Pinellas Beach Renourishment Project Approved After Storm Damage

TREASURE ISLAND, FL – An unwanted visitor to Pinellas County’s beaches this past fall did extensive damage to the shoreline and funding has been approved to repair the environment.

Hurricane Hermine stalled off the Gulf Coast for several days at the end of August and the beginning of September, impacting the Bay area with heavy rainfall and gusty winds. During the storm, large portions of sand washed away from Pinellas County beaches, reducing the amount of shoreline.

The Pinellas County Shore Protection Project, a cost share partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will cover nearly 22 miles of shoreline actively maintained by the federal government. The maintenance is divided into three segments that include the municipalities of Sand Key, Treasure Island and Long Key.

Pinellas County, the Corps and municipal partners are working together to ensure completion of the Pinellas County Shore Protection Project.

To complete the project, easements will be required over portions of the properties located along the coast where the renourishment activity is taking place. Easements will allow the work to continue to keep beach areas open to the public.

The county and municipal partners have reached out to affected property owners along the coast to secure the easements.

According to Pinellas County, beach renourishment benefits the community by providing increased storm protection for property owners, recreational opportunities for beach visitors and creates important habitat for shorebirds and nesting sea turtles.

The project aligns with Pinellas County’s strategic plan of practicing environmental stewardship to preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches parks and historical assets.

Photography provided courtesy of Pinellas County Communications Department