News Summary
Pinellas County, Florida has initiated a $125.5 million beach renourishment project to reinforce its coastline. Funded primarily by the Tourist Development Tax, the project aims to restore 9 miles of beach from Clearwater to St. Pete Beach. With 80% of necessary temporary easements secured, the initiative will involve pumping 2.5 million cubic yards of sand onto the beach. The project is set to be completed by March 2026, with significant phases of construction commencing soon. Collaboration from property owners is crucial for its success.
Pinellas County, Florida has officially launched a significant $125.5 million beach renourishment project, aimed at reinforcing and restoring the area’s coastline. The funding for this extensive project primarily comes from the Tourist Development Tax, which is collected from visitors staying overnight in the county.
The renourishment initiative will cover a total of 9 miles of beach, stretching from Sand Key in Clearwater to Upham Beach in St. Pete Beach. The Public Works Director, Kelli Levy, has confirmed that approximately 80% of the temporary easements necessary for project execution have already been secured. This step is critical as it allows the county to proceed with the planned construction.
As part of the project, approximately 2.5 million cubic yards of sand will be pumped onto the beaches. The newly constructed dunes will be smaller compared to those created following Hurricane Helene, which had inundated Gulf Boulevard with sand. This strategic decision aims to balance safety measures with practical management of beach space.
Residents in the area still have an opportunity to sign temporary easements necessary for the project; however, they must do so within five days before heavy construction equipment is scheduled to arrive near their properties. The county is targeting a total of 90 parcels in the Sand Key area, meaning cooperation from property owners is essential for the project’s success.
Historically, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has funded over 60% of beach renourishment projects. However, a funding stalemate has arisen due to ongoing negotiations around perpetual easements dating back to 2015. Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters has expressed optimism that discussions may evolve positively with a new administrator from the Army Corps of Engineers, potentially easing funding challenges.
The project is scheduled for completion by March 2026, with various phases of construction set to unfold throughout the fall and winter. The initial phase of construction began in Indian Shores, with significant work set to start at Upham Beach on September 15, lasting for approximately a month.
Without full cooperation from property owners in signing the easements, certain areas may not receive the necessary sand and could face the risk of severe erosion. This situation has raised concerns among property owners regarding public access requirements, which have been stipulated in the easement agreements mandated since 2017. The county has not only sought to address these concerns but has also launched an educational campaign designed to inform property owners about the importance of signing the necessary documents.
Furthermore, the county plans to hold additional public meetings, offering updates and addressing any ongoing issues linked to the beach renourishment project. Being one of the largest initiatives in the area’s history, this project aims to enhance the resilience and safety of Pinellas County beaches against storm surges and erosion, ensuring they remain a vital resource for both residents and visitors alike.
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HERE Resources
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Pinellas County Prepares for Beach Nourishment on Sand Key
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Pinellas Allocates $130.7 Million for Beach Renourishment
- TBN Weekly: Beach Beacon Article
- St. Pete Catalyst: Pinellas to Ask the State for Beach Renourishment Funds
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastline
- Google Search: Pinellas County beach renourishment
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
