2024.05.01_NRPB_Agenda_RegularAGENDA
NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION
ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, May 01, 2024 AT 11:00 AM
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
3618 S. OCEAN BOULEVARD
HIGHLAND BEACH, FL 33487
Telephone: (561) 278-4548
Website: www.highlandbeach.us
Town Hall Commission Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
5. PUBLIC COMMENT (limited to three (3) minutes per speaker)
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Water Quality Update (David Richards, Water Plant Superintendent) – for
informational purposes only
B. Town Planner Updates
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. February 07, 2024
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Update on the Dune Preservation Event at Penthouse Towers
B. Dune Restoration/Management-related events and Outreach
C. Board Member Updates
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Agenda – Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular
Meeting
Wednesday, May 01, 2024, 11:00 AM Page 2 of 2
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. 2023 Beach Restoration Feasibility Study: Discussion on educational outreach
to residents
B. Discussion on Intracoastal Waterway Protection and Public Education
C. Nomination of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 09, 2024 9:30 AM Planning Board Meeting
May 14, 2024 1:00 PM Code Enforcement Board Meeting
May 21, 2024 1:30 PM Town Commission Meeting
11. ADJOURNMENT
Any person that decides to appeal any decision made by the Board of Adjustment & Appeals with respect to any matter
considered at this meeting, such person will need to ensure that a verbatim record including testimony and evidence
upon which the appeal is based. (State Law requires the above Notice. Any person desiring a verbatim transcript shall
have the responsibility, at his/her own cost, to arrange for the transcript.) The Town neither provides nor prepares such
record. There may be one or more Town Commissioners attending the meeting.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons who need accommodation in order to attend or
participate in this meeting should contact Town Hall at (561) 278-4548 within a reasonable time prior to this meeting in
order to request such assistance.
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File Attachments for Item:
A. February 07, 2024
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TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION
ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM
3618 South Ocean Boulevard
Highland Beach, Florida 33487
Date: February 07, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chairperson Barbara Nestle called the meeting to order at 11:00 A.M.
2. ROLL CALL
Board Member Joshua Davison
Board Member Diane Matthewman
Board Member Christine Viegas
Board Member Alan Blumberg (arrived at 11:04 A.M.)
Board Member Kenneth Shriberg
Vice Chairperson Barbara Nestle
Deputy Town Clerk Jaclyn DeHart
ADDITIONAL STAFF PRESENT
Town Planner Ingrid Allen
ABSENT
Chairperson Nicole Stansfield
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Board led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion: Viegas/ Matthewman - Moved to approve the agenda as presented
which passed 5 to 0.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Janixx Parisi, Boca Raton, spoke about bottle caps on the beach and the process of
bottling soda.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Town Planner Updates
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Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Date: February 07, 2024 Page 2 of 4
Town Planner Allen mentioned that the article provided by Mr. Bowman about
plastics decomposition will be in the next Managers Minute with an encouraging
note about bucket trees and contact the town for bucket trees. She emailed the
Board Members the recommendation memorandum.
She advised the Board that the Sea Turtle Ordinance was adopted yesterday.
Town Planner Allen mentioned to the Town Commission that the Natural
Resources Board Members were willing to do educational outreach if needed,
and she will follow up with Town Manager.
There was discussion about adding in an article about bottle cap plastics to the
Managers Minute.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. November 11, 2023
Motion: Davison/Shriberg – Moved to approve the minutes of November
11, 2023 which passed 6 to 0.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Future Dune Restoration/Management-related events
Vice Chairperson Nestle introduced the item and spoke about the Mingle and
Jingle event that happened in December and how it was well attended. In future
they would like the turtle permit holders to be included at their table.
Member Shriberg commented that the event was well done with information laid
out and the PowerPoint presentation was helpful.
Member Viegas thought it was very well attended and good information was
given out. She asked if they could have a larger sign or tent for the table for the
next event, so it was easier to identify them. She mentioned that the Penthouse
Towers event was well attended and that she could not attend due to parking.
Town Planner Allen will ask the Town Manager about banner/larger sign for
future Town events.
There was discussion about having an educational outreach in another couple of
months with Elaine Prentice because the last one was very well attended. The
Board will reach out to her and see if she wants to hold another event in a couple
of months.
The Board inquired if they could have a table at the Fire Station opening event
and Town Planner Allen said she would inquire and let them know.
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Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Date: February 07, 2024 Page 3 of 4
Member Blumberg asked if they could have nametags for the next event.
Vice Chairperson Nestle mentioned that Parker Highland is having an event with
Saint Andrews Schools where students will help on Presidents Day weekend with
the dunes. She updated the Board on the progress they had made with their
dunes and once it is done, she will ask the Park Highland Board to do an event
for the residents to show off the final results.
Member Blumberg volunteered to do research on mangrove protection and will
email Town Planner Allen his findings.
Town Planner mentioned that they got a draft of the update to the beach
restoration study, which is being reviewed by staff, eventually it will go to the
Commission.
There was discussion about the study and having a future event based on the
results of the study.
B. Board Member Updates
Vice chairperson Nestle gave an update on the neighboring town ordinances, in
regard to dune restoration, and reported that she has not found anything that tells
people that they have to clean up or manage dunes. She looked into Florida
state law, and she found several ordinances that she found on private dune
regulation. She spoke about Palm Beach County ordinances in regard to dunes
and construction, ordinances that have to do with removal of sand, and property
maintenance codes that address vegetation.
There was discussion about nuisance vegetation.
Member Matthewman reported that she also found nothing in regard to local
ordinances that enforce dune management.
The Board discussed possibly including more educational materials, a recycling
flyer from South Florida Waste Management, proper disposal of yard waste and
batteries in the Managers Minute.
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. None.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vice Chairperson Barbara Nestle read the announcements as follows.
February 20, 2024 1:30 PM Town Commission Meeting
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Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Date: February 07, 2024 Page 4 of 4
March 05, 2024 1:30 PM Town Commission Meeting
March 12, 2024 1:00 PM Code Enforcement Meeting
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:25 PM.
APPROVED at the May 01, 2024, Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board
Regular Meeting.
ATTEST: Vice Chairperson Nestle
Transcribed by
Jaclyn DeHart
Date: May 01, 2024
Jaclyn DeHart
Deputy Town Clerk
Disclaimer: Effective May 19, 2020, per Resolution No. 20 -008, all meeting minutes are
transcribed as a brief summary reflecting the event of this meeting. Verbatim audio/video
recordings are permanent records and are available on the Town’s Media Archives &
Minutes webpage:
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File Attachments for Item:
A. 2023 Beach Restoration Feasibility Study: Discussion on educational outreach to residents
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TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
MEETING TYPE: Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board meeting
MEETING DATE May 1, 2024
SUBMITTED BY: Ingrid Allen, Town Planner, Building Department
SUBJECT: 2023 Beach Restoration Feasibility Study: Discussion on educational
outreach to residents
SUMMARY:
At the April 16, 2024 Town Commission meeting, a presentation on the 2023 Beach
Restoration Feasibility Study (“Study”) was made by Douglas Mann, Lead Coastal Engineer,
of Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC. Note that a video recording of the meeting is
available on the Town’s website. The Study includes a site-specific Beachfront Property
Evaluation which provides beach and dune observations and corresponding
recommendations for each beachfront property (see appendix B of Study). While the
Commission did not provide any specific direction to the Board on educational outreach of the
Beachfront Property Evaluations to residents, the Town Manager has indicated that such
outreach efforts should be pursued by the Board in the form of communication strategies or a
plan (e.g. letter, email, etc.). Given the latter, the item has been placed on the Board’s agenda
for discussion.
Previous hearing related to this subject matter:
May 23, 2023 Town Commission meeting - the Commission approved a proposal from Aptim
for an update to the 2013 Beach Restoration Feasibility Study (motion carried 5-0).
November 1, 2022 Town Commission meeting – Ms. Nikki Stansfield, Chair of the Natural
Resources Preservation Advisory Board (NRPAB), made a presentation to the Commission
on the Board’s Dune Management Informational Outreach efforts. In addition, the Town
Commission discussed updating the 2013 Beach Restoration Feasibility Study.
ATTACHMENTS:
2023 Beach Feasibility Study.
RECOMMENDATION:
Board Discussion as necessary.
