Upham Beach South Jetty targeted for CIP replacement after county inspection, staff to seek grants

City staff filling in for the director told the Beach Stewardship Committee May 20 that the Upham Beach South Jetty has been identified for replacement and added to the capital improvement program after a Pinellas County inspection found corrosion and a failing sheet wall.

The staff representative said warning signs have been placed and that the city will pursue grants to fund the replacement project. Committee members described seeing rusted corrugated steel and sections that could seriously injure beachgoers and urged staff to share the county inspection report with the committee.

The presentation also covered routine beach walkovers and compliance with FDEP guidance; staff said the final walkover in the current review will be completed in the coming weeks. Members asked for additional information about maintenance responsibilities, whether the jetty location is at the Upham Beach (St. Pete Beach) side of Lime/Blind Pass, and for a copy of the inspection report.

Separately, members raised ongoing stormwater and parking problems at Upham Beach parking areas that flood after short heavy rains. Staff said the city’s stormwater team is actively inspecting outfalls and cleaning pipes, and will follow up with operations managers and public works.

Why it matters: The jetty replacement is a capital project with safety implications for recreation and may require grant funding and intergovernmental coordination with Pinellas County and state agencies.

What comes next: Staff will provide the county inspection report and continue to seek grant funding; committee members asked staff to flag how maintenance and enforcement tie to CIP timing and to report back at a future meeting.