Flagler County is set to commence the next phase of its beach renourishment efforts this spring, adding 5.5 miles of new shoreline protection. The upcoming “Reach II” project will extend from North Seventh Street in Flagler Beach to 1,900 feet north of Varn Park, encompassing areas in Beverly Beach and Painters Hill, according to a press release from the county’s communications coordinator, Julie Murphy.
This initiative follows the completion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beach renourishment project in Flagler Beach earlier in 2024.
“We don’t want to lose the momentum we have gained with the completion of the Army Corps project,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “We have requested modifications to our permits with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps, allowing us to undertake a comprehensive beach and dune restoration along the entirety of Reach II.”
Project Details
The initial phase of Reach II will involve dredging approximately 1.8 million cubic yards of sand from offshore, contributing to the 11.4 miles of “sacrificial dunes” that Flagler County completed in December 2023 as an emergency barrier to protect the coast.
Funding Breakdown
- Permitting and Design: $1 million, fully funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) through a post-Hurricane Ian and Nicole grant.
- Construction Costs: Approximately $32 million from FDEP post-hurricane recovery funds and an estimated $3 million to $4 million from FEMA, depending on market conditions at the time of construction.
- Long-term Maintenance: Projected at $5,047,300 annually, with funding split 50/50 between FDEP and local sources, ensuring renourishment every six years.
- Disaster Assistance: In the event of a declared disaster, FEMA will provide up to 87.5% assistance, with additional aid from the Florida Division of Emergency Management Public Assistance program.
Flagler County is also pursuing FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding to alleviate costs for Reach II, potentially allowing funds to be redirected to the future Reach III project, which will extend from 1,900 feet north of Varn Park to Washington Oaks Garden State Park.
Previous and Future Efforts
Reach I, covering South Sixth Street to South 28th Street in Flagler Beach, was completed in August with the primary work conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Two additional Flagler County projects, partially funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, expanded the coverage area from North Seventh Street to Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area.
Importance of Beach Renourishment
Dunes serve as critical barriers that protect coastal communities from storm damage, while beaches remain vital to Flagler County’s tourism-driven economy.
“Flagler County’s pristine beaches are a cornerstone of our community’s quality of life, attracting visitors from around the world,” said Petito. “However, these beautiful beaches are vulnerable to erosion from storms and natural processes. Healthy beaches absorb the force of waves, winds, tides, and currents, allowing dunes to safeguard infrastructure.”