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APTIM ENVIRONMENTAL & INFRASTRUCTURE, LLC
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
BEACH RESTORATION FEASIBILITY STUDY
2023
Submitted to:
The Town of Highland Beach
Prepared By:
Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC
6401 Congress Avenue, Suite 140
Boca Raton, FL 33487
January 2024
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TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
BEACH RESTORATION FEASIBILITY STUDY
2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Town of Highland Beach requested that Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC
(APTIM) develop a feasibility report that evaluates options for protecting and restoring the beach
within the Town as a follow-up to the feasibility report completed in 2013. The Town has since
participated in a joint climate change resiliency study, and the beach and dune system has been
subject to episodic erosional stresses caused by waves, tides, and storm surges. The beach is one
of the Town’s most valuable assets and the Town requested that APTIM evaluate and update
options that would protect the beach’s natural resources, coastal property, and public health and
safety.
APTIM evaluated the Town’s 2.84-mile beach. The survey of the shoreline was conducted in
August and September 2023 and shoreline data from 1975 to 2008 was reviewed. In summary,
the beach in the southern portion of the Town is narrow and the berm is low. The shoreline in the
southern section appears to be controlled by three rock outcrops, of which Yamato Rock at the
southern extremity is the most prominent. The average shoreline retreat rate at the southern end
of Town is -1.8 feet/year though the average shoreline change for the entire section of beach is an
advance of 1.2 feet/year. The beach in the northern 1.85 miles of the Town has benefitted from
repeated beach nourishments in Delray Beach. The beach in this area is wider, higher and has an
established, vegetated dune system.
While the historic shoreline changes are a basis for optimism, the dune toes are eroded, and the
berm is low in elevation. This suggests that the beach and dune system is vulnerable to storm
surges.
APTIM evaluated several alternatives including a no action alternative, upland sand placement via
truck haul, a larger scale beach nourishment project, and installation of coastal structures. It is
recommended that a larger scale beach nourishment project be pursued long term. It is further
recommended that the dune toes and the dry beaches be nourished to restore the storm protective
capacity of the beach and dune system in the near term.
A large-scale beach nourishment project encompasses dredging sand from offshore and placing it
along the southern 2 miles of the Town’s beach. The cost of construction is estimated at $14M,
assuming a project is constructed in 2024.
Recommendations were reviewed in conjunction with the 2021 Coastal Resilience Partnership
Multi-Jurisdictional Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment report.
Limited public beach access will limit availability of County, State or Federal funding. It is
recommended that other options be considered to fund a beach nourishment program, such as an
Ad Valorem Tax, Erosion Prevention District, or Municipal Service Benefit Unit.
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TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
BEACH RESTORATION FEASIBILITY STUDY
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ..............................................................................................................................1
2. Coastal Setting .........................................................................................................................2
2.1 Beach, Dune, and Surf Zone Terminology .......................................................................2
2.2 Winds ................................................................................................................................5
2.3 Waves ................................................................................................................................7
2.4 Storms ...............................................................................................................................8
2.5 Tides ..................................................................................................................................8
2.6 Storm Surge ......................................................................................................................9
2.7 Sea Level Rise.................................................................................................................10
3. Measured Beach and Dune Conditions ..................................................................................12
3.1 Data .................................................................................................................................12
3.2 Shoreline Change Analysis .............................................................................................13
3.3 Volumetric Change Analysis ..........................................................................................14
3.4 Environmental Resources ...............................................................................................17
4. Existing Beach and Dune Conditions ....................................................................................17
4.1 2355 to 2545 South Ocean Boulevard ............................................................................17
4.2 2575 to 3407 South Ocean Boulevard ............................................................................19
4.3 3419 to 3907 South Ocean Boulevard ............................................................................22
4.4 3912 to 4307 South Ocean Boulevard ............................................................................23
4.5 Ocean Place Estates to the South Town Limit ................................................................24
5. Problem Identification and Alternatives ................................................................................27
5.1 No Action by the Town of Highland Beach ...................................................................28
5.2 No Action by Private Residents ......................................................................................28
5.3 Dune Toe Enhancement ..................................................................................................28
5.4 Dune Restoration and Dry Beach Enhancement .............................................................30
5.5 Beach Nourishment Project ............................................................................................32
6. Coastal Structures ..................................................................................................................33
6.1 Groins ..............................................................................................................................33
6.2 Emergent Offshore Breakwaters .....................................................................................34
6.3 Submerged Offshore Breakwaters ..................................................................................34
6.4 Patented Technologies ....................................................................................................35
6.5 Coastal Structures Summary ...........................................................................................35
7. Funding Mechanisms .............................................................................................................35
7.1 Federal Funding ..............................................................................................................35
7.2 State Funding ..................................................................................................................36
7.3 County Funding ..............................................................................................................36
7.4 Town Funding Methods ..................................................................................................36
8. Implementation of Regional Climate Change Recommendations Relative to the
Town’s Beaches and Dunes ..................................................................................................39
9. Summary and Recommendations ........................................................................................39
10. References ............................................................................................................................41
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TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
BEACH RESTORATION FEASIBILITY STUDY
Table of Contents
Cont’d
List of Figures
Figure No.
1 Definition sketch of the nearshore zone, beach, and dune components .........................2
2 Definition sketch of the nearshore zone focusing on wave and hydrodynamic
processes .........................................................................................................................3
3 Windrose data collected at Lake Worth Pier ..................................................................6
4 Long term record of sea level rise in Key West, Florida ..............................................10
5 Projection of Sea Level Rise .........................................................................................11
List of Tables
Table No.
1 Extreme Wave Analysis Offshore of Highland Beach ...................................................7
2 Tidal Datums at the Lake Worth Pier .............................................................................8
3 Estimated Storm Stage from Tidal Measurements .........................................................9
4 Hindcasted Storm Surge Elevation for Southern Palm Beach County .........................10
5 Shoreline Change Summary .........................................................................................13
6 Annualized Shoreline Change Summary ......................................................................14
7 Volumetric Change Summary above -28.0 feet, NAVD ..............................................15
8 Volumetric Change Between 2008 and 2023 above -30.0 feet, NAVD .......................15
9 Volumetric Change Summary Above Mean High Water .............................................16
10 Alternative Local Funding Mechanisms .......................................................................38
List of Appendices
Appendix No.
A Beach Profile Cross-Sections
B Beach and Dune Observations
C Select Dune Vegetation Issues in Highland Beach
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TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
BEACH RESTORATION FEASIBILITY STUDY
2023
1. INTRODUCTION
The Town of Highland Beach requested that Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC
(APTIM) update the 2013 feasibility report that evaluates options for protecting and restoring the
Town’s beach. The beach is one of the Town’s most valuable assets and the Town requested that
APTIM evaluate options that in general would:
1. Maximize protection of the beach’s natural resources, coastal property and development,
and public health and safety;
2. Maximize the quality of the beach for both human activities and environmental needs;
3. Minimize economic losses that may result from a beach erosion event by being prepared;
4. To efficiently, economically, and responsibly respond to and restore the beach as soon as
possible after sustaining any significant beach loss;
5. Minimize the potential negative impacts (visual, audio, environmental, and beach sand
loss) of the proposed sand, and;
6. Maximize the potential benefits of any future renourishment activities.
This report is derived from the following engineering and surveying activities:
1. A current beach and dune profile survey.
2. An engineering inspection of the beach and dune conditions both on a regional and
individual property basis.
3. An updated comparison of the beach surveys to identify trends in the beach and dune
changes.
4. An evaluation of the coastal forcing (winds, waves, storm surge, sea level rise) that affect
Highland Beach’s coastal zone.
5. An evaluation of engineering alternatives that could be considered by the Town or
individual owners.
6. A presentation of funding alternatives for this predominantly private beach.
7. Incorporation of the recommendations from the regional climate change report, as
appropriate, to protecting the beach and dune system.
This report will first present the coastal setting within the Town of Highland Beach, discussing the
tides, storm events, history of shoreline and volumetric changes, and offshore resources. This will
be followed by a general discussion of the current condition of the Town’s beach. The next section,
Problem Identification and Alternatives, will evaluate various alternatives available to address the
beach condition. This discussion will be followed by an outline of the potential funding
mechanisms. The last section will contain APTIM’s recommendations.
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2. COASTAL SETTING
2.1 Beach, Dune, and Surf Zone Terminology
The management of beaches has resulted in a unique set of geographic and geomorphic
descriptions of specific features at “the beach”. To assist the reader with understanding of various
sections of the report, the following select definitions are provided (Figures 1 and 2). These
definitions include a list by Komar, (1976) with additions as necessary.
