Following a devastating hurricane season that battered Pinellas County’s shoreline, officials have approved a $125 million initiative to rebuild and strengthen coastal sand dunes—natural defenses that help protect against storm surge, erosion, and flooding.

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the restoration project, awarding the contract to Weeks Marine, Inc., a firm with extensive experience in coastal resilience work nationwide.

“It’s long overdue,” said Matthew Vario, owner of the Toasted Monkey on St. Pete Beach. “You can see where the beaches have receded and dropped off—these dunes are critical.”

The project will restore and nourish dunes on sections of Sand Key, Treasure Island, and Long Key. According to County Administrator Barry Burton, Weeks Marine is preparing to mobilize quickly to complete as much of the work as possible before peak hurricane season.

“These dunes aren’t just about safety—they’re also vital habitats for sea turtles and shorebirds,” Burton said.

Vario hopes the new vegetation and root systems on the restored dunes will reduce erosion if another major storm hits. “Hopefully, we won’t see another hurricane anytime soon,” he said.

Work is expected to begin in 2025 and wrap up by March 2026. In the meantime, the county will host three public meetings to keep residents and business owners informed.

“We want the community to understand what we’re doing and why,” Burton added.

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(Image credit: Steve Newborn/WUSF Public Media)

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