Pinellas County Moves Forward with Emergency Beach Nourishment Project Without Federal Help
PINELLAS COUNTY — The Pinellas County Commission on Tuesday approved a $125.7 million emergency beach nourishment project to restore sand lost during last year’s hurricanes, moving ahead without the usual federal partnership due to a lack of required easements from beachfront property owners.
The project, funded through state grants and the county’s bed tax on hotel stays, will begin later this year and place sand on Sand Key, Treasure Island, and Upham Beach. County officials say the goal is to rebuild storm-damaged beaches to help protect coastal communities and vital tourism infrastructure.
“Our residents and businesses need help now — hopefully this will help,” said Commissioner Rene Flowers.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers previously funded 65% of similar projects, but federal support requires permanent easements from all affected property owners—something the county has not been able to secure. Even after offering a less restrictive, temporary easement, many residents refused to sign, particularly along Sand Key.
As a result, gaps in nourishment will remain where easements are missing, with sand added only seaward of the Erosion Control Line in some areas. The county is still accepting easements and may expand the project’s footprint if additional properties qualify before construction passes their location.
Pinellas County Public Works has been pursuing state and federal emergency permits since last year and will share project timelines and further details at upcoming public meetings. Those sessions are scheduled for:
July 9, 6–8 p.m. at Treasure Island City Hall
July 16, 6–8 p.m. (online at pinellas.gov/signforsand)
August 6, 6–8 p.m. at Belleair Beach Community Center
Beach nourishment is typically required every six years or more frequently after major storms. County leaders warn that continued reluctance to sign easements could jeopardize future projects and funding.
