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04/29/2025 - Town HallTuesday, April 29, 2025 5:30 PM City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 Countryside Library - 2462 Sabal Springs Dr,, Meeting Room Council Work Session Special Work Session April 29, 2025Council Work Session Special Work Session 1. Call to Order 2. Public Comments Public Comments - Each person who wishes to address the Council shall complete a comment card and submit the card to the City Clerk (right-hand side of dais) before the speaker will be permitted to speak. Individuals will limit their comments to a maximum of three minutes. 2.1 3. Adjourn Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/29/2025 Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#25-0412 Agenda Date: 4/29/2025 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Council Work Session Agenda Number: 2.1 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Public Comments - Each person who wishes to address the Council shall complete a comment card and submit the card to the City Clerk (right-hand side of dais) before the speaker will be permitted to speak. Individuals will limit their comments to a maximum of three minutes. SUMMARY: Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/29/2025 mor{ Pop 0Lr_+v o Y),17-1:// 4(-)( reol Sak.041-1 ktKitu Cttr en 0 Franklin Planner Corporation . Leadership -Monarch City of Clearwater Town Halt presentation April 29, 2025 Good evening. My name is Martha Burke. 1 reside at 710 Eldorado Avenue on North Clearwater Beach. Thank you for providing an opportunity to address something that has greatly effected my neighborhood since the devastating hurricanes in 2024. 1 request that the City of Clearwater establish a Sand Dune Restoration Committee t0 begin efforts to restore the Sand Dunes on North Clearwater Beach's residential area AND establish ongoing Sand Dune Restoration protocol for implementing restoration efforts immediately following catastrophic storms/hurricanes that destroy these dunes. A committee could be established with the following representation: 1. City Departments: a. City Council b. City Manager c. Public Works, specifically Environmental Specialist d. Emergency Management 2. Clearwater Marine Aquarium 3. Florida Department of Environmental Protection 4. Clearwater Beach Association BACKGROUND: The Sand Dunes on North Clearwater Beach provide a natural barrier that helps lessen and at times stop the storm surges that impact our residential community. The Sand Dunes along the Gulf side of Florida are considered part of the State Parks system and are protected under Chapter 161 of the Florida State Statues. Among the provisions in this Chapter, is one that establishes fines for knowingly or by gross negligence causing damage to beach -dune systems, including animal and plant life. The City of Clearwater is charged by the State of Florida with maintaining these beaches and Sand Dunes. No where on any of the seven North Beach Access Points signage does the City of Clearwater tett visitors to STAY OUT OF THE SAND DUNES. And no signage by the City is placed anywhere on the Gulf side of the dunes stating "Stay out of sand dunes under the Florida State Statutes, Chapter 161". Many of the communities to the south, Naples as an example, have replanted sea oats along their beaches and installed signage stating "Ptease Keep Off Dunes. Dune Restoration in Progress. After the Sand Dunes were decimated by Hurricanes Debbie, Helene and Milton, Public Works crews hauled truck loads of sand off the Island and used front end loaders to dump buckets full of sand into the Gulf. The explanation given was that the sand was contaminated and would be returned once it was "cleaned". To my knowledge, no cleaned" sand was ever returned. The sand that remained on the beaches and in the Dunes was also contaminated with raw sewage, glass, metal, and hurricane debris. Because the residents in my area could not get help from the City, we hired private crews with front end and skid steer loaders to push what sand remained back toward the residential seawalls. The undulating Sand Dunes that use to extend more than 250 feet beyond my seawall were futt of plant and endangered wild Life. My neighbors and 1 have now undertaken replanting and watering sea 2 oats, grasses, ground cover, vines and shrubs approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in an effort to help anchor the sand and rebuild the Dunes naturally. Another help in restoring the Sand Dunes would be the installation