UPDATE: Upham Beach Project On Hold

ST. PETE BEACH, FL – Pinellas County announced last week the Upham Beach stabilization project was suspended because of projected rough winter weather.

Two of the four planned T-groin structures have been installed since the $9.5 million beach stabilization project on the north end of St. Pete Beach started in August. The project, which is meant to curb beach erosion, is replacing the yellow sand-filled tubes that form five T-groin structures.

Originally, the work on Upham Beach was expected to finish by February. Pinellas County officials said the contractor now will reassess the weather in late January or early February to determine when they can resume the project. Once work resumes, the contractor estimates it will take three to four months to complete the project.

A fenced staging area containing the stored materials for building the northern two rock groin structures will remain on-site. Other areas of Upham Beach will stay open until the contractor returns to finish the project, including unobstructed access to beaches to the south.

For construction schedule updates, visit www.pinellascounty.org/environment/coastalMngmt/Upham_Beach_Stabilization_Project.htm.

The project will be funded by Tourist Development Tax funds dedicated to beach nourishment. Fifty percent of the total cost will be reimbursed from a state grant.

The temporary sand-filled tubes were installed in 2005 to test their effectiveness in slowing beach erosion on Upham Beach. Pinellas County officials said Upham Beach is one of the fastest eroding beaches in Florida.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection determined the structures were effective and provide improved storm protection, slow erosion and save money over time through reduced need for replacing sand.

The Pinellas County Environmental Management Division is responsible for coastal management projects, including beach stabilization and nourishment projects.

For more information about Pinellas County Public Works and beach stabilization and nourishment projects, visit www.pinellascounty.org/publicworks.

Photography provided courtesy of Pinellas County Communications Department