Clearwater to ask state about dune protection | News

Clearwater, Florida - The city council Thursday night voted to ask the state about the costs and obligations of enforcing laws protecting sand dunes.

The issue is in response to concerns that some residents on the north beach may have altered sand dunes to get or maintain direct access to the gulf. 

Aerial photos displayed at the meeting showed some parts of the dunes off Eldorado Avenue are on private land, and others are on public land.

The council wants the Department of Environmental Protection, which has state authority to regulate the dunes, to advise the council of the costs and city obligations associated with handing enforcement over to the city.

Based on the response, the city would then consider whether to pass new ordinances, with penalties, to prevent sand dune alteration.