Beach restoration efforts are now underway on Treasure Island, marking the next phase of Pinellas County’s multi-year beach nourishment initiative. Contractors have begun work on the southern end of Sunset Beach, bringing large-scale sand replacement and erosion control activities to one of the region’s most popular coastal destinations.
As crews mobilize along the shoreline, the city of Treasure Island has temporarily closed Sunset Beach from the rock jetty at Blind Pass to the island’s southernmost point. Access restrictions extend beyond the shoreline — the Tern parking lot and the Sunset Beach Pavilion playground are also closed for public safety during the construction period.
County officials said this phase is expected to take a couple of weeks before construction equipment progresses north to additional sections of the beach.
The Pinellas County Beach Nourishment Project aims to strengthen shorelines that protect homes, businesses and tourism infrastructure against coastal storms and rising sea levels. Over the years, beach erosion has intensified along Treasure Island and other parts of the county’s Gulf Coast, requiring intervention to maintain safe and usable waterfront areas.
Nourishment efforts involve bringing in sand from offshore sources and carefully rebuilding the beach profile. In addition to preserving the beachfront for visitors, the project plays a key role in safeguarding nesting sea turtles and shorebirds whose habitats are increasingly threatened by natural and man-made changes.
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While work will temporarily limit beach access at Sunset Beach, the city emphasized that the closures are short-term and targeted. Businesses near the beach are expected to remain open throughout construction, and county leaders have encouraged residents and visitors to continue supporting local establishments during the project.
Future phases will move methodically along the coastline, with carefully coordinated schedules to avoid peak seasons for tourism and wildlife.
Pinellas County has been accelerating its shoreline protection strategy due to stronger storm systems and more frequent tidal impacts. Beach nourishment is widely recognized as one of the most effective tools for:
✅ Reducing flooding and storm surge damage
✅ Protecting coastal infrastructure and homes
✅ Preserving public access and recreation
✅ Supporting tourism — a key economic driver in the region
In recent years, funding partnerships between the county, state agencies, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have helped keep these vital coastal projects moving forward.
Residents can stay informed about construction schedules, beach access, and future segments of the project on the Pinellas County website.
Originally reported by Alaina Papazian in WFLA.