Figure 1. Definition sketch of the nearshore zone, beach, and dune components.
Dune
Dune Face
Dune Toe
Surf zone
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Figure 2. Definition sketch of the nearshore zone focusing on wave and hydrodynamic processes.
Backshore: The zone of the beach profile extending landward from the sloping
foreshore t o the point of development of vegetation or change in physiography (sea cliff,
dune field, and so on).
Beach face: The sloping section of the beach profile below the berm which is normally
exposed to the action of the wave swash.
Beach scarp: An almost vertical escarpment notched into the beach profile by wave
erosion. Its height is commonly less than a meter, although higher examples are found.
Berm (beach berm): A nearly horizontal portion of the beach or backshore formed by the
deposition of sediment by the receding waves. Some beaches have more than one berm,
while others have none.
Berm crest (berm edge): The seaward limit of a berm. May be a distinct break in the
slope of the beach profile. Sometimes, a location of gradual transition in beach slope.
Breaker zone: The portion of the nearshore region in which the waves arriving from
offshore reach instability and break. With very simple uniform waves, such as may be
generated in a laboratory wave tank, the zone may be reduced to a breaker line. On a wide,
flat beach, secondary breaker zones may occur in which reformed waves break for a second
time. May also be referred to as the surf zone.
Depth of closure: A water depth where the net cross shore sediment transport by waves
is zero when measured on an annual basis.
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Dune: An unconsolidated mound of sand at the landward portion of the beach, that is often
deposited by winds. The dune may or may not be vegetated.
Dune toe: The portion of the dune that is usually within 1 to 3 feet (vertically) of the
unvegetated beach berm. The dune toe may mimic the slope of the dune or be near vertical
as a result of recent erosion.
Dune face: The seaward portion of the dune.
Dune crest: The portion of the dune which is at its highest elevation and is usually
horizontally flat. The width of a dune crest can vary significantly.
Fetch: The uninterrupted distance that winds below across a body of water.
Foreshore: The sloping portion of the beach profile lying between a berm crest (or in the
absence of a berm crest, the upper limit of wave swash at high tide) and the low-water mark
of the backrush of the wave swash at low tide. This term is often nearly synonymous with
the beach face but is commonly more inclusive, containing also some of the flat portion of
the beach profile below the beach face.
Inshore: The zone of the beach profile extending seaward from the foreshore to just
beyond the breaker zone, or surf zone.
Intertidal: That portion of the beach located in the vicinity of the shoreline between mean
high water and mean low water.
Littoral transport: The volume of sand actively moving in the surf zone. May also be
referred to as sediment transport.
Longshore bar: A ridge of sand running roughly parallel to the shoreline. It may become
exposed at low tide. At times there may be a series of such ridges parallel to one another
but at different water depths.
Longshore trough: An elongated depression extending parallel to the shoreline and any
longshore bars that are present. There may be a series at different water depths.
Nearshore hardbottom: A ridge of exposed Anastasia formation (limestone) located
within the nearshore zone and may extend onto the dry beach. Sections submerged at all
tide levels will usually be encrusted with corals, sponges, algae, etc. and form a basis of a
shallow water marine ecosystem. The nearshore hardbottoms frequently contain juvenile
fish; thus, the hardbottoms functions as part of a larger ecosystem. May be referred locally
as reefs.
Offshore: The comparatively flat portion of the beach profile extending seaward from
beyond the breaker zone (the inshore) to the edge of the continental shelf. This term is also
used to refer to the water and waves seaward of the nearshore zone.
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Pioneer zone: That portion of the vegetated dune that is closest to the shoreline. This area
is subject to the largest amount of salt spray, and wave impacts. Plants within the pioneer
zone are the most salt tolerant and/or hardy. In Palm Beach County, pioneer dune species
include, but are not limited to, sea oats, marsh hay cordgrass, and railroad vine, or similar
species.
Scarp: A near vertical elevation change within the beach berm or dune that results from
wave action, with or with elevated tides.
Shore: The strip of ground bordering any body of water, whether the ground is rock or
loose sediment. If it is unconsolidated sediment, then shore becomes synonymous with
beach used in its restricted sense.
Shoreline: The line of demarcation between the water and the exposed beach.
Subtidal: That portion of the beach (profile) that is always submerged, or below mean
low water.
Surf zone: The portion of the nearshore region in which the waves arriving from offshore
reach instability and break.
Swash zone: The section of the beach where broken waves advance and recede principally
as a sheet of water.
Wrack (line): A localized area on the beach where floating vegetative and other debris
accumulates. In Palm Beach County, the wrack primarily consists of decaying Sargassum
weed, a naturally occurring vegetation in the ocean. The wrack is usually aggregated in a
semi-continuous line and is located near the maximum wave uprush during a period of
time. Wrack can provide a food source for wading birds.
2.2 Winds
Winds indirectly cause the littoral transport of sand by generating waves. Northeast wind events
typically produce the largest waves due to a long, uninterrupted fetch and the duration of the winds.
Winds from the east and southeast typically do not create large waves in the project area because
of the limited fetch between southeast Florida and the Bahamas, and the limited duration of
weather patterns from these directions.
Winds associated with tropical storms may also affect the shoreline. Due to the cyclonic nature of
the winds associated with tropical storms and hurricanes, the winds can come from any direction.
If the winds are in an onshore direction, a storm surge will be created and in conjunction with the
higher waves will cause accelerated erosion of the beach. Figure 3 demonstrates the annual wind
data at the Lake Worth Pier collected between May 2022 to April 2023.
The wind data presented in Figure 3 indicates that the predominant directions of winds is from the
southeast with a range from due south to slightly north of due east. Winds can come from all
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directions. The majority of the winds are less than 20 mph from all directions. Of interest to the
beach is the data that suggests that the greatest frequency of winds that are greater than 20 mph
are occurring from the northeast quadrant. These winds will generate seas and swells from the
northeast across the unlimited Atlantic fetch and will dominate the wave driven sediment transport
in a southerly direction. While there are strong winds from the southern d irection, these occur
over a shorter wave fetch and do not create substantive northerly directed waves.
Figure 3. Windrose data collected at Lake Worth Pier (Source: Iowa State University).
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2.3 Waves
One of the principal causes of beach erosion is waves breaking on the beach and washing sand into
the ocean. This wave induced sediment movement can be in the longshore direction, and the
onshore-offshore direction. Due to the general north-south orientation of the Town’s shoreline,
waves from the east cause little longshore movement of sand. In contrast, waves from the north
and northeast cause a net movement of sand to the south, while waves from the south and southeast
cause a net movement of sand to the north.
One important factor that contributes to the wave climate observed within the Town of Highland
Beach project area is the presence of the Bahama Banks. This geological formation limits the
fetch (the length of open water) for eastern, southeastern and some northeastern waves. Since the
largest waves affecting the project area (on average) are from the northeast, the annual net
movement of sand in Highland Beach (or Palm Beach County) is to the south.
2.3.1 Extreme Wave Analysis for Highland Beach
To assess the potential for waves during rare events to affect Highland Beach, the following
analysis of hindcasted wave data was performed. Hindcasted wave data was obtained from
the USACE’s Wave Information Study (WIS) (https://wisportal.erdc.dren.mil/#) at
station ST63464 which is located at 26.3333°N, 79.9167 °W, where the estimated water
depth is 810 feet. The data set spans from 1980 until 2023 (43 years). To determine the
return frequencies of extreme waves, a Peak Over Threshold (POT) analysis was conducted
on the data to analyze the peak wave height values. A threshold value was chosen as 6 feet.
The return periods and corresponding wave heights and wave periods were then calculated
by fitting extreme value distributions to the POT data obtained. The extreme value curves
were fitted to the largest 50 events. The results are shown in Table 1. The data shows that
offshore of Highland Beach there are annual events of 13.5 feet waves at 9.4 second periods
and that during rarer events the wave heights and periods are much larger. Thus, there are
deepwater conditions that pose a general risk to Highland Beach. Conditions at deepwater
do not directly reflect conditions at the beach. All waves go through transformation as they
propagate onshore, most importantly depth limited breaking. Waves may break and lose
energy several times on their approach to the beach. Therefore, the waves that an observer
sees at the beach are smaller than the deepwater conditions.