of Sand Dune fencing at the toe line, the former westerly point where the former Sand Dunes started. The Sand Dunes toe tine is part of the City of Clearwater's purview. There are over 72 residential properties on Eldorado Avenue backing up to the Gulf. We pay exorbitant property taxes. We have received very little in the form of City resources to support our restoration efforts. We now request the City of Ctearwater's help in rebuilding the Sand Dunes. These dunes not only help protect the home on the Gulf side of Eldorado, but they also help protect the homes inland. The inland streets on North Clearwater Beach's residential community are at a tower sea levet than the homes on the east intracoastat side and the west Gulf side. Any flooding from tropical storms and hurricanes causes excessive flooding on these streets. And now our community is loosing many of our tong standing neighbors because of the recent hurricanes and their inability to rebuild. Please help us do something to restore our Sand Dunes and help protect the residential community on North Clearwater Beach! Respectfully, Martha Burke 710 Eldorado Avenue Martha. Posey, Burke(gmail,corn 3 Clearwater Automation GIS Viewer 2 OZ I LO II Owner Hemel : MOON, MARK F TRUST Owner Neme2 : MOON, MARK F TRE Site City: CLEARWATER Site Zip: 33767 Site Address : 704 ELDORADO AVE Parcel Id : 0S - 29. 15- 54666- 002- 0O10 Flood Hazard Area Flood FIRM Panel Flood Zone : AE Static BFE : 10 For Additignal Inlatnation Click Here 2024 V\ t- trricei nes FIRM Panel : 12103C0102G After storm... Notice again the areas from which vegetation was removed. 44-er 207A %SSUATCCrCS PROHIBITED Alcohol Smoking and glass and vaping Grills, fires Feeding birds and fireworks and wildlife Soliciting Littering Bikes Camping ALWAYS Know how to swim before entering the water. There is no lifeguard on -duty, north of Tower #7. Look at the beach condition flags. Do the stingray shuffle. When thunder roars, go indoor Dogs allowed on leash. nor •i` © © eac ` li each cl rwatY"'.n and r . ffatbe. Ida State Stat 1" Foot traffic in dune a damages dune-buil' vegetation, disrupts wildlife habitat and causes dune blowouts during storms. Damaging dunes and picking sea oats or other vegetation is prohibited by state law. STAY OUT OF THIS AREA 1046 orado Avenue, sand dune fencing installed to hep bring back the sand dunes! Naples, FL April 2025. Beach restor - ion DUNE RESTORATION IN PROGRESS DUNE VEGETATION PROTECTED BY FLORIDA STATUTE CH. 161 J1SgJM 3H. L JJSIA S3. LVQdfldad dn N9IS II 1o3rodd 3W- J' ftJVJl gl 1o3f021d S1N3W3A06d011 40 A1I1Y( d3IYM $ ;," 1 NOI1YIO1S3d H0Y39 S31dYN J a' S3ldtlN j0 Alli r Online • Sunshine Select Year: 2024 0 The 2024 Florida Statutes (including 2025 Special Session C) Title XI Chapter 161 View Entire COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND BEACH AND SHORE Chapter INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS PRESERVATION 161.054 Administrative fines; liability for damage; liens.— 1) In addition to the penalties provided for in ss. 161.052, 161.053, and 161.121, any person, firm, corporation, or governmental agency, or agent thereof, refusing to comply with or willfully violating s. 161.041, s. 161.052, or s. 161.053, or any rule or order prescribed by the department thereunder, shall incur a fine for each offense in an amount up to $15,000 to be fixed, imposed, and collected by the department. Each day during any portion of which such violation occurs constitutes a separate offense. 2) Whenever any person, firm, corporation, or governmental agency, or agent thereof, knowingly or by gross negligence violates any of the provisions of s. 161.041, s. 161.052, or s. 161.053 so that damage is caused to sovereignty lands seaward of mean high water or to beaches, shores, or beach -dune systems, including animal, plant, or aquatic life thereon, such violator shall be liable for such damage. If two or more persons, firms, corporations, or governmental agencies, or their agents, cause damage, and if liability for such damage cannot be apportioned, each violator shall be jointly and severally liable for the damage. lf, however, liability for such damage can be apportioned, each violator is liable only for that portion of the damage and subject to that portion of the fine attributable to his or her violation. 