We would like to remind residents that live on the beach about not clearing or altering the dunes. The dune system is our first line of defense in a storm and it is illegal to destroy the dunes and remove any vegetation and sea oats.
Beaches and dunes provide a natural buffer from storm events, and serve as critical habitat for wildlife and plants.
The beach and dune system is our first line of defense against storms because it acts as a buffer between the storm waves and coastal development. During tropical storm events, waves run into the beach and dunes before crashing into upland structures. When this happens, the sand making up the beach and dune system absorb energy and reduce damage to structures.
The coastal sandy beach system is home to several species of plants and animals that are dependent upon the beaches, dunes and near shore waters for all or part of their lives. For example, beaches are used by resident and migratory shorebirds for resting, foraging and nesting and during the summer months, marine turtles come ashore to nest on the beach.
Do not walk on sand dunes or disturb vegetation; they protect beaches from erosion and help to lessen flooding during coastal storms.
Dune Vegetation
Plants help to build up the dunes and maintain their form, so that in major storms, the dunes will act as a buffer against waves and flooding.
Sea Oats
Sea oats are extremely valuable plants for coast line and barrier island protection. They help stabilize the sand dunes and prevent erosion; especially during extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and tropical storms.. They also catch blowing sand and help build dunes. Their addition to the coastal ecosystem also provides food and shelter to wildlife. Sea Oats are protected by State Law. Picking them is against the law and violating it carries a hefty fine. The Town of Redington Shores participates in and supports Pinellas County’s annual efforts of planting additional sea oats by partnering with the County in the Sea Oat Planting Program.