Dredging Status
Track current and planned dredging operations in the Phillippi Creek watershed. This page is updated as new information becomes available from Sarasota County.
🚧 In Progress
Phillippi Creek Primary Channel Dredging (Reserve-Funded)
Current dredging operations funded from stormwater reserve funds. WCIND feasibility report identified 5,100 CY of material for primary dredging plus 19,600 CY upstream. County also excavated 7,600 linear feet along Phillippi Creek as of July 2025.
📍 Phillippi Creek — US-41 to Bahia Vista
Started: 1/1/2025
Cow Pen Slough Excavation
Over 6,500 cubic yards of material excavated since early June 2025.
📍 Cow Pen Slough, eastern Sarasota County
Started: 6/1/2025
Stormwater Ordinance Revision
Steve Suau's proposed revisions to Article IX (Stormwater District) and Article XXX (Navigable Waterways) delivered to PCC Aug 2025. County attorney reviewing. Aims to clarify stormwater maintenance responsibilities.
📅 Planned
$45M Phillippi Creek CDBG-DR Dredging Project
HUD-approved $45M federal disaster recovery project covering 7-mile stretch from mouth to Beneva Road. Target: 63,827 CY of sediment removal to restore historical cross-section (-4 ft below Mean Low Water). Environmental review underway as of Sept 2025. Part of $210.1M CDBG-DR grant approved June 4, 2025.
📍 Phillippi Creek — mouth to Beneva Road (7 miles)
Major Waterways Dredging Program
$30M allocated from CDBG-DR funds for dredging of other major waterways beyond Phillippi Creek. This is a county-wide issue.
Dam Removal at Former Celery Fields Dam
BCC authorized $721K for dam removal (Sept 2024). Dam was converted from temporary to permanent in 1962, has restricted flow for decades.
📍 Phillippi Creek at former Celery Fields
✅ Completed
72-inch Corrugated Pipe Removal
Removal of deteriorated 72-inch corrugated pipes from Phillippi Creek to improve stormwater flow.
📍 Phillippi Creek
💰 Funding Status
| Source | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| HUD/CDBG-DR Federal Funds | ~$60M | Allocated |
| Stormwater Fund Reserves | ~$33.5M | Available |
| Annual Stormwater Assessment | ~$27M/year | Ongoing |
⚠️ Resident Concerns
- • Piecemeal approach: Current plan dredges upper creek first, then returns later for lower section at full 50ft width. Residents fear the second phase won't happen.
- • Timeline: Phase 2 not expected until after 2026 hurricane season. What happens if another storm hits before completion?
- • Scope: Even full dredging of the main creek is "a drop in the bucket" compared to accumulated sediment in canals, oxbows, and tributaries.
📊 How to Track Progress
County Resources
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