3) The imposition of a fine or an award of damages pursuant to this section shall create a lien upon the real and personal property of the violator, enforceable by the department as are statutory liens under chapter 85. The proceeds of such fines and awards of damages shall be deposited in the Florida Coastal Protection Trust Fund. 4) Fines imposed by the department or damages awarded shall be of such amount so as to ensure immediate and continued compliance with the provisions of ss. 161.041, 161.052, and 161.053. 5) Any applicant for a permit pursuant to s. 161.041, s. 161.052, or s. 161.053 shall be denied a permit if a lien imposed upon the property pursuant to the provisions of this section is outstanding against the applicant; however, the department may authorize a permit after the fact in accordance with s. 161.041, s. 161.052, or s. 161.053, conditioned upon a resolution of the violation. History.—s. 4, ch. 80-183; s. 3, ch. 83-247; s. 35, ch. 85-55; s. 2, ch. 86-138; s. 15, ch. 87-97; s. 30, ch. 91-45; s. 894, ch. 95-147; s. 3, ch. 96-321; s. 6, ch. 2015-229; s. 4, ch. 2020-158. Copyright © 1995-2025 The Florida Legislature • Privacy Statement • Contact Us http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%2...g=Chapter+161&URL=0100-0199/0161/Sections/0161.054.htmt 4/28/25, 3:03 PM Page 1 of 1 Building Back the Sand Dunes Building Back the Sand Dunes Sand dunes are naturally occurring dynamic coastal features which are formed by the accumulation of wind blown sand. When sand dunes are damaged from storms or human activity they can be repaired or restored. The basic steps are simple but careful planning is needed. Your dune restoration project should be designed to create a dune that matches the existing natural dune pattern in the area. You can help speed up nature's work by using sand fences and dune plants to collect sand more rapidly. Before You Start... Permits from the Florida Department of Envi- ronmental Protection (FDEP) and possibly local governments may be required for installing sand fences, constructing dune walkovers, and dune plantings. This brochure does not provide all the necessary information or authorize any construction. Please contact the appropriate FDEP district office listed on the back for information about obtaining a permit or for guidance tohelpyou get started. There is usually no cost for sand fencing and dune planting permits. 2 Ways to Help Rebuild Sand Dunes Dune Planting. Plants build and anchor the sand dunes. The roots and stems of sea oats and other native coastal plants trap wind-blown sand. As the sand piles up around the plants, new roots develop on the recently buried stems while new stems emerge from the sand's surface. This traps even more sand and the sand dune builds. Sea oats and other vegetation can be planted along with the installation of sand fences or by themselves. Sea oats (Uniola paniculata) should be planted first and should cover 60-80% of the total area. Bitter panicum (Panicum amarum) can be planted in the remaining areas. Seedlings should be planted at least 6 inches deep since shallowplantings may fail. Space The use of sand fencing may be restricted along the southeast coast due to the potential for adverse impacts in high density marine turtle nesting beaches. Sand fencing may also be restricted in other places such as the barrier islands along the southwest coast where the dry beach area may not be wide enough to supply the necessary amounts of wind driven sand. The initial dune restoration project area should be about 10 to 20 feet in width. To maximize sand building, the fence should be located as far landward as possible and the spaces between and waterward of the fences should be planted with dune vegetation. The fence should be placed in 10 foot sections with at least 7 feet between each section to provide space for sea turtles to approach the beach, lay their eggs, and return to the sea. Each segment of fence should be angled to take advantage of predominate wind direction and strength. Please refer to the chart below for the recommended sand fence alignment for your area. Northern Atlantic coast NW -SE Southern Atlantic coast NE -SW Eastern panhandle coast: NE -SW Central panhandle coast NE -SW Western panhandle coast: NW -SE Southern Gulf coast NW -SE Change the alignment to take advantage oflocal andseasona! variations in the predominate wind direction andstrength. N W Prevailing Ind Direction ilt Water 10'-20' The figure above illustrates the placement and NW -SE alignment ofsandfences for the northern Atlantic coast. E 3 Things You Can Do to Protect Sand Dunes Use Dune Walkovers and Designated Beach Access Points to Cross the Dunes. Without dune vegetation, sand dunes become unstable. Dune