DeSantis announces $100 million for beach recovery following Hurricanes Ian and Nicole

By Amber Jo Cooper

Published Jan. 18, 2023, 3:26 p.m. ET | Updated Jan. 19, 2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to guests at the Nebraska Steak Fry in Nebraska City, Neb., Sep. 12, 2021. (Right Cheer)

DAYTONA BEACH (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the award of $100 million to support beach nourishment projects within 16 coastal counties impacted by Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole.

In December, DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill 4A, which allocated this funding to address coastal erosion resulting from these two back-to-back storm events.

This award is in addition to the $20 million awarded in November to help several local governments immediately address erosion concerns while other assessments were ongoing to help inform long-term opportunities for assistance.

BREAKING: Governor DeSantis announced $20 million for emergency sand replacement after recent hurricanes

$100 million is being awarded to restore the sand on Florida beaches and support projects in 16 different counties in florida
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) January 18, 2023

“The coastal erosion caused by these storms not only damaged upland structures and infrastructure but left them vulnerable to subsequent storms if not addressed,” said DeSantis.

“I am pleased to announce another step to expedite recovery of our communities impacted by these historic storm events. This funding will support beach restoration needs, allowing us to rebuild and further enhance resilience.”

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton says beaches are vital not only to the environment and the state’s economy, but are most importantly our first line of defense against storms.

“I am thankful for the support and leadership of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature to accelerate restoration and further protect these impacted communities from future storm events,” said Hamilton.

The Administration says the impacts of Hurricane Nicole on coastal communities “exacerbated the impacts that Hurricane Ian had on the same areas.”

In September, Hurricane Ian made landfall at Cayo Costa in Lee County, then traveled across the state. When Ian exited the Florida peninsula in Volusia County as a tropical storm, it quickly strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane just offshore of Volusia and Flagler counties, causing heavy beach and dune erosion.

When Hurricane Nicole impacted Florida’s East Coast, it caused significant additional beach damage from high waves, storm surge, and coastal flooding.