County and state officials are moving forward with a major beach renourishment effort to restore storm-damaged stretches of Pinellas County’s coast — and leaders in Indian Rocks Beach are watching closely.

“It’s happening, it’s really happening!” Indian Rocks Beach Mayor Denise Houseberg said in a recent interview. “I’m just delighted the arguments are over, and it’s finally coming together.”

At a Nov. 15 press conference at 17th Avenue beach access, County Commissioner Kathleen Peters emphasized the urgency: “Rebuilding these beaches has to be the highest priority. If the Army Corps of Engineers doesn’t step up, the county is prepared to do whatever it takes.”

On June 17, county commissioners unanimously approved $125 million in Penny for Pinellas funds to place more than 2.5 million cubic yards of sand along beaches from Sand Key to Treasure Island. The work — awarded to Weeks Marine — is expected to start soon and will require temporary construction easements from property owners in order to be included.

“This will cover all areas in need of renourishment,” County Administrator Barry Burton said. “Weeks Marine is a top-tier contractor, and they’re gearing up fast to get as much of this done before peak hurricane season.”

The beach renourishment plan comes amid ongoing challenges with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has traditionally led such efforts. In response, county and state leaders — including Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach — have developed a local workaround still requiring Corps sign-off.

Even though the project depends on property access, county officials say it will move forward regardless of full participation. “This is not the Corps project — it’s our project,” Burton said. “So the easement requirements are different. We hope more property owners come on board, but if not, we’ll work around them.”

In places where easements aren’t granted, crews will taper the sand around the gaps. “We’re doing the best we can,” Burton said. “There will be different levels of nourishment depending on access.”

Public Works Director Kelli Hammer Levy said 132 easements are still needed across several communities. Clearwater, Belleair, and North Redington Beach have already secured 100 and will receive full beach builds up to 5.3 feet in elevation.

For areas like Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, and Redington Shores — where many easements are still missing — the county will fill in public areas from the Erosion Control Line westward.

“There will be long stretches with full nourishment, and other areas that are more piecemeal,” Levy said.

Houseberg encouraged more Indian Rocks Beach property owners to sign the easements to avoid drainage issues and awkward gaps.

“Those who didn’t sign will only get sand up to the Erosion Control Line, and that may leave areas where water and debris collect,” she said. “They could get a little icky.”

As of July 14, 127 of 180 easements had been secured in Indian Rocks Beach, according to the county.

Houseberg stressed the difference between the county’s easements and those required by the Corps. “This is a construction easement that expires in 2029 — not a permanent one,” she said. “It doesn’t mean the government has forever access.”

A public Zoom meeting on the project will be held on Wednesday, July 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is available at http://pinellas.gov/signforsand.

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