City Council addresses urgent beach erosion crisis on Singer Island

The Riviera Beach City Council convened on February 19, 2025, to address pressing community issues, with a significant focus on beach erosion affecting local access points. The meeting began with procedural clarifications regarding the agenda, specifically the placement of the beach erosion discussion, which was confirmed to be item 11d.

City Manager Evans presented the urgent matter of beach erosion, particularly at the Philadelphia area beach access point, which has become inaccessible due to severe erosion caused by storms in 2024. He outlined the city's collaboration with county officials on a dune restoration project, emphasizing the need for a coordinated effort to ensure safe access for vehicles involved in restoration work. The county has expressed willingness to support a city-led initiative to address these concerns.

Evans estimated the cost of the project to range between $350,000 and $400,000, pending further assessments of the required sand tonnage and contractor costs. He noted that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Fish and Wildlife would be involved, especially with the upcoming sea turtle nesting season starting March 1.

Councilperson Spiritus, who has expertise in beach erosion and protection, shared insights from his experience with similar projects. He highlighted the vulnerability of the area, particularly the lack of seawalls at Via Delfino and adjacent beach access points, which could lead to significant damage during hurricane season. Spiritus warned that without proper protection, storm surges could cause extensive harm to the buildings and infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of barrier islands in safeguarding the mainland.

The council's discussions underscored the urgency of addressing beach erosion and the potential financial implications for the community. The meeting concluded with a commitment to move forward with the necessary emergency justifications to facilitate the project, ensuring that the city remains proactive in protecting its coastal resources and infrastructure.