plants tolerate harsh beach conditions including wind, salt spray, storms, scarce nutrients, limited fresh water, and intense sunlight and heat. However, they cannot withstand the pounding offeet and vehicles. Restore Damaged Sand Dunes. Established sand dunes provide a strong defense against storms. When sand dunes are damaged, you can help speed their recovery by installing sand fences and planting native dune vegetation. Increase the benefits ofyour work by encouraging your neighbors to join with you in your dune restorationprojects. Learn More About Sand Dunes and the Ways You Can Help Protect Them. If you aren't a good steward of the coastal environment, who will be? Tell others about the importance of protecting sand dunes and the coastal environment. You don't have to be an environmental expert to help protect sand dunes, you just have to care. For more information about the coastal environment and volunteer opportunities in your area, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at the numbers listed on the backofthis brochure. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection Coastal Construction Control Line Program CCCL@dep.state.fl.us 850)245-2094 CCCL Sand Fence Guidelines The state of Florida requires permits for sand fences and other coastal construction seaward of the coastal construction control line (CCCL) under section 161.053, Florida Statutes, of the Beach and Shore Preservation Act and the CCCL Rule Chapters 62B-33 and 62B-34, Horida Administrative Code. Figure 1: Sand fences installed to state of Florida specifications for the Mexico Beach dune restoration project built after Hurricane Michael. These sand collection fences have enlarged the new dune by trapping sand from the beach. Installation of sand fences in combination with planting vegetation has been a successful dune restoration method. General Sand Fence Requirements A permit from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is required prior to the installation of any sand fence seaward of a CCCL. Go to www.FloridaDEP.gov/CCCL for permit assistance and to learn How to determine if your property is seaward of the CCCL using 'Map Direct'. Sand fences may only be installed on the open beach and on or seaward of the frontal dune or dune bluff in locations where they are expected to be both effective in trapping sand and to meet CCCL regulatory requirements. Installation in these sites must be as far landward as practicable and follow the Sea Turtle Protection Measures contained within these guidelines. Dune plant growth is necessary to stabilize sand accumulated by sand fences according to dune restoration research conducted on Santa Rosa Island following Hurricane Opal. Sand fences must be of low impact, breakaway construction and biodegradable materials when possible, including the use of untreated wood and have a 40% open space (void) to 60% solid ratio or a maximum of 50% open space between slats for most effective sand trapping. Posts are recommended to be 3 -inch diameter round, untreated wood poles embedded a minimum of 3 -feet deep. Construction must follow the General Permit Conditions of CCCL Rule 62B-33.0155, Fla. Admin. Code. Fences are to be installed in a way that does not alter dune topography, damage beach -dune vegetation, drive vehicles or other equipment across dunes, disturb marked sea turtle nests or known nest locations, obstruct public access or damage adjacent properties. No trespass is authorized. Disturbance of the beach or dune ground surface must be smoothed out to pre -project conditions. Native dune plants damaged during construction must be replaced and approved by DEP. Damaged sand fences must be repaired or removed. Sand fence questions? email cccl@dep.state.fl.us, call 850/245-2094 or look up a CCCL field inspector at www.FloridaDEP.qov/CCCL. Sea Turtle Protection Measures The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Imperiled Species Management Section provides sea turtle protection measures for sand fence permits issued by DEP and has posted helpful sea turtle conservation information at https://rnvfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/sea-turtle/. FWC provides consultation and specific sea turtle protection measures for DEP coastal construction permits for sand fence projects that: Extend more than 500 linear feet along the shoreline. Use sand fence designs, materials, or installation methods other than those specified in the conditions listed below. Are proposed on sandy beaches in Brevard through Miami -Dade counties