Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc. (CEC) was hired to assist Charlotte County in completing the Stump Pass Inlet Management Study. The purpose of the study was to acquire and analyze inlet system data and recommend long-term management alternatives for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in support of their formulation of a Strategic Beach and Inlet Management Plan for the region.

Upon analysis of the physical inlet characteristics including beach profiles, inlet bathymetry, shoreline change rates, sediments, and structures, CEC determined the inlet is a significant cause of erosion of the adjacent beaches. The sediment budget defined a requirement to bypass 50,000 cy/yr to offset the average annual impact and remedial actions to offset the historic impacts consisting of beach restoration of 400,000 cy on the adjacent beaches.

Natural resources within the inlet system were characterized into three zones, beach and dune system, estuary, and nearshore area. These zones are recognized as important breeding, feeding, and nursery grounds for ecologically important plant and animal species including several endangered species such as sea turtles, least terns, and manatees. Man's impact on the system was discussed in regard to urbanization impacts to water quality and seagrass beds. The study analyzed alternatives to mitigate the erosive impact of Stump Pass and concluded that restoration of the 1980 original channel would best achieve the maintenance, remedial actions, natural resource protection, navigation and public safety needs.

The County and CEC met with the Stump Pass stakeholders to interview them, present the findings of the Study at various milestones, obtain their input on the Alternative Analyses, and maintain consensus on future management activities. The stakeholders include Charlotte County, Sarasota County, WCIND, DEP, COE, USFWS, FFWCC, Lemon Bay Conservancy, State Park, Adjacent Beach Homeowners, and Citizens Advisory Committees and Associates.