Pinellas County asks people to stay off sand dunes during Emergency Beach Erosion Control Project

PINELLAS COUNTY – Dune restoration projects are underway in Pinellas County, and many are close to being finished.

Hurricane Idalia destroyed many of the dunes along our coast, and leaders said the dunes are important for the environment and for safety.

County leaders said dunes are not only great for the environment, but they also provide a barrier when hurricanes come through, keeping water surge from flooding public areas.

“The beaches and dunes themselves are a buffer that helps protect us from storms when they come in. They protect us from erosion from winter fronts, hurricanes, and the beach also acts a nice recreational area for tourists to come and visit," said Dr. John Bishop, Pinellas County Coastal Management Coordinator.

Dr. Bishop said the county has already completed dune restoration at Pass A Grille, Sunset Beach, and Upham Beach.

Right now, Madeira, Indian Rocks, and Belleair beaches are currently undergoing construction.