Pinellas County is finishing its beach nourishment project ahead of schedule, with work expected to wrap up this week.

The $125 million effort began in September to restore sand to the county’s coastline following erosion from last year’s hurricanes. Originally projected to take six months, the project was completed in record time, according to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater President and CEO Brian Lowack.

Sunset Beach in Treasure Island is the last of nine beaches receiving sand through the project. More than 2.5 million cubic yards of sand have been added across the beaches, enough to fill the Salvador Dalí Museum more than 40 times.

The project has received positive feedback from beachgoers. Gulfport residents Louann and Sean Collins said the new sand is softer and of better quality than before.

After the new year, crews will plant vegetation on newly created dunes to strengthen the beaches against future storms, according to the county.

The timing could benefit local businesses as tourist season picks up. Pinellas County saw nearly 15 million visitors in 2025, down slightly from 15.4 million in 2024. Lowack said areas hit hardest by the hurricanes, particularly southern beach communities, are expected to see increased attention now that nourishment work is finishing.

A $13 million state grant helped fund the work, with most of the cost covered by tourist development tax revenue.

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