Pinellas County yesterday hosted a public information meeting about the upcoming Sand Key beach nourishment project.
Representatives from the county and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were on hand to answer questions about the project and the easements that will be required for portions of properties located along the coast where the nourishment activity will take place.
The recently approved Pinellas County Shore Protection Project will repair damages sustained from Hurricane Hermine to the Sand Key Segment. A recent study conducted by the Corps shows nearly 360,000 cubic yards of material eroded from the project’s design berm as a result of the storm.
The Sand Key project is approved under the Flood Control and Coastal Emergency Act (Public Law 84-99), which authorizes activities for repair of federally authorized shore protection projects threatened or damaged by coastal storms.
The project is set to kick off this summer and could last four months.
Beach nourishment benefits the community by providing increased storm protection for property owners and recreational opportunities for beach visitors. It also creates important habitat for shorebirds and nesting sea turtles.
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