ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pinellas County officials say time is running out to obtain construction easements for a portion of the San Key Beach nourishment project which includes Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, and Redington Shores.

What You Need To Know

  • Pinellas County officials want to finalize nourishment project for beaches 

  • Beach erosion caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton needs to be repaired

  • Officials need more construction easement signatures from property owners before they can move forward

Pinellas county officials say they are still waiting on roughly 180 signatures and are hoping that more property owners will sign the easements so the project can move forward. The goal is to add sand to the beaches that were eroded during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Beach nourishment projects provide critical storm protection and a wide sandy beach that is beneficial to tourism and locals, according to officials with the county.

Many local property owners have signed the required easements, but others are still holding out.

Officials say they would have to move forward despite the gaps in the areas where the easements were signed.

Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters said the project is vital for the economy in the area.

“Tourism is the No. 1 economic driver. We’re known all over the world for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world," she said. "And so, absolutely we want to protect that wonderful asset we have, but more importantly to me, being a resident of one of the barrier islands, is to ensure that we have the infrastructure, and this beach is infrastructure."

Pinellas County and Indian Shores hosted a signing day at the Indian Shores Municipal Center Thursday to try to encourage more property owners to sign.

Property owners can find more information, including a sample easement and a link to a recent virtual project information meeting on the Pinellas County government website.

Anyone in Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores or Redington Shores with questions or wishing to sign an easement can email SignforSand@pinellas.gov or call 727-464-7799.