Table 1. Extreme Wave Analysis Offshore of Highland Beach
Return Period
(years)
Wave Height Hmo
(feet)
Wave Period Tp
(seconds)
1 13.5 9.4
2 15.7 10.8
5 19.4 12.0
10 22.8 12.9
20 26.4 13.8
25 27.6 14.1
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50 31.6 14.9
100 35.8 15.7
200 40.3 16.6
500 43.0 17.1
2.4 Storms
Surges and waves caused by extratropical and tropical storms (including hurricanes) are major
threats to the shoreline of Highland Beach. The hurricane season extends from June 1 through
November 30. Palm Beach County has averaged 1.0 land-falling tropical storms per 10 nautical
miles of shoreline from 1871 to 1973 (USACE, 1987). In recent years, the number of tropical
storms affecting the Atlantic and Caribbean waters have been above the long-term historic
averages. Whether this is due to climate change or is cyclical will be determined in decades to
come.
Extratropical storms that generate waves out of the northeast also have a significant effect on the
Town’s shoreline. These storms are characterized by strong winds of long duration (several days)
that generate swell waves. Northeaster storms typically cause more beach erosion along the coast
of Highland Beach than any other event. One recent example is the northeast storm of December
15-17, 2023, which caused significant wave action, and elevated tides for Palm Beach County (and
elsewhere).
2.5 Tides
The closest NOAA tide gauge to the project area is located on the Lake Worth Pier. The tides are
semi-diurnal (two high and two low tides per day) with a mean tidal range of 2.9 feet. Tidal datums
appear in Table 2.
Table 2. Tidal Datums at the Lake Worth Pier
Elevation (feet, NAVD)
Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) 0.55
Mean High Water (MHW) 0.37
Mean Sea Level (MSL) -0.97
Mean Low Water (MLW) -2.35
Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) -2.51
Source: NOAA (2023), https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/datums.html?id=8722670
2.5.1 King Tides
While the preceding paragraph discusses the expected tides as predicted by NOAA, the
South Florida area is experiencing tides (not associated with storms) that are the result of
solar and lunar alignments, seasonal variations of the position and inclination of the sun
and moon, velocity changes in the flow of the Gulfstream Current located directly offshore,
and other minor causes. These (semi) predictable events result in tides that are above
traditional predicted tidal elevations. These are often referred to as king tides in the media.
King tides can occur in any month, but the combination of individual contributions is
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usually maximum in the months of October and November during spring tides (times of
new and full moons). For example, measured peak tidal elevations at the Lake Worth Pier
occurred on October 1 and October 29, 2023, at elevation 2.4 feet NAVD, and on
November 16, 2023, at elevation 2.45 feet NAVD. If these king tides coincide with wind
events, significant changes to the beaches can occur.
2.6 Storm Surge
Storm surge refers to elevated tides that are induced by storms. They are influenced by changes
in atmospheric pressure and wind stress acting on the ocean. In the surf zone, the breaking of
waves causes an increase in the mean water level as well. Two common ways to est imate storm
surge is from (1) recurrence intervals of measured total water levels (measured at tide stations) and
(2) numerical simulation of hurricanes of known frequencies. These are discussed in the following
sections.
2.6.1 Measured Tides
Due to the limited number of tidal gauges along Florida’s coast, the extreme water levels
return period was derived by NOAA from measured data collected at Virginia Key (Table
3). The gage is located within a sheltered marine environment, so this table excludes the
effects of wave setup in the nearshore beach zone which results in underestimating the total
water level at the beach for a given return period.
Table 3. Estimated Storm Stage from Tidal Measurements
Return Period
(years)
Storm Stage Level
(feet, NAVD)
50 3.94
25 3.92
17.5 2.94
12.5 2.69
9 2.67
6 1.95
2 1.71
1 0.97
2.6.2 Numerical Hindcasts of Hurricane Induced Storm Surges
Storm surge is defined as the rise of the sea surface above its astronomical tide level due
to storm forces. The increased elevation is attributable to a variety of factors including
wave setup, wind shear stress, and atmospheric pressure. Dean et al (1992) estimated the
storm surge along Palm Beach County using numerical simulations of landfalling
hurricanes (Table 4).
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Table 4
Hindcasted Storm Surge Elevations for
Southern Palm Beach County
(After Dean, et al., 1992)
Return
period
Combined total storm tide
level above NAVD (ft)
(years) profile 4 (186-227)
500 13.1
200 11.3
100 10.1
50 8.4
20 6.2
10 4.2
5 1.7
Table 4 shows even a 10-year return period storm will support wave action on top of the
existing beach berm in Highland Beach.
2.7 Sea Level Rise
The global sea level has both risen and fallen throughout geological history. Recent trends in local
sea level changes can be used as indicators of what will occur in the near future. Experience
indicates that as the relative sea level rises, the shoreline will be subjected to increased flooding,
shoreline recession, and profile erosion. NOAA has published sea level trends for regions along
the United States coasts based on measured yearly mean sea level records. The longest tide gage
record in southeast Florida is based in Key West (Figure 4). Based on the Key West tide gage
records, NOAA has estimated that sea level is rising along the southeast Florida coast at 2.57
mm/year (NOAA). This is equivalent to 0.84 feet/century.
Figure 4. Long term record of sea level rise in Key West, Florida.
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The Southeast Florida Climate Change Compact (SFCCC) has reviewed recent trends in measured
sea level rise and made recommendations to its members (4 southern counties) that sea level rise
may accelerate as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the relative increase in sea level relative to
the year 2000 as a function of future time (years). While the acceleration is small since 2010
(Figure 4), there is a measured short-term trend. The SFCCC has suggested that there are four (4)
probable scenarios that may occur in the future (Figure 5). Other scenarios may also occur. The
SFCCC has suggested that the use of the NOAA Intermediate High scenario be used for planning
purposes for future activities in Southeast Florida.
Figure 5. Projection of Sea Level Rise (Source. Southeast Florida Climate Change
Compact).
2.7.1 Recessional Effects of Sea Level Rise on Beaches
Bruun (1962) proposed a formula for estimating the rate of shoreline recession based on
the local rate of relative sea level rise. This methodology also includes consideration of
local topography and bathymetry. Bruun’s approach assumes that with a rise in sea level,
the beach profile will attempt to re-establish the same bottom depths relative to the previous
sea level. As a result, the beach profile shape relative to the mean water level will re -
establish itself. If the longshore littoral transport in and out of a given shoreline area is
equal, the quantity of material required to re-establish the nearshore slope must be derived
from shoreline recession. The effects of sea level rise on the shoreline recession can be
approximated using Bruun's (1962) relationship:
R = LS / (h+b) [Equation 1]
where R = shoreline recession,
S = sea level rise,
b = berm height,
h = depth of the limit of the active profile,
L = horizontal distance from the beach to the limit of the active profile.
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The annual limit of the depth of the active profile, h, has been estimated using cross-shore
beach profiles collected by the State (Appendix A). For Highland Beach, the profiles
suggest that the depth limit of the active profile averages –28 feet, NAVD.
The estimate of shoreline recession due to relative sea level rise used –28 feet, NAVD as
the depth of closure. The distance, L, from the mean-high-water line (+0.44 feet, NAVD)
to the depth of closure is estimated to be 1,500 feet (an average value was calculated from
surveys collected along FDEP survey monuments R-191 through R-204). Using a berm
height, B, of 7 feet and a linear sea level rise rate of 0.0084 feet/year, the shoreline recession
due to sea level rise is calculated to be 0.36 feet/year using Bruun’s rule. This relatively
small value would be difficult to measure directly in the field.
2.7.2 Flooding and Inundation Effects of Sea Level Rise on Beaches
An increase in sea level will also reduce the appearance of the width of the beach due to
higher mean water levels. The data in Figure 4 suggests that mean sea level is
approximately 1 foot higher today than it was in 1910 (at the beginning of the Key West
tidal record). As many beaches in Palm Beach County have a beach face slope of 1V:10H,
the increase in water level has reduced the apparent width of the beach by 10 feet in the
last century. Ongoing sea level rise (linear or accelerated) will further reduce the apparent
width of the beach.
2.7.3 Future Storm Surges
The estimates of storm surge for recurring storms presented in Table 4 were computed
based on a specific tidal elevation (Dean et al., 1992). With increasing time since the 1992
study, the expected value of the storm surge should also increase based on th e actual rise
in sea level (Figure 4). Increased storm surge elevations will result in increased shoreline
recession, beach erosion, and dune impacts.
