VILANO BEACH, Fla. — St. Johns County leaders say they need help from families before work can begin on a 50-year beach renourishment project.
Sky Action News Jax flew above the 3-mile stretch from Serenata Drive to San Pelayo Court that county leaders want to restore to pre-2015 conditions.
The county and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said crews will use sand from the inlet to build dunes 18 feet high.
It’s a 50-year project that aims to protect homes, the beach and A1A. Renourishment will happen every 12 years and as needed after any major storm.
The county said before work can begin, they need homeowners along the beach to give them access to their easements. They’re the space behind their homes that the project aims to restore.
On Tuesday, the county said they were still waiting for permission from two dozen homeowners. Three quarters of the community already gave them the go-ahead.
If they get access to the easements, project leaders expect construction to begin in June 2020.
They said when the restoration work is complete in December 2020, there will be 100 feet of beach behind homes for families to enjoy.
County leaders invited families with questions to come to a community meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. It was at the NS Community Center at 120 Meadow Avenue in Vilano.
You can read more about the project here: http://www.sjcfl.us/PublicAffairs/VBrestore.aspx