The project, to slow erosion, will last about seven months. One half of the beach will be temporarily closed during the project.

ST. PETE BEACH – A beach stabilization project is scheduled to begin at Upham Beach today (Aug. 1).

The $9.5 million permanent T-groin installation project will slow erosion at the popular beach, located at the north end of St. Pete Beach. Currently, yellow sand-filled tubes form five T-groin structures on the beach. Those will be replaced with four rock T-groins during the project, which is scheduled to be completed by February.

The work on the beach will proceed from the south to the north, with no more than half of the beach closed to the public at one time. More sections of the beach could potentially be closed for short periods as a safety precaution, depending on construction activity.

The temporary sand-filled tubes were installed in 2005 to test their effectiveness in slowing beach erosion at Upham Beach, one of the fastest eroding beaches in the state. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reviewed the results of the tests and agreed that the structures are effective and will provide improved storm protection, slow erosion and save money over time through reduced need for nourishment of sand.

The project will be paid for using tourist development tax funds dedicated to beach nourishment, with 50 percent of the total cost to be reimbursed from a state grant.

Pinellas County’s Environmental Management Division—a division of Public Works—is responsible for coastal management projects, including beach nourishment and stabilization projects.

For more information about Pinellas County Public Works and beach stabilization and nourishment projects, go to pinellascounty.org.

Upham Beach | St. Pete Beach | Erosion | Environment | Beach | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

#UphamBeach #StPeteBeach #Erosion #Environment #Beach #TampaBayNews #TBReporter