along Florida's southeast beaches, Manatee through Collier counties of southwest Florida, or Monroe County. Sand fence projects less than 500 linear feet, using conventional designs and materials, and not Located in the above counties are subject to these sea turtle protection measures added to standard CCCL field permit conditions: Sand fences must be located as far landward on the sea turtle nesting beach as is possible. The landwardmost fence post is to be installed no closer than 5 ft. to a seawall, revetment or dune scarp to avoid trapping nesting sea turtles landward of the sand fence. Sand fences located seaward of the crest of the frontal dune or a seawall are to be arranged as follows and described in the Figure 2 sand fence diagram: o Sand fences must be separated into individual fence segments (spurs) and not installed in a continuous fenceline along the beach. o Individual fences (spurs) are not to exceed 10 ft. in length and 4 ft. in height. o Spurs need to be aligned diagonally facing the dominant wind direction and spaced at least 7 ft. apart along the project area (see diagram below). EXISTING STR11CIURfS, ROADS, WANES, ETC. SAND FENCE SEGMENTS 10ft v TR it to 6 r START AS LANDWARD ASPOSSIBLE ON DRY BEACH DRY BEACH o Only one row of fences is allowed within sea turtle nesting habitat. Operating, transporting or storing equipment or materials is not allowed seaward of a frontal dune or rigid coastal structure during sea turtle nesting season. In Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach and Broward counties the sea turtle nesting season is March 1 through October 31. In all other counties, the sea turtle nesting season is May 1 through October 31. FWC staff can assist with considerations of other coastal wildlife potentially affected by sand fence projects, such as gopher tortoises, beach nesting shorebirds and beach mice. Contact FWC sea turtle program staff at 850/922-4330 or marineturtle@mvfwc.com. Sandfence questions? email cccl@dep.state. fl. us, call 850/245-2094 or look up a CCCL field inspector at www.FloridaDEP.qov/CCCL. 2oz4/ 2®Z5 f. nrrgerrcy Beach trash= Centra! Protect p o Q Phrase or word Search Emergency Beach Erosion Control Project Pnf)totlrk: btlF ?<' `..3 fete' tiiji?Z Fr n Departments Public Works Department Topics Environment Coastal Management Parks, Recreation, Culture & Travel Beach and Water Activities Contact Information Public Works 22211 U.S. Highway 19 N. Clearwater, FL 33765 Z27)454-1922 About US Emergency Beach Erosion Control Project NMS Public beach access points within municipal limits are maintained by the municipality. For specific questions about the status of public beach accesses, please contact the relevant municipality! Project Overview Project Location Multiple, see map Project Status Construction: Completed Pinellas County conducted an emergency shoreline restoration project to mitigate critical erosion caused by Hurricane Idalia. The project consisted of constructing dunes. The active project area moved strategically along the coast, as County teams triaged the damage and worked on the most critical areas first. This project is separate from the federal beach nourishment project that is currently on hold with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE). Sand was trucked in from an authorized location, placed on the beach and shaped into dunes. The new dunes were also be planted with vegetation. Project Overview Pinellas County conducted an emergency shoreline restoration project to mitigate critical erosion caused by Hurricane !della The project consisted of constructing dunes. The active project area moved strategically along the coast, as County teams triaged the damage and worked on the most critical areas first. This project is separate from the federal beach nourishment project that is currently on hold with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE). Sand was trucked in from an authorized location, placed on the beach and shaped into dunes.. The new dunes were also be planted with vegetation. Project Timeline Emergency Beach Erc ion Control III* Aran Work Start Work End Belleau Beach Complete Complete Indian Rocks Beach Complete Complete Indian Shores Complete Complete Madeira Beach Complete Complete Pass -a -Grille (St. Pete Complete Complete Beach) Sunset Beach (Treasure Complete ,v Complete Island) o Upham Beach (St. Pete Complete if Complete Beach) Information for Property Owners For Pinellas County to place sand and construct dunes, we must obtain short-term construction