Hernando Beach Florida - Channel Dredge Update

After much debate - some would say debacle - the long awaited dredge of the Hernando Beach channel is finally under way!

For weeks, residents have been watching preparations take place.  First the signage announcing the dredge of the channel went up by the public boat ramp on Caliente Street in Hernando Beach. 

Then some big, fat pipes appeared alongside the road leading to the site where the sand from the dredge will be deposited and stock piled.

While the actual dredging of sand has not begun, there is some heavy equipment out in the Hernando Beach channel removing the bigger rocks from the bottom of the channel.  These rocks are being deposited above the mean high water line on some of the spoil islands. 

Orion Marine Group, Inc, is the contractor for this project.  Throughout the entire dreding process, the channel will remain open to boaters.  After the rock removal phase is completed, the actual sand dredging will begin - conducted by "Mr. O" - the name of the dredge barge.  According to the contractor, the completed channel will be 60 ft wide at the bottom and taper upwards for a broader width at water level. 

Stay tuned for updates, more photos will follow as the dredging process continues.