Crews are working to rebuild Northeast Florida beaches and dunes that were destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.
This work is going on 24/7. We spoke to people who live along the beach about the potential impact. Tuesday night, work continued to rebuild the beach and dunes in Atlantic Beach.
“We’ve never seen anything like this,” neighbor Kirk Moquin said.
Beach and dune renourishment happening in Atlantic Beach right now #actionnewsjax pic.twitter.com/8vaGrZfTtp
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) April 18, 2017
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Sand being pumped in for renourishment project #actionnewsjax pic.twitter.com/LYzvDGohd4
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) April 18, 2017
The work is happening right in front of Moquin’s home. Machines and piping could be seen spread across the beach.
“They’re not only building up the beach but they’re building where the dunes got wrecked by the last hurricane,” Moquin said.
It’s all part of a multi-million dollar project to rebuild beaches and dunes in Jacksonville, Neptune and Atlantic beaches.
The project got started last November but crews had to leave for a different project. They’ve now returned and are working 24 hours a day to finish.
“Outside of the beeping noises all night long, especially for someone who sleeps light,” Moquin said.
More from the beach and dune renourishment #actionnewsjax pic.twitter.com/UMGwH1DRi9
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) April 18, 2017
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Work continues on the beach and dune renourishment #actionnewsjax pic.twitter.com/W54OUkhr65
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) April 19, 2017
“I honestly thought it was an earthquake. The bed vibrated and I was like, 'Oh my gosh,'” said Betsy Lindsay, who also lives along the beach.
The project should last six to eight weeks. Lindsay said even though it may be hard to sleep right now, it will be worth it in the long run to have the dunes restored.
“Just hang in there. It’s all for a good cause. It saved us before,” Lindsay said.
Cox Media Group