The Florida Department of Transportation is installing posts along Gandy Beach to prevent several issues it cited.
What You Need To Know
- FDOT averages around 8,000 pounds of trash a day
- People cut/burn/damage mangroves also damage with cars
- According to FDOT, this would help cut down on other illegal activities, overnight camping and illegal dumping
- Project expected to cost $70,753.20
According to FDOT, the posts will prevent vehicles from damaging the mangroves, help curtail a litter problem and prevent overnight camping and other illegal activities.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office supports this as well as Pinellas County Environmental Management, the FDOT said.
The project will cost about $70,000, and work is already under way.
In a statement to Spectrum Bay News 9, the FDOT said:
"The posts are being installed 6 feet on center along the mangrove line as well as in front of the open sand area on the Southeast portion of the corridor. They are cutting the posts 8 feet long, with 4 feet in the ground and 4 feet above and estimated it would take approximately 880 posts to complete the work.
The open sand area is being closed off to vehicles due to issues the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is having with prohibited activities, as well as issues our maintenance contractor is having with maintaining this area. The gate will be for FDOT and Law Enforcement access for maintenance and enforcement."
The overall area will still be open to pedestrian foot traffic, according to FDOT, but the locations vehicles can access will be more restricted.
