Treasure Island city leaders held a public meeting Wednesday night to share details about an upcoming beach renourishment project that’s already received final approval. But not everyone is on board.

More than 130 homeowners have yet to sign the necessary easements, with many expressing concerns that the last renourishment effort failed to deliver results.

“I’m not convinced it worked last time,” one resident said, echoing a sentiment shared by others who are hesitant to give access to their beachfront properties.

Pinellas County officials warn that without full participation, the project could be left with critical gaps.

The renourishment will span at least 20 miles of shoreline, from North Indian Rocks Beach to Middle Sunset Beach. Crews will dredge and place sand on eroded beaches to help restore elevation and protect properties from future storms.

“Our beaches have lost seven feet of elevation,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott. “Hurricane Helene brought 7.8 feet of storm surge last year. If that elevation had been in place, the damage would’ve been significantly less.”

For decades, the county partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on such projects, splitting the cost 60-40. But due to the lack of signed easements, the Army Corps withdrew. Now, the county is footing the full $125.7 million bill — funded by bed tax dollars, which are largely paid by tourists.

Commissioner Scott says the renourishment is expected to last five to six years under normal conditions, though major storms could shorten that timeline.

Two more public meetings are planned: a virtual Zoom session on July 16, and an in-person meeting at Belleair Beach on August 6 at 6 p.m. Construction is set to begin in September at North Indian Rocks Beach.

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