Rebuilding sand dunes along St. Johns County’s coastline

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved funds to assist St. Johns County with partially restoring and rebuilding the sand dunes along portions of St. Johns County’s coastline that were damaged by Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma.

The project is intended to enhance the dune system by adding sand to the seaward side of the existing dunes, planting sea oats and supporting vegetation, and creating a more uniform front to the dune system.

If approved, and with adequate voluntary participation of homeowners, sand placement is anticipated to begin this summer and is projected to be completed by the end of the year.

The County is currently in the design phase and a separate firm, Waugh Law, has been recruited to assist owners of eligible oceanfront properties who would like to participate in the project by voluntarily granting a temporary easement.

According to the the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Government, “there is no charge to participate and the easements do not allow access to front or side yards. Homeowners who wish to receive additional dune protection at no cost may sign the short-term easement and return it to Waugh Law. The County will be unable to enhance the dunes on properties that do not provide signed easements.”

The deadline to submit signed easements is May 31, 2021.