JULY 2026 UPDATE
The Sanford Marina dredging and dock design permitting continues to be reviewed by multiple agencies including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Several requests for information (RFIs) have been received, processed, and returned to the permitting agencies by our Sanford team regarding the environmental baseline and site environmental analysis reports. A Geotechnical investigation task will begin soon. Permits for dredging and dock construction are expected to be issued by Summer 2027.
In the meantime, the City has appealed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) decision to authorize $6.4 million in reimbursable funds for the dredging and reconstruction of the docks at the Sanford Marina. Estimated damages resulting from Hurricane Ian in 2022 were over $18 million. FEMA has requested additional information in response to the appeal filed by the City. Information requested was maintenance records for several years, past condition assessment reports, and copies of contracts for contractors involved with the Marina. The City provided this information on June 29, 2026, and is currently awaiting FEMA’s decision on the 1st Appeal. The City does have an option to file a 2nd appeal, or go to arbitration.
The City remains committed to working with FEMA to secure necessary funding to restore our Marina which is not only essential for its recreational and public use, but also as a significant economic driver for the region. The City’s claim focuses on restoring the Marina to its pre-disaster design with necessary codes and standards upgrades as required. We look forward to collaborating with our federal and state partners at FEMA to complete our Marina restoration. We would like to thank the public, visitors, and business owners in the Sanford community for their patience as we continue working to get our Marina restored.
Deputy City Manager Craig Radzak is appealing FEMA’s funding determination at the Downtown Sanford Marina. The Deputy City Manger spoke recently with Spectrum News.
