Boca Raton’s Central Beach to be Pumped Up With Sand

By Veronica Haggar

Boca Raton’s Central Beach will have a makeover starting the first week of March, as crews will be pumping sand from south of Red Reef Park to the Inlet.

Storms tend to wash away the sand from beaches. By pumping sand onto the beach, it will help to nourish it and make it wider.

The total of 530,000 cubic yards of sand to be pumped into the beach. The construction had a cost of approximately $11 million.

“The beach will be open, with certain segments closing as work is being done and then opening as they move south,” said Chrissy Biagiotti, the city’s communications and marketing manager.

The construction will cause some noise due to the equipment’s backing up sounds, as a safety measurement required by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

Wildlife, consisting mostly of sea turtles and shore birds, will be constantly monitored by the city. Biagiotti stated that construction will shut down if necessary.

According to Biagiotti, the amount of sand to be pumped, has a lifespan of approximately 10 years.

Crews will be covering nearly 800 feet during every 24 hour period. The project is expected to be done by the end of April, if the weather doesn’t not delay the construction.