County tilling sand at several beaches this week

With spring and the turtle nesting season fast approaching, Pinellas County will be tilling the sand at several beaches to a depth of 24 inches this week. The work will take place Tuesday through Friday where beach nourishment (sand replacement) has occurred at Clearwater Beach south of Clearwater Pass, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach to Redington Beach, Treasure Island and on Upham Beach on the north end of St. Pete Beach.

The tilling is a permit requirement of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection meant to help nesting sea turtles. A County contractor will be on the beaches from sunrise until 10 p.m., except during the hours of heavy beach use.

Turtle nesting season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31, with female loggerheads generally nesting between early May through August. For more information about Pinellas County beach nourishment and sea turtle protection, visit Pinellas County Coastal Management and click on the appropriate link.