Identification and preliminary analysis of beach restoration maintenance alternatives.

Abstract

The Town of Longboat Key, Florida's recently restored beach has changed dramatically from the condition immediately following construction. The changes to the beach take two principal forms: the decrease in the width of the dry upland beach at the berm elevation, and the associated transfer of sand to the offshore, submerged portion of the profile. This report is the result of a limited scope effort to independently compare the original design intent of the beach project to the condition of the project today. The effort does identify general alternatives which may be available to the Town to improve the stability of the beach, especially in the most severely impacted spots, and to supplement the original renourishment/maintenance program. Alternatives include structures and/or additional fill, but the specific designs and specifications must be refined in subsequent work by the Town's consultant.