Chris Young, WMNF News, 5/29/2026
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Pinellas County and the Army Corps of Engineers signed off on an updated agreement, making it easier for the county to access federal dollars to nourish its coastline.
Local, state, and federal leaders gathered in North Redington Beach to celebrate the agreement years in the making.
Pinellas County must replace beach sand in active zones every six years due to natural erosion and on an emergency basis following major storms like the 2024 hurricanes.
The agreement signed Friday with the Army Corps reinstates federally supported beach renourishment projects.
Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army Civil Works, says the deal is about more than allowing people to enjoy suntans and beach volleyball.
“This is the protection for not just the areas close to the beach, but for large swaths of the entire county to prevent that storm surge, like we saw in Ian and Helene and Milton, from invading residents throughout this area,” Telle said.
County leaders say those federal funds historically covered two-thirds of beach nourishment costs.
Previously, the Army Corps had strict rules requiring beachfront homeowners to sign easements to allow beach renourishment, but county leaders complained that getting signatures from homeowners was tough, which delayed projects.
The new agreement provides more flexibility in that process, among other things.
Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott says this will allow the county to use tourist dollars for other things now.
“Federal cost sharing is essential to preserving these beaches, while also allowing us to direct tourist development tax dollars towards other investments that strengthen the visitor experience and support economic growth,” Scott said.