Fort Pierce city leaders are implementing emergency erosion control measures at Jetty Park Beach on Hutchinson Island after severe erosion put nearby homes and infrastructure at risk.<\/p>\n
Fencing and barricades now blocks access to the popular beach destination as crews truck in sand to address the urgent situation. The emergency response comes as a major $15 million beach nourishment project is scheduled to begin in March.<\/p>\n
WATCH BELOW: Homes threatened by beach erosion in Fort Pierce<\/p>\n
“It could be destructive to property by undermining the property and collapsing it, theoretically. Roads, sidewalks, etc., can be torn up,” Commissioner Michael Broderick said.<\/p>\n
Broderick said the delay stems from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ failure to secure a vendor last year, putting the project a full year behind schedule.<\/p>\n
“So, because of that, we’re a year behind schedule, the erosion is so significant that homes, safety and property are at risk currently,” Broderick said.<\/p>\n
Broderick said a homeowner beside the beach brought the issue to his attention. <\/p>\n
City and county leaders estimate the emergency sand delivery will cost taxpayers approximately $500,000. <\/p>\n
The situation has frustrated residents who moved to the area for beach access. <\/p>\n
“I moved here for the beaches, now there’s no beaches,” resident Brenna Cavanaugh said.<\/p>\n
Some residents question the effectiveness of repeated beach nourishment efforts.<\/p>\n
“It seems like every year, every other year, they’re doing the re-nourishment of the beach for millions and millions of dollars, and then it just gets eroded away within a month or two,” Cavanaugh said.<\/p>\n
Officials said U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., helped secure 11 dump truck loads of sand before the delivery of 10,000 cubic yards of sand. <\/p>\n
St. Lucie County Commissioner James Clasby acknowledged the need for a permanent solution while prioritizing immediate safety concerns.<\/p>\n
“We want to look for a long-term solution, but that’s in the future. Right now we’re focused on life and safety and protecting infrastructure,” said Clasby. <\/p>\n
Despite the scenic appeal that draws visitors like fisherman Aric Kuhn, who calls it “a very beautiful place to be,” residents are seeking lasting answers to the recurring erosion problem.<\/p>\n
“It takes away from our everyday quality of life,” Cavanaugh said. “Whatever they’re doing just isn’t working right now, unfortunately.”<\/p>\n
City and county officials said additional sand will be delivered this week. <\/p>\n
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