Beach-area businesses in Pinellas County are preparing for a strong spring break season following the completion of a $125 million beach renourishment project that was finished last month.

Restaurant owners on Treasure Island reported increased customer traffic in recent weeks and expect even larger crowds around St. Patrick’s Day and during spring break. The widened beaches created by the renourishment work have given visitors more space, helping local businesses anticipate higher sales.

Business operators said the expanded shoreline and improvements from the project have restored a sense of normalcy after damage from the 2024 hurricane season. Although local schools have not yet started their spring break, visitors are expected to arrive soon and stay through the traditional early-spring busy period.

Last year’s spring break period saw heavy travel in the region, with more than 3.3 million passengers passing through Tampa International Airport.

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