Grand Canal (Dents Channel) Dredging
Project Location
Dents Channel in Tierra Verde
Project Status
Construction: In progress
Project Update
- Beach work is scheduled to begin May 28, 2024.
- Active dredging is scheduled to begin June 3, 2024.
Project Overview
The project involves dredging of the Grand Canal entrance channel. As permitted, the Grand Canal entrance channel would be dredged to approximately 11.5 feet deep and 3,000 feet long. This dredging will permit large vessels to continue to access navigable waters via the Grand Canal. The sand dredged from the Grand Canal project will be used in the Pass-a-Grille Beach Nourishment project.
The previously proposed deposition basin, which was to act as a sand trap, will not be constructed at this time due to the emergence of seagrass in approximately half of the basin area.
Notice to Local Boaters
Date of Notice: 04-18-2024
Effective End Date: 10-31-2024
Channel dredging to be conducted within Grand Canal in Tierra Verde and beach nourishment on Pass-a-Grille Beach.
Dredging Commence Date: June 3, 2024
Dredging Completion Date: Oct. 31, 2024 (anticipated)
Hours of Operation:
30 minutes after sunrise until 30 minutes before sunset in May 2024.
Dredging will become 24/7 operation in early June until October 2024.
Days of Operation: Monday through Sunday
Name of Dredge Vessel: JESSIE MARIE II
VHF Channels Monitored: Channels 13 & 16
Land Contact: Phillip White, Project Superintendent, Cell: 252-334-9701
Secondary Land Contact: Zach Wiand, Project QC Manager, Cell: 727-385-7727
Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area, transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. Floating and submerged high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline associated with the hydraulic dredging operations of the channels will be utilized. Pipeline, work vessels, dredge barge, booster pump barge(s) and buoys will be visibly lighted and marked according to Coast Guard regulations and will be in the area until all work is complete and can change configuration daily. Vessels and/or equipment will be in multiple locations at the same time.
PLEASE SEE MAP BELOW FOR DETAILS ON WHERE THIS EQUIPMENT CAN BE LOCATED.
Local Boaters Map
Project Background
In recent years, large amounts of sand have accumulated at the entrance of Grand Canal (Dents Channel). A recent feasibility study by coastal engineering consultants found that, without human intervention, the entrance to Grand Canal could close within the next five years.
Project Location
Anticipated Project Timeline
- Design: July 2020 – June 2022
- State & Federal Permitting: June 2021 – June 2023
- Construction: May 2024 – October 2024
Community Outreach
Feb. 27, 2024: Pinellas County held a virtual pre-construction community update meeting from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom to provide information on the upcoming dredge project and answer questions from the community.
Sept. 8, 2021: Pinellas County held a virtual Project Information Meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom to update the community on the project’s progress, share new information and answer questions.
Project Funding
This project is supported by Federal award number SLFRP4653 awarded to Pinellas County Government by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (American Rescue Plan Act).