Riviera Beach council authorizes emergency sand work for Singer Island access, approves up to $500,000

Riviera Beach — The City Council on Wednesday authorized the city manager to contract for emergency beach renourishment to stabilize a heavily eroded access point on Singer Island, approving spending up to $500,000 to protect the Via Delfino and Sea Winds areas and reduce risk to adjacent properties and infrastructure. Councilmember Dr. Espiritus made the motion to authorize the work; the motion passed by voice/roll call vote with councilmembers voting yes and Chair Lawson noting the vote was unanimous with Chair Pro Tem McCoy absent.

The action comes after storms in 2024 left a northern beach access point impassable and created a sharp drop-off that city staff and residents warned could prevent emergency vehicle access. City Manager Evans told the council that staff had inspected the site with a county contractor and determined the area posed “a significant erosion” problem that could require trucking in sand and other protective measures. He estimated preliminary costs “could be anywhere between $350,000 to $400,000,” and the council set an upper authorization of $500,000.

Why it matters: Councilmembers and staff stressed the narrow time window. The city and county noted that Florida’s sea‑turtle nesting season begins March 1, after which moving sand onto the beach becomes tightly restricted. Councilmember Dr. Espiritus said the city must act now to avoid greater damage in the next hurricane season, and moved that the manager be authorized to proceed immediately.

The manager and public‑works staff said they will pursue any available emergency procurement steps and coordinate with state and county agencies, including DEP and Florida Fish and Wildlife, to meet permitting and wildlife protections. Evans told the council he would provide regular updates on progress and procurement status as the work proceeds.

Background and council discussion: Councilmembers described the site as one of the lowest, most vulnerable points on the barrier island; Dr. Espiritus noted prior emergency work at Ocean’s Edge earlier in 2024 and questioned the long‑term vulnerability of the island without the short‑term sand placement. The county previously told the city it had concerns about vehicle access for its crews; county staff has signaled willingness to coordinate but had not assumed primary responsibility for this specific site. Staff said the city is exploring reimbursement options from state hurricane recovery funds but could not promise full recovery of costs.

Next steps: Staff will retain a contractor under emergency authority, proceed with sand placement consistent with wildlife and permitting requirements, and return to the council with a cost reconciliation and any required contract documents. Councilmembers asked for interim updates because the next regular council meeting may occur after the March 1 cutoff.