easements from property owners. These County easements are temporary and different from the perpetual easements required by the USACE project. In lieu of initiating individual projects, p ers are strongly encouraged to allow the County to install measures that have been permitted and designed to work Property owners who want to move sand back on the beaches after Hurricane Idalia must notify Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA)'s patrol team for sea turtle protection before starting o To notify the CMA team, call (727) 479-5564. o Provide your name, a description of the work and the address where the work will occur. httpsglpinelias.gev projectsernergency-heath-erosion-control-pr^,ecu; o The CMA team will inspect the beach to ensure the work will not damage or interfere with sea turtle nesting. o An inspection is required for each day that work is done. Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) Program permitting requirements must be followed under the State of Florida's emergency. 52.EcieL o Property owners are not to place sand in the dune line. Debris and nibble cannot be placed on the beaches for any reason — These requirements remain under the States emergency order. o Some activities may require additional permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pinellas County and/or your local municipality. o For coastal activities that require permits from Pinellas County visit Pinelfas.goyidocks-dredge-filli. o For additional information related to CCCL and JCP permitting requirements, see the States emergency order. Project Location QpgathaiarkettmagLinitalawalat https://pnellas,gov/projects/emergency-beach-ero n -control -pro ect/ 2/25/25, 335 PM Page 3 of 8 Project Funding This emergency project Is supported by the Tourist Development Tax. For more information visit FromVisitorWithl.ove.com. Emergency Beach Erosion Control Project P, 44h lo IRO )1. el \I HYPF f equentiv Aked Departments Public Works Department Topics Environment Coastal Management Parks, Recreation, Culture & Travel Beach and Water Activities Contact Information 1111orks 22211 U.S. Highway 19 N. Clearwater, FL 33765 727) 464-8900 About Uq https://pinetias.goviprojectsiemergency-beach-erosion-controi-pr ectl 2/2/2, 330 PM Page 4 of 8 Sand is piled along the edge of Clearwater Beach after Hurricane Helene Pinellas County's beaches were flattened by the triple whammies of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton last year. Now, a new ordinance may give what's left of its dunes a fighting chance. Pinellas County commissioners are trying to make it easy to preserve the dunes that are being rebuilt after the hurricanes. They passed an ordinance that will prevent people from trampling many of the dunes, and allow landowners to place signs for people to keep off. Kelli Hammer Levy is the county's public works director. She said it could also help beach landowners who might be hesitant to grant easements that are needed to renourish damaged dunes. This also gives residents an opportunity who, you know, part of their concern that they've raised about not providing an easement is not being able to protect their dunes," she told commissioners. "And so they could now place a sign with a county ordinance on it that says no trespassing through the dune, which causes damage. RELATED: Come on back to the beach, Pinellas officials say as the hurricane recovery continues The ordinance only applies to unincorporated parts of the county, so beachside cities would also have to sign onto the ordinance as well. Here's some of the provisions: Protects the integrity of dunes along Pinellas County barrier islands by preventing traversing the dunes outside of certain exemptions and as such, May provide additional assurances for property owners to consider signing easements for beach nourishments based on the protection of dune areas. Prohibits any activity on a dune that requires a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection under F.S. § 161.053 (Coastal Construction and Excavation). Recognizes that dune protection is not a special power under the County Charter so any effective municipal ordinance that conflicts will prevail over this ordinance. Provides for fines and civil penalties within existing county environmental compliance programs. The county is working to get new emergency beach nourishment projects permitted for Sand Key, Treasure island and Long Key. Dunes will be included in some of the project areas in concert with widening and elevating the beaches.