Repairs to hurricane damaged South Venice Jetty could be two years out

Repairing the Venice Jetty after multiple storms

Kimberly Kuizon reports

VENICE, Fla. - The South Jetty walkway in Venice was open for just three days following Hurricane Idalia repairs – but Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit, and since then, the North and South Jetties have remained closed.

The jetties not only provide a great spot for people to visit, they're also a vital part of the navigational infrastructure that gives boaters access to the Gulf of Mexico.

What they're saying:

When David Nelson goes out for a ride, there’s one place on his mind – the Venice Jetty.

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"It’s scenic. It’s a lot better than riding along the city," he said.

Nelson’s access to the South Jetty in Venice and the North Jetty in Sarasota County have been cut off, though, since Hurricane Helene passed.

"It’s really disappointing. I have no idea how long it will take for the rebuild," said Nelson.

Big picture view:

Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused massive devastation. Stones that protected the peninsula were ripped away, the concession stand was destroyed and has since been removed, and the parking lot and South jetty walkway were washed away in parts.

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"The structures now that are exposed where they are on the original instillation of the structures in the late 30s," said Justin McBride, the executive director of the West Coast Inland Navigation District.

The south bulkhead now remains exposed, showing the original wooden treated planks.

"Right now, the Army Corps is working on the South bulkhead. An emergency repair for that we are not sure how long for that project to be complete," said McBride.

What's next:

By email, the Army Corps of Engineers said both the North and South Jetties are awaiting appropriation from Congress for repairs. Construction on the South bulkhead could start two years from now.

"It’s important to us to get them back and open and safe, so people can enjoy them," said McBride.

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McBride is advocating for emergency funding for repairs with the Army Corps of Engineers.

"We certainly recognize the importance for both the North and South Jetty areas as recreational areas, and just it’s cultural icons for both the North and South folks that visit both jetties," he said.

Documents from the City of Venice show early cost estimates to rebuild, elevate and fortify damaged sections are $50 to $100 million. But with each passing day, erosion continues.

"The repairs we are looking to have the Army Corps of Engineers do and designing, we are hoping to have the structure last another 100 years and beyond," said McBride.

The Source: The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon, who interviewed a resident and the executive director of the West Coast Inland Navigation District.

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