Coastal Management: Faq
Which beaches will get sand next?
Based upon anticipated funding, the next beaches to be nourished will be Sand Key from just south of Sand Key Park to North Redington Beach.
1. Which beaches will get sand next?
Based upon anticipated funding, the next beaches to be nourished will be Sand Key from just south of Sand Key Park to North Redington Beach.
2. What area is considered Sand Key?
Sand Key is the barrier island from Clearwater Pass to John’s Pass.
3. How long do projects last?
The length depends on the project. The upcoming Sand Key project will take about five to seven months.
4. Where does the sand come from?
Different areas have been used, such as Egmont Shoals, Pass-A-Grille Channel, Hurricane Pass, John’s Pass, Blind Pass, and the Tampa shipping channel.
5. How much sand is usually placed?
A lot. For example, it took 160,000 cubic yards of sand to fill about 3,000 feet of shoreline at Upham Beach in 2010, and it’s estimated that 1.2 million cubic yards will be needed for Sand Key.
6. Is there any harm to the offshore habitat?
The sand that is carried offshore after a nourishment project has the potential of covering nearshore hardbottom (reef) habitat. Artificial reefs have been built offshore of Sand Key that have provided viable habitat to offset harmful effects.
7. How does beach nourish effect the economy?
In 2010: 94% of visitors report enjoying the destination’s beaches. 13.6 million people came to Pinellas County, and had an economic impact of almost $6.9 billion. The sales tax that was generated by tourism was almost $300 million.
8. How many jobs are dependent on tourism?
Over 81,000 residents work in the tourism industry, supporting almost $3 billion in area wages (Direct and Indirect).
9. Who pays for the beach nourishment projects?
Funding is a three-way split for most of our beaches. The typical cost sharing is 60 percent federal (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), 20 percent state (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) and 20 percent local (Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax).
10. Who pays for the county’s’ share of the projects?
The Pinellas County portion comes from the tourist development tax, which is a sales tax of 1 percent. A half of that 1 percent is dedicated to beach projects. The tax generates on average about $2 million a year.
11. There is talk about cutting beach nourishment out of the state budget. Will that affect this year’s project?
State funding for the Sand Key project tentatively scheduled for later this year, pending permit acquisition, has been obtained. However, the county is short about half the needed federal funding and plans to request the remaining needed federal funds. If additional federal funding is not obtained, the project will likely be phased to nourish the beaches in greatest need first with funds that are available.
12. How will this project affect turtles?
The beach is monitored during nesting season and any turtle nests encountered will be relocated from within the construction zone.
13. Who monitors the nesting turtles?
The county contracts with the Clearwater Marine Science Center.
14. What protection is there for nesting turtles on the beach?
All sea turtles are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Many of the beach municipalities in Pinellas County have adopted ordinances to help the sea turtles survive, including a prohibition against allowed lights to shine directly onto the beach.
15. Why are the nests roped off?
During the nesting season, the beaches are monitored daily for signs of nesting turtles. When the nest is identified, a yellow rope designates and protects the nests from beach users.
16. When do the turtles nest?
Nesting season is May 1 to Oct. 31. During this time, beachgoers will see the roped-off nests. Those lucky enough to be in the location the night that the nestlings emerge can watch from a safe distance as they make their way back to the water.
17. Why do we have sand dunes?
The roots of sea oats stabilize and capture sand, creating sand dunes that help to protect the coastline from waves and slow down the effects of erosion.
18. Why aren’t I allowed to pick sea oats?
Wild sea oats are a protected species. Picking them is against the law and violating it carries a hefty fine. They are protected because of their importance to the beach.
19. Are passes ever dredged?
Passes must be dredged from time to time because of the natural flow of sand that creates shallow areas and affects navigation. Sand from Clearwater Pass, John’s Pass and Blind Pass have been used to fill in other beaches for nourishment projects.
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