Coastal Projects
Overview
Coastal Management coordinates and manages all of St. Johns County’s engineered beach projects. This includes pre- and post-storm assessments of the shoreline to determine future project locations. Coastal Management works with the public, funding agencies, and regulatory agencies to ensure successful implementation of coastal projects that preserve and enhance the beaches of St. Johns County.
Announcements
Preliminary Beach Trolley Concept Meeting
St. Johns County will host a community meeting to introduce a preliminary concept for a beach trolley system that could serve South Ponte Vedra Beach and Vilano Beach.
Meeting Details
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach
The meeting will provide information about the preliminary concept, answer questions, and gather community input before any decisions are made regarding potential trolley stops or whether the option will ultimately be pursued.
The same presentation will be offered at 4, 5, and 6 p.m., with each presentation followed by breakout stations where attendees can ask questions and provide feedback.
The presentation will be recorded, and a transcript of the question-and-answer sessions will be made available online for community members who are unable to attend. These materials will be published here online following the meeting.
Depending on community interest, the County may schedule additional meetings to provide further opportunities for input during this preliminary stage.
Background
St. Johns County is actively working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to establish a long-term federal partnership to support beach restoration along the shoreline in South Ponte Vedra Beach.
To move forward, the County must identify a sustainable funding strategy for the required local cost share. One of the primary factors the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses to determine the local cost share is the amount of public beach access available within the project area.
The County is evaluating several potential options to increase public beach access in South Ponte Vedra Beach and improve the project’s financial feasibility. One option under consideration is a public transportation system with designated trolley stops that would provide access to existing County-owned properties within the project area.
The potential trolley system could also include stops at existing public access locations throughout Vilano Beach, which could benefit the existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project cost share in that area. Additionally, the transportation system could support broader County mobility efforts.
At this stage, the trolley concept remains under evaluation. No decisions have been made regarding the location of trolley stops or whether the County will ultimately pursue the option. Community input will help inform the County’s evaluation as it considers the potential benefits, challenges, and feasibility of the concept.
Residents and community members are encouraged to attend the meeting, ask questions, and provide feedback. Initial questions about the potential project may be submitted in advance to St. Johns County Coastal Management at 904-209-0260 or coastalprojects@sjcfl.us.
Beach Access Updates and Closures
The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier will be closed through November for repairs. The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier will temporarily close starting May 13 for a construction project to repair and strengthen the pier pilings. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2026.
During the repairs, visitors will experience minor parking impacts near the pavilion area. Please follow all instructions seen on temporary traffic signage. Permitted events and activities at the nearby Ocean Pier Park will not be impacted.
The northern St. Augustine Beach access point will be closed for the duration of the project. Beachgoers must use the south entrance to access the beach safely.
Access under the pier will be restricted. Surfers and swimmers should stay 500 feet away from the pier during construction.
The Pier Gift Shop will remain open and accessible throughout the project.
The County appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation while these important repairs are completed to maintain the safety and longevity of the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier.
News
May 13th, 2026: The SJC Report Radio Show Features Coastal Management – click here to read more!
May 6th, 2026: Behind the SJCenes Podcast Highlights Coastal Management – click here to read more!
Current Projects & Studies
Planning and Design for the project is wrapping up. Construction is expected to begin late 2026.
South PV Cat G Project
Learn more about the development of the St. Johns County Coastal Management Plan.
Coastal Management Plan
This project will support the design, engineering, and permitting required to develop a solution to reduce coastal storm damage to Porpoise Point from future storm events and reduce erosion.
Porpoise Point Shoreline Stabilization Project
A Shore Protection Project by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and St. Johns County. Project extends from 4,000’ north of Pope Road in Anastasia State Park to Ocean Hammock Park.
SJC SPP at St. Aug Beach
50-Year Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) project by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and St. Johns County. The project extends from the Ocean Villas at Serenata Beach to just north of Nease Beachfront Park.
SPV & VB CSRM Project
Information regarding ongoing projects in the Summer Haven area.
Summer Haven ProjectsThe Beach Brief – An E-newsletter for Timely Updates on St. Johns County Beach Projects
St. Johns County remains dedicated to providing our residents, visitors, and businesses with timely and accurate information regarding current and upcoming St. Johns County beach projects. The monthly “Beach Brief” provides subscribers with an overview of beach renourishment, dune enhancement, and other major coastal projects.