St. Pete’s North Shore Park to become model for coastal restoration

The 180 acres of shoreline at North Shore Park, located at the entrance of Coffee Pot Bayou, have sustained historical losses—transforming the area into a sink for pollutants. The damage stems from dredge hole construction, dredge channeling, recreational activities, and vessel propellers. The affected area includes vital seagrasses, which play a key role in water clarity, sediment stabilization, and serving as habitat for marine life.

To address this environmental challenge, the City of St. Petersburg has partnered with Tampa Bay Watch to restore the shoreline using recycled, natural materials sourced from a project in SeaPort Manatee. The plan involves filling the dredge hole and planting 32 acres of native seagrasses atop the site to create a mitigation bank. The restoration aims to stabilize the ecosystem and revive the natural ambiance of the park.

The dredge hole filling phase is scheduled to begin in fall 2025 and conclude in spring 2026. Seagrass planting will follow in summer 2026, with completion expected by summer 2027.

A vital undertaking along North Shore Park

• Improves water clarity – Seagrass shoots trap fine sediments and suspended particles
• Stabilizes bottom sediments – Roots and rhizomes anchor the soil, reducing resuspension
• Provides shelter – Creates essential habitats for fish, crustaceans, and shellfish
• Offers a food source – Supports marine life through direct and indirect nourishment
• Improves water quality – Helps eliminate a pollutant sink in Tampa Bay

Public impact notice

City representatives note that during the dredge hole filling, residents will notice construction activity off the coast of North Shore Park. Barges and other vessels will transport and place materials, leading to increased turbidity and sediment in the water. To mitigate this, curtain barriers will be installed around the project site to reduce sediment spread.

Additionally, new marine signage will be placed around the seagrass bank to alert boaters of newly created shallow areas.

A seagrass mitigation bank is a designated area where seagrass is restored, created, or enhanced to offset impacts to seagrass communities caused by development activities elsewhere. This seagrass mitigation bank will be Florida’s first and one of the largest seagrass projects in the Gulf of Mexico.