FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — St. Lucie County Commissioners called for an emergency sand dump on South Beach in light of the risk to residents in the area.
The beach renourishment project, originally scheduled for early this year, has been delayed to March. Commissioner James Clasby voiced his concern during the regular commission meeting Tuesday after his conversation with local beach officials. He said current conditions put nearby businesses and homes at risk.
“It’s really at the point where we need to do something,” Clasby said.
See also: Beach closures begin as nearly $15M renourishment project underway on Hutchinson Island
Commission Chair Jamie Fowler echoed Clasby’s remarks, stating she also spoke with Port Director Josh Revord.
“I get it’s like putting a Band-Aid on a waterfall, but if there’s something we can do, we need to do it,” said Fowler.
The item came up during the commissioner updates section of the meeting, so the dump will have to be approved after the fact.
County administrator George Landry says the emergency dump could happen as early as next week, with potential beach closures almost certain.
It’s unknown how much the emergency sand dump will cost, but that number should come to light during the next county commissioner meeting on February 17th.
CBS12 News will be speaking with county officials to find out more details and with residents for their reaction.