3. MEASURED BEACH AND DUNE CONDITIONS
This section discusses the historic shoreline changes, and beach and dune volumetric changes
within the Town of Highland Beach.
3.1 Data
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Palm Beach County have
collected beach surveys over the last several decades. An additional survey was performed by
APTIM surveyors in August 2023. All of these surveys have been collected at FDEP monuments
(or reference points) which are spaced at approximately 1000 feet apart along the sandy shorelines
of the State of Florida. The northern limit of the Town of Highland Beach is located approximately
950 feet north of FDEP monument R-191 and 200 feet south of R-190. The southern limit of the
Town of Highland Beach is located approximately 175 feet south of FDEP monument R-204.
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The earliest available beach profile data set was collected in January 1975 (FDEP, 2013). Other
available data sets that included the entire beach profile from the dune crest out to the depth of
closure include October 1990, October 2008, and August 2023 surveys.
3.2 Shoreline Change Analysis
A shoreline change analysis was performed using the available survey data (Tables 5 and 6). Table
5 identifies, that over the long term, the beach throughout most of the Town of Highland Beach is
advancing in a seaward direction. The average shoreline advance is 1.2 feet/year between January
1975 and August 2023 (Table 6).
The greatest shoreline advancement is occurring at the northern limits where it is influenced by
the long-term nourishment of the City of Delray Beach’s nourishment program. The effects of the
nourishment program are most evident in the January 1975-August 2023 column between R-191
and R-199 (Table 5). South of R-199 there is little influence of the City of Delray Beach’s
nourishment on the shorelines.
Tables 5 and 6 also show that the beach is advancing inconsistently, with some recessions observed
at select profiles in the north, center, and south sections of the Town. While there is the long-term
advancement, there are times of recession and locations where shoreline recession has occurred.
Table 5. Shoreline Change Summary
Shoreline Change (feet)
Profile
Jan 1975
to
Oct 1990
Oct 1990
to
Apr 2004
Apr 2004
to
Nov 2004
Nov 2004
to
Oct 2008
Oct 2008
to
Aug 2023
Jan 1975
to
Aug 2023
R-191 83.1 5.3 -24.7 53.2 49.7 166.6
R-192 68.1 34.7 -26.6 82.1 -19.0 139.3
R-193 68.0 55.4 -55.2 14.4 34.1 116.7
R-194 49.3 62.5 -79.3 33.4 7.8 73.7
R-195 10.8 49.1 -29.8 22.2 -3.9 48.4
R-196 50.5 -10.0 -15.8 19.0 28.3 72.0
R-197 28.2 13.2 -18.9 5.0 11.5 39.0
R-198 8.4 19.4 -45.8 35.3 2.8 20.1
R-199 -14.9 3.5 2.6 -1.6 22.7 12.3
R-200 -33.7 12.7 -38.6 31.1 21.5 -7.0
R-201 5.9 0.3 -15.3 28.4 -9.8 9.5
R-202 -18.7 1.3 -27.7 24.3 25.5 4.7
T-203 -27.0 24.3 -56.2 26.8 58.4 26.3
R-204 43.0 20.2 -42.2 32.0 27.5 80.5
Average 22.9 20.9 -33.8 29.0 18.4 57.3
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Table 6. Annualized Shoreline Change Summary
Annualized Shoreline Change (feet/year)
Profile
Jan 1975
to
Oct 1990
Oct 1990
to
Apr 2004
Apr 2004
to
Nov 2004
Nov 2004
to
Oct 2008
Oct 2008
to
Aug 2023
Jan 1975
to
Aug 2023
R-191 5.3 0.4 -41.2 13.6 3.3 3.5
R-192 4.3 2.6 -44.3 21.1 -1.3 4.7
R-193 4.3 4.1 -92.0 3.7 2.3 2.5
R-194 3.1 4.6 -132.2 8.6 0.5 2.0
R-195 0.7 3.6 -49.7 5.7 -0.3 1.6
R-196 3.2 -0.7 -26.3 4.9 1.9 1.3
R-197 1.8 1.0 -31.5 1.3 0.8 0.8
R-198 0.5 1.4 -76.3 9.1 0.2 0.5
R-199 -0.9 0.3 4.3 -0.4 1.5 -0.3
R-200 -2.1 0.9 -64.3 8.0 1.4 -0.8
R-201 0.4 0.0 -25.5 7.3 -0.7 0.6
R-202 -1.2 0.1 -46.2 6.2 1.7 -0.6
T-203 -1.7 1.8 -93.7 6.9 3.9 -1.0
R-204 2.7 1.5 -70.3 8.2 1.8 1.6
Average 1.5 1.5 -56.4 7.4 1.2 1.2
3.3 Volumetric Change Analysis
While the shoreline can be indicative of the condition of the entire beach profile, a better
representation of the beach condition is the volume of sand within the beach profile. For example,
natural onshore and offshore movement of sand will occur throughout the year causing the
shoreline to move; although the beach can still be in a healthy condition with no volumetric change.
A volumetric change analysis from the dune out to -28.0 feet, NAVD (1975 to 2008) and -30 feet
NAVD (2008- 2023) describes the total beach profile evolution.
3.3.1 Volume Changes above -30 feet NAVD
Table 7 shows that all of the profiles within the Town of Highland Beach accreted sand
between 1975 and 2008. Because only every third profile line was surveyed to -28 feet in
1975, the volumetric changes are aggregated in 3000-foot increments. During this period,
the total beach accumulated 2.1M cy.
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Table 7. Volumetric Change Summary above -28.0 feet, NAVD
Profile
Distance
between
Profiles
(feet)
Volumetric Change above -28.0 feet, NAVD
(cubic yards)
From To
Jan 1975 to
Oct 1990
Oct 1990 to
Oct 2008
Jan 1975 to
Oct 2008
Limit of THB R-191 955 80,000 88,400 168,400
R-191 R-192 1,209 101,200 111,900 213,100
R-192 R-195 2,662 254,900 224,300 479,200
R-195 R-198 3,300 294,400 242,500 536,900
R-198 R-201 3,052 228,700 170,800 399,500
R-201 R-204 3,627 233,100 127,200 360,300
R-204 Limit of THB 175 8,700 5,100 13,800
Total 14,980 1,201,000 970,200 2,171,200
Table 8 shows the volumetric changes between 2008 and 2023 above the -30 feet NAVD
contour. While the overall beach accumulated 263,000 cy of sand during this 15-year
period, there were small losses of sand within the profiles at the northern end of Town.
The largest accumulations were at the south end of the Town. The accumulation of sand
between R-203 and R-204 is more influenced by the City of Boca Raton’s beach conditions
as profile R-204 is south of Yamato Rock which restricts sand movements in both
directions. The City nourished their northern beaches in 2010, 2014, and in 2020; thereby
contributing to the condition of profile R-204.
Table 8. Volumetric Change Between 2008 and 2023 above -30.0 feet, NAVD
Profile Area Distance Volumetric Changes (cy)
(ft) DOC
R-191 to R-192 1,208 7,617
R-192 to R-193 1,233 -5,799
R-193 to R-194 778 -2,675
R-194 to R-195 640 -3,901
R-195 to R-196 1,341 7,154
R-196 to R-197 850 10,897
R-197 to R-198 1,107 25,953
R-198 to R-199 1,087 31,024
R-199 to R-200 858 20,069
R-200 to R-201 1,104 13,221
R-201 to R-202 1,157 29,974
R-202 to T-203 1,112 64,713
T-203 to R-204 1,352 64,687
Project Area
(R-191 to R-204) 13,827 262,934
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Over the long term (Table 7), there is a general trend of greater accretion at the north end
of the Town and less accretion at the south end of the Town. This again suggests that the
volumetric increase is a function of sand migrating south from the Town from Delray
Beach. Delray Beach has placed in excess of 6.25M cubic yards of sand on their beach
since 1973, so approximately 1/3 of this volume has moved into the Town of Highland
Beach. Examining the beach profiles in Appendix A suggests that the majority of this
sediment has stayed in the offshore portion of the profile. While sand in the offshore profile
does not provide direct protection of the upland infrastructure, it supports a gradual sloping
profile which supports offshore wave breaking and reduced wave energy that reaches the
dry beach. Well-nourished offshore beach profiles will assist in stabilizing any sand placed
above mean high water by upland property owners.
