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Atlantic Beach updates on countywide beach-nourishment plan; town share may be 20–30%
Summary
Countywide beach-nourishment planning would focus on Atlantic Beach's western end; town staff said Atlantic Beach's segment cost could be about $3 million, with municipalities asked to cover roughly 20–30% of their proportional share and FEMA disaster funds covering most remaining costs.
Mayor Danny Navey, who serves on the County Beach Commission, briefed council on county planning for a multi-jurisdiction beach-nourishment project that would focus on the western portion of Atlantic Beach. He said the eastern end typically receives regular nourishment from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is why the county project would prioritize the west.
The town's estimated share for its segment is approximately $3 million, Navey said. County staff have asked municipalities to plan for contributing roughly 20–30% of their proportional share, with FEMA disaster funds expected to cover the majority of the remaining cost. Councilmembers discussed two timing options: 2026 or 2027. A 2027 project could align with the USACE inlet dredging, allowing sand to be pumped from inlet dredging operations directly onto the beach, potentially reducing costs.
Councilmember Austin Waters said he wants the town to pay only for sand it needs and uses; staff noted recent surveys show the beach has naturally recovered sand lost in a rough winter two years ago. The county will return to municipalities with final cost proposals following bidding before any local commitments are required.
