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Residents present multi‑phase Summer Haven resiliency plan; commissioners ask staff to vet proposal
Summary
A citizen coalition asked St. Johns County to support a three‑phase dredging and beach resiliency plan and requested $250,000 for engineering and permitting for the initial phases; commissioners asked county staff to review the plan and return with funding options.
Denise Cochran and Brian Love, representing the Summer Haven Resiliency Coalition, presented a three‑phase plan to dredge the Summer Haven River, build beach and river berms, and create enhanced dune systems and a public park. Phase 1 was estimated at $250,000, Phase 2 at $350,000, and Phase 3 at $350,000; the coalition requested $250,000 for engineering, permitting, monitoring and construction management for Phases 1 and 2.
Commissioner Christian Whitehurst said "the Adaptation Plan would need to be vetted by the County’s professional staff," and asked Emergency Management Director Joe Giammanco to review the proposal. Giammanco suggested "bringing the item back at the first meeting in March." The Board gave consensus to direct staff to evaluate the plan and return with a proposal and potential funding options.
The presentation included a video illustrating existing environmental conditions and described anticipated work at Matanzas Inlet, Pellicer Creek and adjacent shorelines. Presenters said the long‑term Phase 3 would include an "enhanced dune with armored core" and a public recreational park, but noted Phase 3 would require additional studies and permitting. County staff will review environmental, permitting and cost details before the item returns to the Board for formal consideration.