3.3.2 Volumetric Changes Above Mean High Water
Although the Town’s beach has benefited from the accumulation of sediment from the
north, the natural offshore transport (during storms, for instance) has not resulted in year-
over-year beach berm growth, nor facilitated natural dune build-up. To demonstrate this
finding further, a volumetric analysis was performed that showed the beach volumetric
gain above mean high water (0.44 feet, NAVD) was only 84,900 cubic yards between 1975
and 2008, which is around 4% of the total volumetric gain. Since 2008, the beach and dune
above mean high water has gained 67,000 cubic yards (Table 9). While this represents
approximately 26% of the total gain during the same time frame, it represents only 2 cy/ft
of beach on average, which should be considered minimal.
Table 9. Volumetric Change Summary Above Mean High Water (+0.44 feet, NAVD)
Profile Distance
between
Profiles
(feet)
NEW
Distance
between
Profiles
(feet)
Volumetric Change above
+0.44 feet, NAVD (cubic
yards)
From To
Jan 1975 to
Oct 2008
Oct 2008 to
Aug 2023
R-191 R-192 1,209 1,208 41,900 9,795
R-192 R-193 1,238 1,233 19,700 4,973
R-193 R-194 781 778 9,700 2,612
R-194 R-195 643 640 19,100 -1,274
R-195 R-196 1,341 1,341 31,600 71
R-196 R-197 851 850 8,300 1,601
R-197 R-198 1,108 1,107 9,400 7,739
R-198 R-199 1,090 1,087 -3,200 8,467
R-199 R-200 858 858 -8,100 1,690
R-200 R-201 1,105 1,104 -400 -920
R-201 R-202 1,157 1,157 -21,500 -1,192
R-202 T-203 1,111 1,112 -25,600 12,169
T-203 R-204 1,358 1,352 4,000 20,931
Total 13,850 13,827 84,900 66,662
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3.4 Environmental Resources
As described in CB&I (2013), there are numerous rock out crops (hardbottom) throughout the
Town of Highland Beach. The nearshore hardbottom resources within Highland Beach are part of
the Nearshore Ridge Complex (NRC), a combination of shallow colonized pavement and ridges
of relatively flat, low-relief carbonate rock (Walker, 2012). Most of the exposed rock is located
at the south end of the Town, the most prominent being Yamato Rock.
The NRC potentially serves a variety of ecosystem functions, including settlement and nursery
areas, spawning sites, feeding areas, and shelter for hundreds of species of macroalgae, fish and
invertebrates such as stony corals and octocorals (Lindeman et al., 2009; Lindeman and Snyder,
1999). The hardbottom resources adjacent to Highland Beach are located in the intertidal and
subtidal zones and are subject to high wave energy and constant sand movement. The benthic
community is generally dominated by turf algae and macroalgae, with invertebrates including
tunicates and sponges. It is characterized by a low-density coral community, predominantly of
small colonies of Siderastrea spp. (less than 2 cm), a species that dominates the nearshore habitat
of south Florida and is considered relatively sediment tolerant (Lirman et al., 2002).
Much of this hardbottom is ephemeral in nature but is important for the environmental system and
must be considered when evaluating beach restoration alternatives within the Town. There are
around 1.2 acres of nearshore hardbottom within the Town.
4. EXISTING BEACH AND DUNE CONDITIONS
Beach observations were conducted in August and September 2023 to document the condition of
the visible or dry portion of the beach and dune system. The observations were performed on a
property-by-property basis. Details are provided in Appendix B. In the following sections, are
descriptions of select areas which were felt to be representative of various sections of Highland
Beach.
4.1 2355 to 2545 South Ocean Boulevard
The beach in the northernmost quarter mile of the Town is backed by single family homes (2355
to 2545 South Ocean Boulevard). There is a well-developed, vegetated dune system with the crest
elevation of the dune between 13.5 feet and 15 feet NAVD, which is in excess of the 100 year
return period storm surge (Table 4). The beach was wide with a berm and a mild foreshore slope;
however, at the Delray Beach-Highland Beach municipal boundary, the seaward berm was
observed to have a higher elevation, with 20 inches of berm scarp at 2355 South Ocean Boulevard
(Photo 1). This scarp diminishes to the south. The dune in this area appears to have 1-2.5 feet of
scarp, where the waves have washed up over the berm (Photo 2). Historic wrack lines were
observed at the toe of the dune as well as the mid-berm trough. Profile R-191 is representative of
this stretch of beach. Profiles comparing the beach condition in October 2008 and August 2023
can be found in Appendix A.
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Photo 1. View looking south at the Highland Beach-Delray Beach municipal boundary.
The berm has an approximate 20-inch scarp which diminishes to the south.
Photo 2. Eroded dune face with historical wrack lines at the toe of the dune.
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4.2 2575 to 3407 South Ocean Boulevard
The next mile of beach (2575 to 3407 South Ocean Boulevard, Townhouses of Highland Beach
Condominium to the Clarendon Condominium) is composed primarily of condominiums apart
from the Delray Sands serving as the only oceanfront resort in Highland Beach. There is a
vegetated dune throughout this area, however it varies from 75 to 100 feet wide in the northern
section to 40 feet wide in front of the Ambassadors Condominiums. Most of the dune in this area
exhibited scarps or dune face erosion at the base of the vegetation (Photo 3). The beach in front
of the vegetated dune varied from 60 to 90 feet. The beach had a berm and relatively flat foreshore
slope indicative of a healthy beach profile. However, some minor berm scarps were observed
fronting the property of 2575 (Townhouses of Highland Beach) ranging from 6-10 inches across
the property. Profiles R-192 (Photos 4 and 5) through R-196 show the historic beach cross-
sections in this section of the beach (Photos 6 and 7).
Photo 3. (From right to left) The scarped dune toe in front of Ocean Pines Condo. The scarped
dune toe is hidden behind the seagrapes in front of Ocean Dunes Condo.
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Photo 4. Southerly view of the beach berm and dune near R-192.
Photo 5. View of the beach berm and dune near R-192 looking north.
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Photo 6. View looking south along the beach in front of the Delray Sands.
Note the berm and mild foreshore slope.
Photo 7. View to the north along the beach in front of the Ambassadors South Condo.
Note the scarped dune face and dune toe.
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4.3 3419 to 3907 South Ocean Boulevard
The section of beach from 3419 to 3907 South Ocean Boulevard is approximately 0.55 miles long
and is mostly composed of single-family homes except for a few condos at the north end (Le
Sanctuaire, Villanova, Villas at Highland Beach Ocean Reef Condo, and Ocean Villas Condo).
This section also contains the beach club for Toscana and the beach access of the Highland Beach
Club. Thus, there is a high recreational value for the beach in this section.
Along this section of the Town’s shoreline, sections of the dunes are well vegetated, however,
some areas have been undermined at the base of the vegetation and some dune scarps were visible
along the shoreline (Photo 8). The elevation of the dune ranges from +15 feet, NAVD to +23 feet,
NAVD. Profile R-199 had a lower dune elevation at +12 feet, NAVD, which provides limited
protection.
Photo 8. Dune face scarping is resulting in undermining of the dune vegetation1 in front of 3715
South Ocean Boulevard.
1 Dune vegetation is often a continuous transition from pioneer species to back dune species. Pioneer species usually
includes sea oats, marsh hay cordgrass, and railroad vine, which are best suited to be immediately behind the beach.
Back dune species include seagrapes, which are shallow rooted, but grow well within Palm Beach County. The
presence of seagrapes on an eroded dune face or toe may be problematic. While the species will grow in the pioneer
zone (Photo 8), it does not utilize a deep root system to handle the fluctuating sand elevations that accompany being
at the landward edge of the beach. Further discussion regarding seagrapes is included in Appendix C.
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4.4 3912 to 4307 South Ocean Boulevard
The section of beach from 3912 South Ocean Boulevard, Regency Highland Club to 4307 South
Ocean Boulevard, consists primarily of single-family homes and low-density condominiums
(Ocean Place Villas). The Regency Highland Club has a beach access in this reach. The beach is
sufficiently wide to provide recreational benefits to the Club’s 210 units.
Only two homes do not have a vegetated dune in front of their property (3921 and 4001 S outh
Ocean Boulevard). All the other properties have a vegetated dune though the width and height
vary. The beach is slightly wider compared to the 2008 profiles of this area (with the exception of
R-201, where the shoreline position has moved landward). Nevertheless, the beach is relatively
narrow, the dunes are not sustainable over the long term, and the dunes can be impacted by a major
storm event. However, the beach in this section will provide some storm damage protection
benefits to the homes under higher frequency, low intensity storms.
