Although Tampa Bay largely avoided the devastation of Hurricane Idalia seen elsewhere, some parts of our area were still impacted. About a mile of Sunset Beach was closed in late September to repair damaged dunes.
Now that the $6 million restoration project has entered Phase II, here’s what you need to know:
- Hundreds of trucks dumped sand during the first phase of the project.
- Several plants are now being introduced to help rebuild the 40-year-old dune system — beach elder, railroad vine, panicgrass, and sea oats. The plants will catch sand as it is blown down the beach, causing dunes to compact, stay in place, and give protection against tides and storm surges.
- Officials hope to reopen the beach to the public by Monday, Oct. 30.
- People are urged to stay off the dunes until the beach is open again — this will help the project run smoothly.
- You can stay informed by signing up for city updates.