Coastal Management

Pinellas County is a peninsula with nearly 588 miles of coastline. There are 35 miles of sandy beaches on 11 barrier islands. The sand is what attracted many residents to move here, and it attracts visitors from throughout the world. The beaches are vital to our way of life and the quality of our life because of the economic support it provides. It is essential to the sea life that depends on it for its existence.

The long-term management of the county’s coastline involves shore protection programs, dune enhancements, monitoring and extensive partnering with state and federal agencies. Oversight also includes the county’s waterways and the boating regulatory zones.

There are 12 beach municipalities on the Pinellas County barrier islands. They are responsible for short-term maintenance such as raking and cleaning, swim buoys and local ordinances regarding the use of the beaches.