PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Many barrier Island residents and businesses experienced unprecedented amounts of beach sand deposited onto their properties during Hurricane Helene. This section offers guidance on handling this precious resource.
Returning the sand to the beach
Clean sand can be returned to the beach above the high tide line (mean high water line). The sand must not have stains, odors or include debris. Additionally, it should not be placed over dune plants, turtle nests, storm debris or construction debris.
Read: Beyond Asheville: Widespread Devastation in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene
If the sand does not meet the criteria mentioned above, you must request permission from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (840-245-2094 or email CCCL@FloridaDEP.gov). Once you have permission, the same placement restrictions apply. Failure to follow these rules may result in civil penalties.
When using heavy equipment, be cautious of buried water lines and other infrastructure.
Important restrictions
Do not put sand in your trash, place it in any right-of-way, or push it onto the road. Do not attempt to clear public roads. The Public Works department is working on authorization from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to screen clean sand to remove debris and return it to the beach.
Read: AccuWeather Increases Hurricane Helene Damage Estimate To $145-$160 Billion
Sea wall damage
If the seaward side of a property’s seawall is exposed, residents should consult a structural engineer or licensed marine contractor before covering the wall with sand. Placing sand on a damaged seawall could cause further and costly damage.
Hiring contractors
Whenever using a contractor, make sure they are licensed. Unlicensed or fraudulent contractors often target desperate home and business owners in the aftermath of hurricanes. Learn more at Pinellas.gov/choosing-a-contractor. Verify that contractors are licensed at contractorsearch.pcclb.com.
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