LONGBOAT KEY – A portion of the Greer Island beach will be closed through the beginning of September as a dredging project continues.
According to the Town of Longboat Key’s Public Works Department, an area along the west side of Greer Island, also known as Beer Can Island, is undergoing dredging of the sandspit near the dock area.
The Greer Island Spit Management Project’s tentative schedule, including the mobilization of upland equipment and dredging, began July 17-28, followed by upland clearing and excavation from July 24-31.
From July 31 through Aug. 14, hydraulic dredging of the Greer Island Spit is set to occur followed by hydraulic dredging of Canal 1A from Aug. 5-8.
Beach tilling is scheduled from Aug. 21-23, with the demobilization of the project set from Aug. 23 through Sept. 4.
The Longboat Key website notes that the schedule is tentative and subject to change.
In June 2022, the Longboat Key Town Commission permanently restricted the anchoring and beaching of motorized vessels in two areas of the southeast portion of Greer Island, along the east side of the Longboat Pass Bridge, across the bay from Jewfish Key.
Those areas are limited to beachgoers, waders, kayakers, paddleboarders and other non-motorized vessels, according to a 2022 town press release.
Boaters who violate those restrictions are subject to a $250 penalty for the first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.
