defenses, making it vulnerable to storm surges and rising sea levels. The project includes:

• Installation of flood barriers around the building.
• Implementation of wave-absorbing breakwaters.
• Upgraded drainage and pumping systems to prevent infiltration.
• Backflow prevention devices and waterproofing for critical systems.
• Accessibility and ADA compliance enhancements.

“These funding requests are critical as our community recovers from the 2024 hurricane season and proactively plans for a resilient future,” said Jeffcoat. “We greatly appreciate Senator Joe Gruters, Representative James Buchanan, and Representative Fiona McFarland for sponsoring appropriations requests on behalf of the City of Sarasota.”

This story was updated to correct the reference to U.S. Rep. Vern. Buchanan to Florida Rep. James Buchanan.