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Pinellas County votes to seek intervention in Bel Air Shores DEP appeal over erosion-control line
Summary
The county voted unanimously to seek authority to intervene in a Department of Environmental Protection appeal by Bel Air Shores seeking to vacate a local erosion-control line; staff warned removing a segment would jeopardize federal beach-nourishment projects.
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners authorized county staff to seek intervention in an administrative appeal filed by Bel Air Shores with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that seeks to vacate an erosion-control line.
"I am requesting authority from the board for the county to seek to intervene in that action," County Attorney (speaker 25) told commissioners, explaining the county's interest in protecting its ability to undertake nourishment projects. Public Works Director Kelly Hammer Levy explained the erosion-control line is adopted as a continuous single line and that excising pieces would "negate the entire line," potentially preventing future federal nourishment work.
Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the request unanimously. Staff said the petition and related documents were posted under agenda item 38 for public review and that legal intervention is intended to preserve consistent coastline policy and protect existing nourishment partnerships.
The vote authorizes county counsel to proceed with intervention and to coordinate with counsel and affected departments; no litigation strategy details were discussed in open session.
