Residents of St. Pete Beach could soon be penalized for damaging dunes, as the city considers tougher enforcement measures at the behest of Commissioner Joe Moholland.

“We need to condition people to avoid the dunes,” Moholland stated. “They are crucial.”

During the December 3 city commission meeting, Moholland highlighted the absence of enforcement and pushed for a new, more stringent ordinance.

“Our land development code already forbids walking on dunes,” he explained. “We need to connect this with our code enforcement fines.”

He proposed fines ranging from $50 to $500 with no initial warnings.

The commissioner, representing District 4, noted that new dunes between 1st and 8th Avenues were created following a $5.8 million beach renourishment project completed last month in Pass-a-Grille. He emphasized that these “naked” dunes require time for vegetation to establish, a process that could be compromised by human activity.

“If people continue to walk their dogs or pose for pictures on the dunes, the plantings won’t survive,” Moholland warned. “It’s negligent not to protect these new dunes.”

North of 10th Avenue, established dunes demonstrated their importance during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit within two weeks of each other this fall.

“They protected the community,” Moholland acknowledged. “Despite water damage, their root systems held firm against the waves.”

Following his concerns, a pole and rope fence was installed this week to protect the dunes, which Moholland observed has already reduced unauthorized access.

“This is the first time I’ve seen no one on the dunes during the day,” he noted. “Hopefully, the fence is making a difference.”

However, Moholland still advocates for a ticketing and fine system for the minority who disregard the rules. His fellow commissioners agree on the need for stronger dune protection but suggest signage should precede enforcement.

“Everyone agrees on protecting the dunes, especially since the vegetation is new,” said Commissioner Betty Rzewnicki.

St. Pete Beach spokesperson Marc Portugal mentioned that temporary “keep off the dunes” signs from Pinellas County will be installed from 15th Avenue south to 1st Avenue.

“Once the new beach ordinance is approved, we’ll install permanent signs detailing the code and penalties,” Portugal said. “We don’t have a set date for the next ordinance reading yet.”

Currently, city staff engage the public on an individual basis to educate them about the importance of preserving the dunes.

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(Image credit: Jefferree Woo/Tampa Bay Times)