Pinellas needs property owners’ approval for beach renourishment project

PINELLAS COUNTY — Pinellas County beach leaders are now turning to taxpayers, hoping they can convince their neighbors to get on board with the multi-million dollar Sand Key nourishment project.

The Army Corps of Engineers said it would not move forward with the project if leaders aren't able to get the 461 property owners along the coastline to sign the easements. Right now, only 139 people have signed.

The project will add sand along Sand Key, a nine-mile stretch from Clearwater Pass to Madeira Beach, in 2023.

"This is very important. We have to get those signatures, or we lose our beach," said Indian Shores Mayor Patrick Soranno.

Here's the break down of the number of signatures needed by each town impacted, according to the county's web site:

• Indian Rocks Beach: 132
• Indian Shores: 124
• Redington Shores: 61
• Belleair Beach: 2
• Clearwater: 2
• North Redington Beach: 1