Rep. Haridopolos visits IRC beaches, hopes renourishment efforts continue efficiently
Erosion linked to hurricanes Ian, Nicole and Milton have left the beaches that line the barrier island vulnerable, and the county has combated that by placing new sand and rebuilding the dune infrastructure. Its actions are especially important to sea turtles which utilize the beaches and dunes for nesting.
"We want to help restore the beaches for our residents, tourists and turtles," explained Haridopolos, R-Indian Harbor Beach. "The beaches represent a big reason why our community is here, so we want to make sure it's in tip-top shape for the tax base."
The beaches represent $50 million in economic value for the county, according to county Natural Resources Director Kylie Yanchula.
Haridopolos said he has been a supporter of President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency since taking office in January, and while he didn't say Tuesday if DOGE ultimately will turn its attention to beach-renourishment projects, he did say that placing sand back on the beaches is the most efficient solution for erosion.
"The government has created barriers, like jetties like at Sebastian Inlet State Park and parts of Cape Canaveral, that limit the natural replenishment of sand," explained Haridopolos. "To make up for it, new sand needs to be added."
The sand used comes from local mines. The county Natural Resources Department examines the sand before it's deposited to make sure it is granularly similar to existing beach sand.
Renourishment projects are funded through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Emergency Management and the Hurricane Ian and Nicole Restoration Reimbursement Grant Program. Any additional costs are covered by the county bed tax.
"My job is to shepherd funding through and make sure these types of projects are done in the most efficient manner possible," said Haridopolos. "The faster these projects get done, the less waste."
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The county oversees 22.4 miles of beaches, and Sector 4 is 3 miles long.
"The beaches are more than just a place to get a tan," said Yanchula. "The beaches and dunes protect the upland infrastructure and are a vital part of the island habitat."
Placing sand is not a one-time solution either.
"Dune plants are placed along the dunes to create and restore habitat that was lost," said Yanchula. "It sparks regeneration and is the best management strategy for the county's erosive coastline."
Haridopolos wants that to see the effort continue.
"I've put my feet in the sand here," he said. "I am invested and committed to making sure we have the best beaches we can."
Nick Slater is TCPalm's Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Rep. Haridopolos visits IRC beaches to see renourishment efforts
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