The City of Vero Beach has awarded Ferreira Construction the contract to rebuild the Humiston Beach Park boardwalk that was destroyed by hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022.

When bids were opened on Aug. 18, Ferreira's was the lowest of seven received by the city, coming in at $1,767,109.77. The City Council approved a contract with Ferreira at its Aug. 25 meeting.

"The city was fortunate enough to receive seven bids for this project," said Vero Beach Public Works Director Matthew Mitts. "This competitive bid process helped leverage community contributions and donations that made the project a reality."

Plans call for a wooden structure atop prestressed concrete pillars, with timber framing and decking made from Trex – a durable composite of recycled materials. A 12-foot by 22-foot covered pavilion will be constructed near the northern end of the 427-foot-long walkway, with a 12-foot by 42-foot covered pavilion near the southern end, which will have a handicap access ramp. The boardwalk will have a low-maintenance aluminum railing.

Construction is on target to begin Nov. 1, following the end of the sea turtle nesting season, and wrap up before next year's nesting season begins in March, Mitts said. Portions of the park and beach will be closed as needed during construction, he said. Residents will receive advance notice.

The contracted amount does not include the cost of the prestressed concrete pilings for the boardwalk, which are being donated by Clayton Sembler of CDS Manufacturing, whose family has deep roots in Indian River County. The value of Sembler's generous donation is estimated at $850,000, Mitts said.

The contract also doesn't include design and permitting services for the project provided by Kimley-Horn and Associates at a cost of $294,494, bringing the total cost to $2,061,603.77 – less than half what the city once thought the project would cost.

With bids coming in much lower than expected, the project appears to be fully funded.

The city budgeted $1 million for the boardwalk as part of its five-year capital improvement plan last year. Indian River County has committed another $400,000 toward the project. And the state of Florida kicked in $350,000 as a line item in its 2025/2026 budget.

The city also received a $460,000 storm damage reimbursement from FEMA, and a fundraising campaign started when the cost of the project was estimated at nearly $5 million raised additional funds.

A fundraising campaign sparked by a Vero Beach 32963 fundraising effort and managed by the Indian River Community Foundation has collected $145,713 so far, along with another $160,000 in pledges, including a $100,000 pledge from local philanthropist Tom Corr.

Donations are still being accepted from those who want to have a hand in rebuilding the historic boardwalk. Visit rebuildhumiston.org or call 772-492-1407 to contribute.

The Community Foundation will help with the financial paperwork required for tax purposes.

Ferreira Construction is a nationwide company with a regional office in Hobe Sound. It employs 1,500 workers and completed $500 million in sales last year, focusing on "transportation, utility, power, marine construction, and renewable energy," according to its website.

The company hasn't worked for the City of Vero Beach before, but it has completed numerous projects for Indian River County.