Persistent hardbottom first appears in this reach (Photos 9 and 10). In Photo 9, the outcrop in this
area acts as a breakwater, holding the sand up on the adjacent property. In Photo 10, the rock
outcrop functions more like a low-profile groin with a wider beach on the north side of the outcrop
fronting 4201 and a receded shoreline on the south side of the outcrop, fronting Ocean Place Villas.
Photo 9. Looking north, the exposed hardbottom observed in front of the Regency Highland Club
and 3907 South Ocean Boulevard.
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Photo 10. Looking north, the beach narrows to the south of the outcrop, fronting Ocean Place
Villas.
4.5 Ocean Place Estates to the South Town Limit
The 0.62 miles at the south end of the Town extending from the Ocean Place Estates to the Admiral
Walk Towers beach access, south of Yamato Rock, consists primarily of single-family homes,
townhomes, and low-density condominiums (Parker Highland Condominium). The beach has a
sufficient berm and a relatively flat foreshore. There were some areas of exposed hardbottom
observed in the swash zone for this stretch.
There are several properties in Ocean Place Estates which exhibited severe scarping of the dunes
(Photo 11); however, some properties have recently re-established a planted dune. While the dune
erosion is prevalent, there is a buried seawall in front of the homes to provide secondary protection.
The 45 Ocean Condominium is the only property that does not have a vegetated dune in front of
their property. The seawall encompassing the property varies in height, with the lowest section of
the wall being 6.5-7 feet above the berm. All the other properties in this stretch have a vegetated
dune though the width and height vary.
The next stretch of properties located to the north of Yamato Rock, consist of single-family homes,
townhomes, and the Parker Highland Condominium. These properties have higher, vegetated
dunes, except for the 4515-4519 townhomes, where the dune fronting this property is
approximately 3-4 feet lower than the adjacent properties. Although the remaining properties have
densely vegetated, high dunes, undermining is occurring at the base of these plants, with ~4-5 feet
of scarp in some areas (Photo 12).
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Photo 11. The most significant erosion observed in the Ocean Place Estates.
Photo 12. Some properties to the north of Yamato Rock have densely vegetated, high dunes;
however, undermining is occurring at the base of these plants, with ~4-5 feet of scarp in some
areas north of the stairs.
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South of Yamato Rock, the beach is stable and healthy, and the three properties (4713, 4715 and
4801 South Ocean Boulevard) have a 50-foot-wide vegetated dune and an approximate 80 to 100-
foot beach in front of the structures (Photo 13). Historically, this section of beach has benefited
from the North Boca Raton Beach nourishment projects constructed in 1988, 1998, 2010, 2014,
and 2020.
The beach access for the Admiral Walk Towers is at the limits of Highland Beach, with a 100-
foot-wide vegetated dune with no structures present on this beach parcel. While the dune is wide
in this area, the dune crest is at approximately +10 feet, NAVD (FDEP profile R-204, Appendix
A), which is the lowest dune in Highland Beach. The dune crest is at the elevation of 100-year
return period storm surge (Photo 14).
Photo 13. View of the beach looking south at Yamato Rock.
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Photo 14. West view of the two single family homes and a portion of the Boca Highland Beach
Club. Note the elevation of the dune relative to the adjacent Milani Park parcel.
5. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION AND ALTERNATIVES
The preceding review of historic beach changes suggests that the Town’s beaches are performing
well overall. They have benefited from the beach nourishment projects constructed in Delray
Beach and the City of Boca Raton and the natural north to south transport of sand. This natural
movement of sand has widened the beaches at the north end of the Town and resulted in a relatively
stable beach in the center of the Town.
The field observation of the beach suggests the following:
• that the berm elevations are lower (than Delray Beach);
• many of the dune toes are scarped;
• there are numerous wrack lines in the vicinity of the toe of the dune, which indicate
where the wave uprush limits are occurring in recent timeframes;
• and the nearshore hardbottoms in the south end of the Town act like semi permeable
groins-stabilizing sand on the north side and increasing local erosional stresses on the
southside.
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This alternative picture indicates that the Town’s beaches have been subject to episodic storms
and erosional events. Coupled with long-term sea-level rise, the occurrence of impacts to the upper
dry beach and dune system should be expected to continue to occur and may worsen over the long
term. As the beaches are not excessively wide, there is insufficient sand available to transport
landward to the dunes as a result of onshore winds. Therefore, any natural onshore/offshore
sediment transport cycling that may occur (in Delray Beach, for example), should not be expected
to occur in Highland Beach.
To address both short-term and longer-term beach and dune needs, the following options,
undertaken by the Town or by individual property owners are available:
5.1 No Action by the Town of Highland Beach
The Town’s beaches can be viewed as performing relatively well and no infrastructure is under
imminent threat. The No Action alternative is a non-proactive approach to beach and dune
management or is an acknowledgment that any Town wide repairs (including engineering and
permitting) to the beach and dune can be accomplished post-storm. Individual residents are
responsible to respond to any future storm events, and to the long-term effects of sea-level rise on
their property. There is no immediate cost to the Town under this alternative. If the current trend
in sea-level rise continues, this alternative will become less feasible as storm action will cause
more impacts to the beach berm (if present), and the dunes. Permanent impacts to vegetation will
occur.
5.2 No Action by Private Residents
The Town’s beaches can be viewed as performing relatively well and no infrastructure is under
imminent threat. Individual owners may elect to take no action with a low risk of storm impact
over the short term. If the current trend in sea-level rise continues, this alternative will become
less feasible as storm action will cause more impacts to the beach berm (if present), and the dunes.
Permanent impacts to vegetation will occur. A perceived loss of upland property may or will
occur. There is no immediate cost to the individual owners under this alternative.
Select properties in the south end of the Town have a history of restoring their dunes due to a
combination of storm action, and nearshore rock interruptions of sediment transport. For those
properties, this alternative is not recommended.
The two single family homes and the Boca Highland Beach Club at the south end of Town have
the lowest dune elevations in the Town. For those properties, this alternative is not recommended.
5.3 Dune Toe Enhancement
The majority of the dunes within the Town exhibit impacts to the seaward toe of the dune (Photos,
2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 11). These impacts are associated with annual storm events or storms of similar
size. If the current trend in sea-level rise continues, these storm and erosion events may become
more frequent. To offset the long-term impact from repetitive storm events, a restoration of the
toe of the dune could be accomplished with small placements of beach compatible sand (~2 cy/ft)
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and vegetative restoration to prevent or reduce windblown sand transport. This could be
accomplished on a Town wide or individual property basis. Sand would need to be replaced every
few years as storm impacts (continue to) occur. General recommendations for individual
properties are provided in Appendix B. Specific vegetation discussions are included in Appendix
C.
5.3.1 Regulatory Requirements
Reconstruction of the dunes using sand from upland borrow sources can be permitted as a
FDEP field permit. For quantities less than 200 cubic yards, individual property owners
can apply for, and be issued a permit by the FDEP’s field representative, who is based in
West Palm Beach.
Permits for volumes more than 200 cubic yards are issued as a field permit by FDEP staff
in Tallahassee. The basic permit requirements are for the sand to be beach compatible.
5.3.2 Post-Storm Regulatory Procedures
Following significant storm events, such as a tropical storm or severe northeaster, the
FDEP may issue an Emergency Order. A typical Emergency Order allows the Town to
issue permits to individual property owners in lieu of an FDEP permit and allows:
• Activities to secure structures for safety purposes.
• Restoration of a damaged dune system using beach compatible sand.
Emergency orders are usually issued on a Countywide basis and are posted on FDEP’s
website. Permit conditions and/or restrictions are included in the Emergency Order.
This alternative is the recommended near-term alternative. It can repair damage to the toe
of the existing dunes and raise the berm elevation of the dry beach. This alternative is best
implemented on a Town wide scale, but individual owners (or groups of adjacent owners)
could implement parts of the recommendations to best protect their properties, if the Town
elects not to act.
5.3.3 Construction Challenges
Delivering sand to any property within Highland Beach can be challenging due to limited
public or private access points (discussed later). Small quantities may be transported via
driveways and limited side yards via a bobcat or similar equipment. Some contractors have
narrow conveyor belt systems to transport sand over the dune. These can be installed
adjacent to houses. If there is no access across an individual property, delivering sand via
distant access points and along the beach can be accomplished between November 1 and
February 28 (outside of sea turtle nesting season).
