2018 Beach Renourishment

The much-needed beach renourishment work has reached the beach by Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

Crews have been steadily progressing up the beach. Officials cannot pinpoint an exact day when the work will be complete by Ocean Lakes because of factors including weather (not only on the beach but out in the ocean where the boosters operate) and potential mechanical issues.

The project pumps sand from offshore onto the beach, where crews use front-end loaders and other heavy equipment to distribute the sand and build up the beach.

Here are a few key things to remember as the work is in progress on the beach by Ocean Lakes:

Will I still have access to the beach?

Yes. Crews are blocking off 1,000-foot sections of beach at a time for the work and anticipate each section will be closed about two or three days. The beach by Ocean Lakes stretches nearly 5,000 feet, so guests still will have access to the majority of the beach by Ocean Lakes at any given time during the work – it just may not be their usual favorite spot on the beach.

How noisy will the work be?

Crews plan to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to finish the project as quickly as possible. There will be noise from the bulldozers, front-end loaders and other equipment, including the back-up alarms that are required by federal law and cannot be shut off.

Why are you doing this work during the peak beach season? Couldn’t you wait until the fall?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers set the timing for this project; it was beyond Ocean Lakes’ control. Corps officials said the money for the project came through emergency funds, which have to be spent as soon as possible. Also, there was a short window this summer when the equipment needed for this project was available.

The renourishment work is crucial to rebuild the beach and dunes, which help protect the area from storms. Last year's beach renourishment project took place after Hurricane Matthew and right before Hurricane Irma. Due to the effects of Hurricane Irma, this beach renourishment project is taking place this year.

How long will crews be working on the beach by Ocean Lakes?

Crews will work in 1,000-foot sections and are expected to complete at least 500 feet a day. They have been working diligently and completing more than the minimum feet each day. It will take crews about 10 to 14 days to complete the stretch of beach by Ocean Lakes, though at any given time the majority of the beach will be open and available to beach-goers.

What is the deal with this pipe running along the ocean?

The pipe runs up the beach outside of the blocked-off work area and is used to pump the sand onto the beach. Please do not sit on the pipe or try to climb over it. Use the sand ramps over them to cross safely.

We thank all of our guests for their patience and cooperation during this much-needed work. We hope you all enjoy your stay with us!