The city of Sanibel reported that it is starting a beach renourishment project designed to strengthen and protect the shoreline between Blind Pass and Bowman’s Beach Park. The Blind Pass Beach parking lot will be closed for staging equipment beginning this evening, Nov. 21.
– WHAT PROJECT WILL DO
It will place about 300,000 cubic yards of new sand along the northern stretch of Sanibel, covering the area from near the former Mad Hatter Restaurant to the western edge of Bowman’s Beach Park.
– WHERE SAND COMES FROM
The sand will be collected by a hopper dredge from a state-approved offshore sand source located about 8.3 nautical miles west of Captiva.
– FOCUS ON MOST VULNERABLE AREAS
The project will strengthen the areas that need it most — specifically around: the former Castaways location, Sanibel-Captiva seawall and Clam Bayou beach area. These areas experienced the most significant erosion and will receive additional sand to improve storm protection and beach stability.
– HOW BEACH WILL BE BUILT
Sand will be placed both on the dry beach and underwater to rebuild a healthy shoreline. The restored beach and dune system will reach a height of approximately 6.5 feet (NAVD).
– RESTORING NATURAL HABITAT
Once the new sand is in place, crews will install native dune vegetation to stabilize the dunes and support wildlife.
– CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE, HOURS
Beach renourishment work on Sanibel is expected to begin next week. Once operations start, the contractor will work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is standard practice for dredging projects to shorten construction time and minimize disruptions. Construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of December, barring any weather or equipment delays.
– STAGING AREA
The city finalized an agreement to use the former Castaways property on Sanibel-Captiva Road as the main staging area, as well as the Blind Pass Beach Park parking lot. It will provide an update when the Blind Pass Beach Parking lot reopens. The Turner Beach parking lot reopened on Oct. 30.
To watch a video explaining the project, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOyPYV-lxQ0&feature=youtu.be.
For more information, contact the Natural Resources Department at 239-472-3700 or sandnr@mysanibel.com.