There are big changes happening at the Gandy Beach. It’s a popular place and people are not happy about it.
If you’ve driven by the Gandy beach in the last 10 days, you will notice that they are putting up posts along the mile stretch of the beach. The posts are blocking anyone from parking in the water and close to the Mangroves.
According to Fox13TampaBay, The area that parallels Gandy Boulevard is technically a state right of way, which is why the Florida Department of Transportation takes care of it. Officials said the activity at Gandy Beach is getting out of hand. Garbage is piling up, litter is left in the sand and water and the mangroves are being damaged by cars or broken branches or burned branches.
They are hoping that this project will cut down on the damage that is happening out there.
When the project is finished there will be 880 four foot tall posts that will block the mile stretch of mangroves. They will also be putting in a gate at the main beach area. These changes that will significantly restrict where people can drive and park.
FDOT Spokesperson Kris Carson said they are not trying to take the area away from beach goers, but rather protect the area and keep it beautiful.
The Project Will Be Finished This Weekend
The cost of the project is $70,753.20 and is expected to be complete before the Labor Day holiday weekend. New mangrove plants will also be added to try to restore the protected trees.
Beach goers are sad and have said the fun and freedom at Gandy Beach is ending. While others are glad the area is being conserved and cleaned up.
Big changes are happening at a popular waterside hangout in Pinellas County. Officials are cracking down at Gandy Beach, blocking off the mangroves and large beach area to vehicles in an effort to protect the environment. https://t.co/K28YKFxsxK
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) August 30, 2022
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