The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service, in partnership with Broward County, has begun a walkway restoration and sand tightening project for the south jetty at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park. The jetty has been closed for six years due to shifting of the support structure from cumulative storm damage. The jetty is anticipated to reopen in spring 2012.
“The jetty is a great place for visitors to be able to fish, view the passing vessels or enjoy the view and meditate, ” said John U. Lloyd Beach State Park Manager Sid Leve . “We look forward to reopening the jetty so visitors can once again create memories with their friends and families, and a few fishing stories while they are at it.”
The restoration project involves sand tightening of approximately 100 feet on the west end of the south jetty to prevent sand loss through the jetty, and to rehabilitate approximately 1,010 feet of fishing walkway
The jetty, which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns as part of the federal navigation channel for entry to Port Everglades, forms the south boundary of Port Everglades Inlet. Situated at the northeast corner of the park, the jetty was a favorite spot for park visitors to fish and enjoy the park.
“The fishing jetty has traditionally been a popular spot with fisherman and sightseers, ” said Broward County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger . “I am happy that Broward County can work with the State of Florida to make these necessary repairs and give our residents and guests a safe place to come with their families to fish, picnic and enjoy watching the magnificent oceangoing ships that sail in and out of Port Everglades.
In 2004, storm damage caused the underlying jetty structure to shift, and the park closed the walkway to ensure visitor safety. This project was awarded a $350,000 cooperative assistance program grant by the Florida Inland Navigation District, which will fund half of the project construction costs. Broward County’s $200,000 contribution (jointlyed funded by the county departments of Environmental Protection & Growth Management and Port Everglades), combined with a $150,000 investment by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, will cover the matching funds required to complete the jetty restoration project.
Upon completion, it is estimated that the jetty will increase visitation to John U. Lloyd Beach State Park by approximately 150,000 visitors per year and make an annual economic impact of more than $5.9 million.
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Dredging Today Staff, February 6, 2012; Image: govdelivery