Sebastian Inlet dredging project dumps sand on beaches to the south

SEBASTIAN, Fla. - Dredging began Friday at the Sebastian Inlet, partly for economic reasons. 

Martin Smithson, the Sebastian Inlet District Commission administrator, says the inlet supports businesses, commercial boating, homeowners' property value and thousands of jobs. Martin says the inlet's economic value is about $100 million a year.

The dredging project is meant to keep the artery open. The sand travels through a pipe and renourishes eroded beaches several thousand feet south of the inlet.

"It'll actually create some more habitat for fish life. Of course that, in turn, creates a better recreational environment for everybody else that comes out on the weekend. They'll enjoy it as well," said Jeff Ehrhard, vice president of Dickerson Aggregates, the company contracted to dredge.

Dennis Carlson of Waynesville, North Carolina has vacationed at Sebastian Inlet State Park for about eight years. This trip, he's staying for a couple weeks. Nearly every day, he goes fishing.

As Carlson cleaned a bluefish and fed the unwanted parts to pelicans, he told us he was concerned about the dredging back in October. He didn't want the project to jeopardize his fishing trip. He says so far, so good.

"Doesn't seem to be affecting the fishing too much. We're doing pretty good. We're catching plenty of fish," said Carlson.

Experts say dredging the Sebastian Inlet is necessary once every four years or so. State money will pay for most of the work. The project is expected to be finished by May 1, just in time for turtle nesting season.