Coastal Projects

Announcements

Butler Beach Reach of Hurricane Ian/Nicole FEMA Dune Enhancement Project – The Butler Beach reach of the project was advertised for bid. Bids close at the end of the month. This reach will go before the Board of County Commissioners at the June 6th meeting. Construction of the Butler Reach is expected to begin in mid-June 2023. The Butler Beach Reach includes the shoreline from Ocean Hammock Park through Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort, in addition to a 1,500 ft section from Mary Street going south.

USACE South Ponte Vedra and Vilano Beach Coastal Storm Risk Management Project – The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will start construction in mid to late summer 2023. This project extends from Serenata Beach Club to approximately 250 ft north of Nease Beach's front park.

Summer Haven Feasibility Study – The contractor, INTERA-GEC, submitted a draft report that is under review by St. Johns County it will be released to the public once the revisions are made. A public meeting will be held shortly after the draft report's release.

South Ponte Vedra Dune Restoration – Beach restoration operations were completed in July 2022, from approximately one-and-one-third mile north of Guana River Road, south to tie into the taper of the USACE Project in front of Serenata Ocean Villas. The sand did provide substantial protection to the oceanfront properties in the project area, but Hurricane Ian and Nicole eroded much of the new sand from the beach into the nearshore system. Efforts are underway to confirm replacing the lost sand will be eligible for FEMA funding.

USACE Releases Draft IFS/EA for Ponte Vedra Beach Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study for Public Review and Comment – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, is pleased to announce the release of the Draft Integrated Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment for the St. Johns County, FL Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study (Ponte Vedra Beach). The purpose of this three-year study is to address coastal storm damages and effects from sea level rise for long-term community resilience over a 50-year period of analysis along the shores of South Ponte Vedra Beach. Access the US Army Corps of Engineers Feasibility Study website.

For project-specific information, select a project link below.

Projects & Studies

Hurricane Ian/Nicole FEMA Dune Enhancement Project >>

Project Description – This project will enhance the dune system by adding sand at the seaward edge of the existing dune, planting sea oats and supporting vegetation, and creating a more uniform front to the dune system along the proposed beaches of Ponte Vedra, South Ponte Vedra, Butler Beach and Crescent Beach. Construction scheduled to begin Summer 2023. Hurricane Ian/Nicole FEMA Dune Enhancement Project

Summer Haven River Study >>

Project Description –The study objective is to develop an array of possible, environmentally and financially sustainable, long-term solutions to maintain the flow of the Summer Haven River. Draft report scheduled to be released summer 2023. Summer Haven River Study

Vilano Beach Army Corps Beach Project >>

Project Description – A Coastal Storm Risk Management 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 Beach Front Park. Construction anticipated to start in July 2023. Vilano Beach Army Corps Beach Project

St. Augustine Beach Army Corps Beach Project >>

Project Description – A Shore Protection Project by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and St. Johns County. This project extends from 4,000’ north of Pope Road in Anastasia State Park to Ocean Hammock Park. Construction anticipated to start in mid to late summer 2023. St Augustine Beach Army Corps Beach Project

Porpoise Point Drive Armoring Project >>

Project Description – The project consists of the installation of approximately 172 linear feet steel sheet pile with reinforced concrete cap and additional revetment. The seawall will cross the eastern end of Porpoise Point Drive and tie into an existing seawall to the south and existing revetment to the north. Porpoise Point Drive Armoring Project

Additional Information

The Beach Brief E-newsletter
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 nourishment, dune enhancement, and other major coastal projects. To sign up for 'The Beach Brief' e-newsletter, please visit The Beach Brief.

About Us
The St. Johns County Coastal Management team, now housed in the Disaster Recovery Department, is responsible for engineered beach projects. Coastal Management coordinates with the public and funding and regulatory agencies to ensure successful implementation of coastal projects that preserve and enhance the beaches of St. Johns County.

Contact Us
For more information, please contact the Coastal Management team at 904-209-0260, or coastalprojects@sjcfl.us.

Non-project Beach updates can be heard on the Beach Services Hotline at 904-209-0331.