By-Line: Julie Murphy, Flagler County Government
Flagler County doesn’t plan to lose any momentum now that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project is complete in Flagler Beach. Post-hurricane season, the county is forging ahead with “Reach II” of its Beach Management Plan – 5.5 miles from North 7th Street in Flagler Beach and ending 1,900 feet north of Varn Park.
Construction for Reach II – inclusive of northern Flagler Beach, Beverly Beach, and Painters Hill – is anticipated to begin this coming spring 2025. Outreach letters will be mailed directly to property owners from the title company with easement details.
“We don’t want to lose the momentum we have going with the completion of the Army Corps project,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “We have requested the modification of the permits we have with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps, which will allow us to undertake a comprehensive beach and dune restoration along the entirety of Reach II.”
Why Beach Nourishment is Important
- Preserve natural beauty: Healthy beaches protect our coastline’s aesthetic appeal.
- Protects infrastructure: Dunes are a barrier, shielding our community from storm damage.
- Supports economic vitality: Beaches are a crucial aspect of our tourism industry.
The initial beach and dune restoration project along Reach II will be by dredge from an offshore sand source and consist of 1.8 million cubic yards of sand along 5.5 miles of shoreline in the project area. It is part of the 11.4 miles of sacrificial dunes Flagler County built – completed in December 2023 – as an emergency barrier to protect the improved property along the coastline.
Initial project funding
- Permitting and Design Costs: $1 million at 100% FDEP funded through a post-Ian-Nicole Grant
- Initial Construction Costs: $35 million FDEP post-Ian-Nicole Grant
Projected long-term maintenance costs for Reach II are $5,047,300 per year at 50% FDEP funding and 50% local share.
Reach II will be eligible for 87.5% FEMA and Florida Division of Emergency Management Public Assistance (Category G) following a declared disaster. Additionally, funding for this beach nourishment project is being sought through the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which would save the FDEP funds for Reach II so they could be applied to Reach III.
“Flagler County’s pristine beaches are a cornerstone of our community’s quality of life, attracting visitors from around the world,” Petito said. “But these beautiful beaches are susceptible to erosion from storms and natural interactions. Healthy beaches absorb the brunt force of waves, wind, tides, currents, and storms, allowing dunes to protect infrastructure.”
