PRESS
RELEASE: July 27, 2015
DEP PROVIDES $500,000 GRANT TO LONGBOAT KEY FOR BEACH RENOURISHMENT
~Grant assists in beach stabilization project ~
LONGBOAT KEY,
Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has
awarded $500,000 in grant funding for a beach stabilization project that also
provides recreational opportunities at the North Shore Public Beach Access to residents
and visitors of the town of Longboat Key.
“The department is committed to helping fund and implement projects that offer direct benefits to local communities by preserving the environment, enhancing tourism and protecting wildlife,” said DEP Secretary
Jon Steverson.
As a part of the Beach Management Funding Assistance Program, DEP reimbursed Longboat Key for a portion of the renourishment project, which was completed in June. Approximately 13,000 tons of
compatible beach sand was brought in to renourish the degrading area, and provide critical nesting habitat for sea turtles. The project also included construction
of two permeable adjustable groins, which are structures built to protect the beach from coastal erosion.
“We thank the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
for their funding assistance,” said Longboat Key’s Public Works & Utilities
Director Juan J. Florensa. “This project meets the town’s comprehensive plan
objective to manage and control the effects of shoreline erosion, enhance storm
protection, protect developed upland properties and public infrastructure while
enhancing habitat for marine turtles and shorebirds.”
Since the project’s completion, two turtle nests have
been spotted and marked for protection. Previously, the beach was subject to frequent
breaching during storms that threatened the critical habitat for nesting sea
turtles.
Florida’s beach and dune system acts as the
first line of defense during hurricane season. Beach renourishment reduces the impacts of storm surge and
provides wave attenuation, reducing potential for structural damage. Since 1999, Florida has
invested almost $659 million to restore and maintain more than 227 miles of Florida beaches.
To learn more about the state’s beach and coastal
protection efforts, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches.
| 
