Dune restoration project in Brevard County delayed due to weather

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Strong winds and rough surf have delayed work on a major re-nourishment project in Brevard County.

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Officials say they hope to complete the “South Beaches Engineered Dune” Project by May 1. However, weather conditions have forced the contractor to pause sand deliveries for several days.

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County officials say the practical thing to do is simply wait for conditions to improve.

“The combined effects of Ian and Nicole were significant,” Brevard County Natural Resources Manager Mike McGarry said. “That’s where- particularly in the south beaches where the beach is narrow- we wanted to get some sand back in the dune system prior to hurricane season.”

The county only has until April 30 to finish the current phase of its South Beaches Engineered Dune project. The $26 million project runs between Spessard Holland South Beach Park southward to Sebastian Inlet State Park.

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However strong winds and rough surf have slowed progress in recent days.

McGarry, who also oversees the county’s beach management program, says the contractor for the project anticipates reaching this year’s sand delivery goal.

The schedule also included extra time for unforeseen delays.

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“Turtle nesting season starts on March 1, but our permits allow us to work in the months of March and April with precautions, with proper sea turtle monitoring, and marking those few nests so we can avoid them,” McGarry explained. “But by May 1, we have to be completely off the beach.”

In addition to protecting upland structures, McGarry says the engineered dune can also help provide a more suitable nesting habitat for the marine turtles.

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