A major portion of the meeting was devoted to the beach renourishment project, spearheaded by County Administrator Barry Burton, who described the $130 million allocation as “historic.” This funding aims to address the need for beach nourishment, a critical concern as fall approaches. The council’s decision comes in response to ongoing challenges with federal policies, specifically a policy interpretation by the Army Corps of Engineers that requires 100% compliance with easement agreements. Burton expressed frustration with the lack of progress in changing this policy, despite efforts by local representatives like Congresswoman Luna and Senator Scott.

Burton emphasized the urgency of the project, stating, “If we didn’t take that action, there wouldn’t be sand on the beach.” The plan involves contractors Weeks Marine and Gator Dredging, who will undertake the nourishment operations continuously for six months under an emergency authorization from the Army Corps. Sand will be sourced from designated offshore areas, including Eggmont Shoals, with attention to environmental considerations such as sea turtle nesting and shorebird monitoring.

Kelly Hammer Levy, the public works director, detailed the logistics of the project, including pre-construction work and the challenges posed by areas with insufficient easements. The “sawtooth effect” in sand distribution due to these incomplete easements could lead to uneven beach surfaces, necessitating clear communication with residents about easement statuses. Levy stressed, “We cannot place a grain of sand on private property without the necessary rights.”

Council members were urged to foster community support and secure the necessary easements to ensure the project’s success. Public meetings to discuss the project and address concerns are scheduled for July 9th at Treasure Island City Hall, July 16th online, and August 6th at Bellair Beach. Newly appointed communications director David Connor will be responsible for disseminating information to residents effectively.

The sustainability of relying on substantial appropriations for beach nourishment every five to six years was questioned, with Burton reiterating the need for community cooperation and easement security. A resident specifically raised concerns about Bair Shore, which remains unprotected due to a lack of public property for easement donations. The resident stressed the area’s vulnerability to storm damage and urged the council to reconsider its exclusion from the nourishment plans.

The meeting also explored communication strategies to counter misinformation about easement requirements, given the county’s reliance on tourism development funds rather than federal sources. Flyers with clear, bulleted facts were recommended to clarify the project timeline and purpose. The council acknowledged challenges in reaching some property owners, particularly those involved in short-term rentals, and sought assistance from local residents to identify these properties for effective engagement.

In addition, leveraging Visit St. Pete Clearwater’s marketing resources was proposed to enhance outreach efforts, with council members agreeing to explore collaborations to maximize visibility and awareness of the beach nourishment initiative.

Beyond the renourishment project, the meeting included a presentation from Lindseay Johannes of the Florida League of Cities on hurricane preparedness, emphasizing lessons learned from past disasters and risk management strategies. The importance of insurance in disaster response and recovery was highlighted, along with the need for comprehensive disaster management planning.

A discussion on insurance policies focused on deductibles and coverage provisions related to hurricane preparedness. The council stressed the importance of understanding deductible limits and the implications of underinsuring properties. The necessity of a continuity of operations plan (COUP) was also discussed.