PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Pinellas County crews have started pumping new sand onto beaches from Clearwater down to Treasure Island in a $125 million project officials say is critical for coastal protection.
The nourishment work, which began this week in Indian Shores, is expected to be complete by March. County leaders said the project is designed to replace sand lost to erosion and storm surge, while creating a barrier that shields homes and businesses from future flooding.
Commissioner Chris Latvala said the biggest challenge so far is securing temporary easements from beachfront property owners, which allow crews access to the shoreline.
“So a lot of people have signed the temporary easements. Unfortunately, 91 people so far have not signed one,” Latvala said. “If a homeowner doesn’t sign, they’re putting their neighbors at risk as well, because water will well up on their property even if there’s not a storm.”
County Public Works Director Kelli Hammer Levy said the project is also designed with wildlife in mind, after sea turtle nests were lost to high tides last season. Crews are creating an offshore “shelf” that acts as a wave break before water reaches the dunes.
“We basically create a wave break in front of the beach,” Hammer Levy said. “Then the dune serves as a wave break in front of the berm.”
The project is scheduled every six years to keep up with erosion. Local leaders stress that the barrier islands play a critical role in protecting the mainland during hurricanes.
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