Update on the Cedar Key Big Dock Repair

Date of Issue: November 27, 2024

Press Release: Update on the Cedar Key Big Dock Repair Project

The following is an update on the Cedar Key Big Dock Repair Project status. The Cedar Key Big Dock sustained high winds and a tidal surge that severely damaged it during Hurricane Idalia which made landfall in Cedar Key on August 30, 2023. Repairs to the Cedar Key Big Dock are being funded by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Grant and are subject to FEMA Guidelines for procurement and construction.

The FEMA Damage Assessment Team assessed the Cedar Key Big Dock on December 17, 2023. On February 22, 2024, Levy County received the Damage Description and Dimensions (DDD) Form from FEMA. The DDD Form identified that “…the Cedar Key Big Dock sustained high winds and tidal surge that destroyed and/or severely damaged it during Hurricane Idalia…Due to the damage sustained, the ramp and platform, including the steps, will need to be lifted with a crane, reset on the piles, and fastened down…Additionally, the overhead electricity lines will need to be dropped for these repairs; this will be performed by Central Florida Electric Cooperative (CFEC).”

In April 2024, Levy County initiated the process to solicit an Engineering Firm for the Big Dock Project. Engineering Firm Responses were due to the County on April 15, 2024. The Levy County Parks and Recreation Department evaluated those responses and selected the firm Kisinger Campo & Associates. The Board of County Commission (BoCC) approved Task Assignment 2024-6 for Kisinger Campo & Associates on June 4, 2024 for $53,655.94.

Kisinger Campo & Associates submitted the Preliminary Plans to Levy County on July 12, 2024. Parks and Recreation approved these plans at the beginning of August. Final plans for the repair were delivered to the County on August 27, 2024. The County Attorney was reviewing Bid Documents for legal sufficiency in September 2024 when Hurricane Helene made landfall near Cedar Key on September 26, 2024. On Sunday, September 29, 2024, County Staff determined that the project would need to be reevaluated due to the additional damage sustained during Hurricane Helene.

Due to the extended duration of the Big Dock being out of service, Levy County Staff have made the decision to move this project forward without waiting for the FEMA to conduct a second evaluation. Kisinger Campo & Associates is scheduled to submit updated plans to the County by mid-January, at which time the County will put the project out to bid. Following the bid award in early 2025, work will commence to repair the Big Dock.

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