Beach Conditions in Florida: A Statewide Inventory and Identification of the Beach Erosion Problem Areas in Florida

Clark, Ralph

FOREWORD: This document presents the results of an investigation of beach erosion conditions around the Coast of Florida. The original identification of erosion problem areas was primarily the result of the author's fifteen years of studying Florida's beaches between 1973 and 1988. The purpose for this publication is to update the beach length data provided in the National Shoreline Study (1971) and to identify and categorize the erosion problem areas along the Florida coast. Given the legislative charge to the Florida beach management program to develop comprehensive long-term management plans for the restoration of the critically eroding beaches, the document specifically identifies those erosion problem areas which are currently considered critically eroding. The guidance and encouragement of Mr. Lonnie Ryder throughout the preparation of this document is gratefully acknowledged. Also acknowledged is the technical advice and review of Mr. James H. Balsillie, Mr. William K. Whitfield, Jr., and Mr. Philip Flood. The alongshore distance data developed by James H. Balsillie, J. G. Carlen, and Thomas M. Watters was crucial to the precise measurements of beach lengths. Also acknowledged is the expert preparation of the manuscript by Mrs. Belinda Cornett. The 1990 revision includes minor changes in the erosion problem areas for Nassau, Martin and Gulf counties plus major changes for Monroe County as a result of new studies conducted during 1989. The 1991 revision includes minor changes in Nassau, Brevard, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties and major changes in Pinellas County as a result of new studies conducted during 1990 and 1991. Notably, Anclote Key was divided between Pinellas and Pasco Counties and the recent barrier islands of Three Rooker Bar, North Bunces Key and South Bunces Key were included. In addition, due to action taken by the 1991 Florida Legislature, an eastern portion of Escambia County was added to Santa Rosa County. The 1992 revision introduce« a modified definition for the third specific category of erosion to include those beaches which have been authorized for restoration. This change has the effect of adding some peripheral segments and gaps between identified problem areas which, although they were stable or slightly erosional, require nourishment for the design integrity of an authorized beach restoration project. The major changes at this time include the Manatee County projects on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Also added to this revision are a peripheral erosion area in Martin County and an erosion gap segment in St. Lucie County.