PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – South Ponte Vedra Beach is set to undergo additional beach renourishment as the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners initiates the planning phase for the upcoming project.
Renourishment Initiative in South Ponte Vedra Beach
Following the county’s completion of a renourishment endeavor in 2022, the area faced setbacks when Hurricanes Ian and Nicole caused significant erosion, washing away approximately 670,000 feet of dry beach and sand.
In response to the deposition of 260,000 feet in the nearshore zone, the county is contemplating a restoration project to replenish 350,000 feet of dry beach sand along a 5-mile stretch, extending north from Serenata Beach.
Cost Considerations and Funding Sources
Emergency Management Director Jim Giammanco briefed commissioners on two potential approaches for the project. The initial proposal involves transporting sand over a 10-month period, incurring a total cost of $35 million, with FEMA and the state covering the entire expense.
Alternatively, a four-month dredging initiative is being considered, with an estimated cost of $22 million. Under this scenario, FEMA and the state would contribute $13 million, leaving the county responsible for a $9 million commitment.
Giammanco noted that the county possesses $9.5 million in remaining funds from the state, originally allocated for prior projects. This surplus could likely be utilized to fulfill the financial obligations of the second option, making it feasible to proceed without additional financial burden.
With the county commission’s approval, Emergency Management is authorized to commence planning for the second option, incurring an initial cost of $750,000. However, this planning expense is fully reimbursable if the county decides to proceed with the renourishment project.