County plans major beach renourishment project amid storm concerns

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed a significant beach renourishment project in Park Shore, which involves transporting approximately 167,000 tons of sand to enhance the local beach. The project, extending from Naples Cay to Doctors Pass, aims to raise the beach to a permitted elevation of 4.3 feet, improving both its height and width.

Commissioner Koval highlighted the logistics of the sand transport, noting that trucks will follow a designated route to minimize traffic disruptions. The project is expected to cost around $65 per ton for the sand placement, a stark contrast to previous projects, such as the dredging of the Marco River, which cost approximately $12 per ton.

Commissioner McDaniel emphasized the need for a more sustainable approach to beach renourishment, advocating for collaboration with neighboring counties to establish a consistent sand sourcing strategy. He pointed out that the current reliance on a single offshore sand source limits efficiency and increases costs. The discussion also touched on environmental considerations, particularly the timing of beach work to avoid disrupting local turtle nesting seasons.

Public input was encouraged, with suggestions to utilize local libraries for disseminating information about upcoming projects and meetings. The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing beach surveys to ensure timely renourishment, particularly in anticipation of storm events. The county is hopeful for state reimbursement for a portion of the project costs, which could alleviate some financial burdens associated with the renourishment efforts.