PEnsacola Beach FAQ

1. Why is beach nourishment important?

Beach nourishment is essential for maintaining wide, accessible beaches; protecting oceanfront properties, roads, and utilities from storm damage; and preserving habitats for wildlife such as sea turtles and seabirds. It also supports tourism and recreation, which are vital to the local economy.

2. Where will beach nourishment take place?

The project will nourish 8.1 miles of shoreline from Park West to Park East.

3. How do I obtain project updates?

Updates can be accessed at www.fothprojects.com/sria2026

4. What are the anticipated work hours?

Beach nourishment will occur 24/7, including public holidays.

5. What is the anticipated schedule?

Work is expected to be completed by late April. More details and updates can be found on the “schedule” tab.

6. Who is the Contractor performing the work?

Manson Construction Company

7. What protections are being provided for wildlife during the project?

• Trained environmental monitors will conduct daily inspections to ensure the safety of sea turtles, shorebirds, and marine life.

• The project is limited to progressing 500 feet during the night, which is fenced off before dark, in order to protect nesting sea turtles.

• Project lighting is shielded to limit the direct lighting to the immediate area of active construction.

• The Contractor will abide by the environmental protection conditions listed in the State and Federal permits.

8. Will I be able to visit the beach during the project?

Yes, most of the beach will be open during the project. However, for safety purposes, there will be no beach access in areas of active construction (roughly 1,000-ft to 1,500-ft sections). These areas are blocked off by orange construction fencing as the construction area moves down the beach. Once a beach fill area is complete and the area is safe for public use, the Contractor will remove construction fencing and access to the beach may resume.

9. Who is funding the project?

The project is funded by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, Escambia County, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The state grant covers 50% of the total construction cost.

10. How much sand will be moved onto the beaches?

Approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of beach-compatible sand will be placed along the shoreline.

11. Where does the sand come from?

The sand comes from a borrow area 4 miles offshore.

12. How many times has Pensacola Beach been nourished?

This is the 4th nourishment event. Prior events include: 2002-03, 2005-06 (Post-Ivan), & 2016

13. Will sea oats be planted after the dune is rebuilt?

Yes. Dune vegetation planting will occur where needed, as part of the Escambia County Dune Matric Enhancement Project Escambia County Dune Matrix Enhancement Project. Planting is tentatively scheduled for fall 2026.

14. Why did I receive a letter from Gray Seismic Monitoring, LLC regarding a pre-construction inspection?

Exercising an abundance of caution, the Contractor has hired Gray Seismic to perform pre- and post-construction exterior inspections of properties within a certain distance of the construction activities.  This is a standard precaution by the contractor to document any pre-existing damage to nearby structures (if any) and after the work is complete to confirm that no damage was caused by the construction of the project.  Historically, the construction work associated with beach nourishment at Pensacola Beach has not led to any impacts to upland properties. Gray Seismic will also perform continuous vibration monitoring to ensure that all vibrations from construction equipment are within safe levels.  Please contact Adam Gray at adam@grayseismicmonitoring.com if you have any questions regarding the process.