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Sarasota County Dona Bay Hydrologic Restoration Program, Phases III-V

March 14, 2024

The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council is contributing $1,107,192 to the watershed restoration of Dona Bay in Sarasota County, Florida, under the current award for the project. The planned contribution from the Florida State Expenditure Plan is about $1.2M for this project. This hydrologic restoration project, sponsored by the Florida Gulf Consortium and Sarasota County, helps reduce the rapid flow of freshwater and pollutants from historical drainage canals to create a more natural flow. The increase in freshwater has changed the salinity in the estuary contributing to a reduction in quality of coastal aquatic life, such as seagrass and oysters. Improving water storage and freshwater flow regime in the watershed are expected to help reduce the negative impacts of excess freshwater, such as increased sediment and nutrients flowing into the Bay, allowing coastal ecosystems in the estuary to recover and be sustained through time in a more natural state. Future project phases will include the design and implementation of additional freshwater storage capacity in the basin.

Map depicting increase in area from the historic Dona Bay watershed
Map depicts the increase in area from the historic Dona Bay watershed (yellow) and the current watershed (orange). (Source: Sarasota County)

View of water control structure during driest year on record
Downstream view of the upper most water control structure, shown during the driest year on record.  The structure allows managers to  divert water into adjacent wetlands, slowing the flow of water while allowing for flood control. (Photo: RESTORE Council)

View of Kings Gate water control structure which was improved in December 2023.
Improved in December 2023, the Kings Gate structure is the final water control structure that allows for control of freshwater entering the Dona Bay Estuary. (Photo: RESTORE Council)

Learn more about:

Keala J. Hughes
Director of External Affairs & Tribal Relations
(504) 717-7235
keala.hughes@restorethegulf.gov