Summer Haven Managed Retreat

Florida’s 825 miles of sandy beaches are beloved by countless Floridians and tens of millions of visitors every year. These beaches have also been altered irrevocably in the wake of severe erosion and climate impacts. While many coastal communities are considering difficult questions regarding the long term health and management of their local beaches, the Summer Haven community in St. Johns County is considering managed retreat to address recurring issues with erosion and costly beach nourishment projects. The Florida legislature appropriated $5 million for the Summer Haven Managed Retreat Project to acquire properties in the area, the first “managed retreat” project in the state budget in Florida. 

This first for Florida is significant. As the first state funded managed retreat project, St. Johns County has the privilege and unique opportunity to set the bar for how communities throughout Florida can, and should, more holistically manage our coasts in the wake of a rapidly changing climate. This opportunity to lead the state in smart, fiscally responsible coastal management comes after years of recurring issues with erosion in the area and millions of dollars spent on ineffective dredging and beach nourishment. St. Johns County hired a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for environmentally and fiscally sustainable solutions to maintain the shoreline of the river. The draft report published in August 2023 includes several options, which range from a one-mile long seawall to hybrid armoring and dune restoration to managed retreat. 

St. Johns County plans to hear the final report from the consultants at their November meeting, and Surfrider Foundation’s First Coast and Volusia Flagler Chapters are advocating for a strong, comprehensive managed retreat and coastal restoration project and plan in Summer Haven, which includes nature based solutions and features, and no hard armoring. Surfrider is consulting with homeowners, local surfers and community members to ensure that Florida’s first managed retreat project is a successful case study for coastal communities across the state facing similar challenges. 

Follow or join Surfrider Foundation’s First Coast and Volusia Flagler Chapters for campaign updates, action alerts  and to get involved.