With every wave that crashes ashore, it pulls back a little bit of the sand on Pinellas County beaches. Beach erosion has impacts on storm protection and tourism.
CLEARWATER — Due to uncertainty about future funding from the Army Corps of Engineers, members of Tourist Development Council voted unanimously June 21 to increase the share of bed tax
In early December, Crist sent a letter to the Corps as the future of the project hung in the balance due to the Corps’ arduous requirement for the county to obtain easements from all property owners along the length of the project. At the time, Crist urged the Army Corps to provide flexibility to the County so the project could continue on schedule.
Crist’s latest letter to the Corps comes on the heels of the Corps’ decision to not grant the county’s request, and asks for its immediate reconsideration as the degradation of Pinellas’ beaches would not only result in a loss of life and property, but also have significant economic impacts on the region’s tourism-based economy.
From left are U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, County Commissioner Pat Gerard and County Commissioner Dave Eggers.
Here in Pinellas we take pride in our beaches. They provide us with valuable recreational opportunities; they give local and endangered wildlife a place to call home; and they support our regionâs tourism-based economy. Less talked about, but perhaps equally important, our beaches also serve as a buffer for flooding and storm surge, saving lives and protecting infrastructure and property when a storm hits.
Without our beaches, Pinellas wouldnât be the community we know today. Without our beaches, Pinellas would be at increased risk of storm damage, particularly for those who live and work in our beach communities. Without our beaches, our economy and way of life would take an enormous hit.