A major focal point of the meeting was the Pinellas County Emergency Beach Nourishment Project. Details were provided about the initiative to place approximately 66,000 cubic yards of sand over a 2,000-foot stretch of beach at an estimated cost of $1.3 million, with Gator Dredging as the contractor. The project is slated to start between mid-September and early October, sourcing sand from Blind Pass. Concerns were raised regarding the sand’s consistency, given past experiences where storm restoration efforts used sand with higher shell content. However, assurances were made that the new sand would closely resemble the existing beach sand. The committee discussed the project’s administrative aspects, noting that while the county funds this one-time effort, compliance with erosion control lines remains a future requirement. The project includes fencing off construction zones for safety and executing two simultaneous dredging operations to expedite the process. Plans for subsequent planting in the nourished areas, particularly in Pass-a-Grille, are underway.

Another prominent topic was the discussion on the customary use doctrine, which pertains to public access rights on beaches. The conversation delved into recent legal precedents and legislative changes affecting customary use, predominantly focusing on the case of Daytona Beach versus Tony Rama. This case established that public recreational use of sandy areas adjacent to mean high tide could be defended against trespass charges. The committee reflected on Walton County’s 2016 ordinance, which faced extensive litigation regarding customary use and resulted in financial implications for involved parties. Recent legislative changes, specifically Senate Bill 1622, have repealed the need for judicial determinations on customary use, reverting to common law principles. The committee acknowledged the complexities of drafting a customary use ordinance for St. Pete Beach, emphasizing the need to respect both public access rights and private property rights. The committee aims to balance these competing interests without imposing overly restrictive ordinances.

The introduction of an ordinance establishing Chapter 95 on beaches brought attention to new regulations concerning beach behavior, public conduct, and permitting. The city planner presented the ordinance, which proposes separate regulations on tent sizes, cabana and tent permits, smoking prohibitions, and wildlife protection, among other things. The committee plans to organize workshops leading up to the November meeting to gather community input and refine the draft. The ordinance will also address the permitting of micro-mobility devices and organized recreational activities on public beaches. The committee stressed the importance of aligning local regulations with broader legal precedents and ensuring that commercial activities do not disproportionately affect residents.

A critical aspect of the meeting was the discussion on a wildlife-friendly lighting ordinance, specifically focusing on sea turtle conservation. The committee emphasized the need for updated regulations to align with new state definitions of wildlife-friendly lighting. With input from the Sea Turtle Conservancy and local partners, the proposed updates suggest new standards for visible light transmittance and address outdated bulb types. The committee acknowledged the challenges of compliance for existing structures and discussed potential solutions to enforce the updated regulations effectively. Public input is anticipated during the workshops to enhance the ordinance’s development and ensure enforceability.

Another update was the progress on replacing dune walkovers, with a contract awarded to GF Coast Construction for design and construction services. The project’s total budget is $439,000, funded through the city’s Capital Improvement Program, with potential FEMA reimbursements for storm-related damages. The urgency of completing permitting before the end of turtle season was underscored, with construction planned to begin post-season. Concerns about the steep slopes of existing walkovers and the prioritization of replacements were discussed, with assurances that new designs would address these issues.