It may not be the best timing coming in the middle of tourist season, but a Treasure Coast gem is getting a sorely needed makeover.
Bathtub Beach is closed for the next three months.
“We’re going to be putting about 350-thousand cubic square yards of sand out there," said Martin County Coastal Engineer Cathy Fitzpatrick. She says erosion has been a major problem here since 2007 so sand will be piped in from two shoals inside the St. Lucie Inlet.
“This project will have kind of a double benefit. It will not only restore the beach but it will also grab sand out of the inlet and give us another year before we have to do a maintenance project there," said Fitzpatrick.
The project will not just bring the beach back to life, but give visitors a place to park. When this project is done, they’ll be 100 parking spaces available.
The 5-million dollar plus price tag is being split three ways. The state is paying 40-percent. The county, and residents of Sailfish Point will pay 30-percent each.
Judy Fogel, a 45 year visitor, and now Martin County resident, supports the project.
“If they’re spending money from our taxes for things like Bathtub, as a citizen I’m more than glad to help pay for it," said Fogel.
The goal is to have the project completed by May, in time for turtle nesting season.