DUNEDIN
A beach renourishment project at Honeymoon Island State Park has been completed.
The $4.6 million project aimed to create a sandier coast along the beach. Approximately 160,000 cubic yards of sand were pumped onto the beach, and granite rocks were used to build three T-groins — erosion-fighting structures that hold sand in place.
"We expect that this project will increase visitation at the park, which will benefit many businesses in the area," said Jason Mahon, spokesman for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Karen Mirlenbrink, organizer of the annual Shark Bite Challenge & Paddlefest hosted at the beach, said the renourishment is helpful.
Before the project, she said, paddling competitors with expensive equipment would complain about the beach.
"There are people that have high-end gear out there," she said. "The beach was exceptionally rocky."
Since the project's completion, she's gotten positive feedback from people around the country.
"Already, we're getting people going, 'Oh my gosh. No rocks? I'll be there this year,'" she said. "I'm getting a huge positive response to the new beach."