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.
and last updated 2020-12-11 18:41:51-05
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. â A project to renourish nine miles of Pinellas Countyâs beachfront coastline is at risk of being skipped unless 240 more property owners sign a required easement.
If the project is skipped by the Army Corp of Engineers, it could mean the Sand Key area in Pinellas County wonât get any new sand for years.
The $45 million project to widen the 9-mile stretch of sand between Clearwater and Redington Beach is supposed to take place in 2024. While some areas like Clearwater and North Redington Beach have signed off on the project, many homeowners in other areas like Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores and Redington Shores have not.