Sand To Be Replaced At North End Of St. Pete Beach

ST. PETE BEACH, FL -- Pinellas County has announced the Upham Beach nourishment project will begin by the end of May and should be completed within two weeks.

Norfolk Dredging, which constructed the Sand Key and Treasure Island projects last year, will nourish Upham Beach at the north end of St. Pete Beach. Equipment mobilization will start soon, and nourishment is set to begin the last week of May. Sand placement will be from north to south, with about 700 feet fenced off around the active work area. Sand for the project will be dredged from Blind Pass.

In total, construction is expected to last about two weeks and will place approximately 150,000 cubic yards of sand on the beach.

The Upham portion of the nourishment project was awarded last fall and is expected to cost $3.5 million with the federal government paying $2.1 million and the county and state each paying $678,000. The county’s portion will be paid with Tourist Development Tax funds dedicated to beach nourishment.

Beach nourishment benefits the community by providing increased storm protection for property owners as well as recreational opportunities. It also creates important habitat for shorebirds and nesting sea turtles. The project aligns with Pinellas County’s strategic goal of practicing environmental stewardship by preserving and managing environmental lands, beach parks and historical assets.

Upham Beach stretches from from about 67th Avenue to 71st Avenue.

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