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Given that dune toe restorations are typically performed on a small scale (up to a dozen
truck loads per owner), there is limited impact on the Town’s infrastructure or traffic
patterns.
5.3.4 Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
The cost of small-scale operations can be estimated at $100 per linear foot of dune with
additional cost due to potential limited access for construction equipment and sand
delivery.
5.4 Dune Restoration and Dry Beach Enhancement
As indicated in previous sections, the dune toes have been impacted and the beach berms are lower
in elevation than may be prudent considering episodic storm events, king tides, and long-term sea-
level trends. A Town wide dune and dry beach restoration and enhancement project could be
developed to increase storm damage prevention to upland infrastructure. A minimum dune
template would be developed for various sections of the Town that would meet the needs of the
upland property owners. It is possible that a proposed dune section would be completely
encompassed by the current beach and dune profile such that the project would not need to be
constructed at a given location at this time. For programmatic purposes, the minimum
recommended dune and dry beach nourishment volume is six (6) cubic yards/foot. This equates
to a fill volume of approximately 90,000 cubic yards. For planning purposes, sand would be
obtained from inland sand mines and trucked to the project site. The scale of this project would
best be accomplished by the Town on behalf of its residents.
There are several advantages to this approach:
• Once engineered and constructed, the Town could apply for FEMA reimbursement to
rebuild the dunes if the project was impacted by a large storm event and the County was
included in a Federal Emergency Declaration.
• This project would be constructed via truck haul allowing small quantities to be placed in
discrete locations.
• By limiting sand placement above mean high water, the effort to obtain a permit is reduced.
• There are no impacts to the riparian rights of the upland property owners. Upland property
owners currently own the land to the mean high water, and they would retain this right.
The disadvantages to this approach include:
• Sand would only be placed above mean high water limiting the volume of sand that could
be placed and limiting the storm protective value of the nourishment.
• There would be no seaward shift of the shoreline and thus no increase in recreational space
along the beach.
• The cost of upland sand placement has a high per cubic yard cost due to the cost of
transporting the sand from inland mines to the project site.
• A significant level of coordination will be required by the Town to develop, administer,
and maintain the permit.
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• Sand placed on the dry beach will be impacted during annual storm events. While
contributing to storm protection, some of the sand may erode immediately. There may be
negative public comments as a result.
• The project will occur on private property. This will require temporary construction
easements to place sand on the beach and to allow construction equipment and labor to
work along the beach. A unified effort by the residents to provide easements will be
required.
5.4.1 Regulatory Requirements
FDEP permits would be required under 62B-33, F.A.C., or 62b-41, F.A.C. as determined
by FDEP staff in Tallahassee based on potential impacts to nearshore hardbottoms. All
construction activity would be restricted to occur outside of sea turtle nesting season.
However, in the case of a storm event, the Town would hold a permit to reconstruct the
dunes and dry beach in the impacted area. As with beach nourishment designs, the Town
holding a permit in hand greatly expedites restoring the dune after a major storm event.
Despite efforts to minimize impacts, there may be perceptions of potential environmental
impacts to nearshore hardbottoms. These impacts may require mitigation or substantive
design modifications.
5.4.2 Construction Challenges
Delivering sand to any property within Highland Beach can be challenging due to limited
public or private access points. If there is no access across an individual property ,
delivering sand via distant access points and along the beach can be accomplished between
November 1 and February 28 (outside of sea turtle nesting season). While there are
multiple accessible locations to deliver sand to the beach, most are privately owned, and
some have constructability issues for their use during sand delivery. The Town should
seek out willing owners to develop sand delivery points within the Town. Otherwise, the
Town will need to negotiate use of adjacent municipalities access points, which will likely
come with their own conditions for use.
Given the scope of the dune and dry beach nourishment, and the likely requirement to
construct the project outside of sea turtle nesting season, limited impacts to Town traffic
patterns should be expected.
5.4.3 Probable Construction Cost
For a 90,000 cy dune and dry beach nourishment, the project will be best constructed using
truck hauled inland sands. As discussed above, there are limited locations to deliver sand
to the beach and will require relative long alongshore haul distances to place the sand. A
unit cost of $45/ton (1.4 tons/cy) will result in a $5.75M project cost.
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5.5 Beach Nourishment Project
CB&I (2013) recommended the following alternative:
A beach nourishment project would likely involve advancing the shoreline seaward by
approximately 50 feet as this is a similar design cross section used in Delray Beach and North
Boca Raton projects. This would provide greater storm damage reduction and recreational benefits
to Highland Beach residents. Delray Beach and North Boca Raton have wider beaches than this
to account for their local background erosion rates, but the Town of Highland Beach has a
relatively stable beach and would not require this additional fill. The design berm elevation of the
Delray Beach and North Boca Raton beach nourishment projects is at +7.5 feet, NAVD and a
similar berm crest elevation is proposed for the Town of Highland Beach. The approximate fill
volume required to construct this template throughout the entire 2.84 miles of the Town is
approximately 1.0M cubic yards.
The beach nourishment would be built wider than the 50-foot design width for constructability
purposes. The construction template will erode as sand is shifted offshore. This process might
take up to a year, though a large storm would speed the “equilibration” process.
The cost to construct this project in 2024 would be approximately $14M. This includes a
mobilization cost of $4.0M and a unit cost of $10.00 per cubic yard. It would be possible to reduce
this cost by sharing in the mobilization cost with either Boca Raton or Delray Beach when they
construct their next project. The permit for initial construction of such a project is good for five
(5) years, providing time to coordinate with your neighboring municipalities.
Some of the advantages of a full beach nourishment project include:
• The project would provide significant storm damage reduction benefits.
• The project would provide additional recreational benefits.
• The Town could apply for FEMA reimbursement to rebuild a portion of the project if the
project was impacted by a large storm event and Palm Beach County was included in a
Federal Emergency Declaration.
• The unit cost for this type of fill is much lower than a truck haul project.
The disadvantages of a beach nourishment project:
• A nourished beach becomes State land seaward of the pre-construction mean high water
line. An Erosion Control Line (ECL) is established as part of the permitting process, which
is the mean high-water line prior to construction of the project. This becomes the seaward
property line of each upland property owner. Dry beach seaward of the ECL is State owned
(public) land. Some upland property owners may object to the loss of one of their riparian
rights between the ECL and the mean high-water line.
• There is a high capital outlay for the construction of the project.
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5.5.1 Regulatory Considerations
Environmental permits will be required by both FDEP and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. Permitting may take at least one (1) year to obtain once a design has been
established.
The persistent hardbottom at the south end of Town will present some permitting
challenges. While the acreage of impacted nearshore rock is low (approximately 1.2 acres)
the permitting agencies may require avoidance of some of this rock (specifically Yamato
Rock) or mitigation in the form of an offshore artificial reef. For planning purposes,
mitigation costs are nominally $1M to $1.5M/acre. Avoiding some of this rock will be
difficult to implement or will restrict the nourishment volume greatly such that the
effectiveness of any remaining nourishment volume in this avoidance area is reduced.
5.5.2 Sand Source
APTIM (and its legacy firms) has performed considerable offshore sand search
investigations for the cities of Boca Raton and Delray Beach and is confident that sufficient
sand resources are available directly offshore of the Town of Highland Beach. The USACE
(2012) has collected data further north and directly offshore of the Town of Highland
Beach. The data confirmed that the same sand feature dredged to construct the North Boca
Raton Project extends further into the Town of Highland Beach though a detailed
investigation of this potential source still needs to be performed.
5.5.3 Summary
This is the recommended long-term alternative. It ensures that sufficient storm damage
protection is present and recreational areas are available throughout the Town. The beach
berm design can be increased over the coming decades to address sea level rise.
6. COASTAL STRUCTURES
Coastal structures are appealing because it is assumed that they prevent sand from washing away.
In reality, coastal structures simply redistribute sand within a littoral cell. For example, building
a groin will hold additional sand on the north (updrift) side of the groin, but that sand will be
deprived from the south side of the groin causing an erosional area. This concept is evident in
some of the nearshore rock outcrops in the south end of Town (Photo 13). There is no additional
sand introduced into the system as is the case with a beach nourishment project. Strategic use of
coastal structures is possible in areas that have alternating areas of erosion and accretion. The
concept is to reduce the erosion in one area by reducing accretion in another. Strategic use of
coastal structures can also be successful if implemented with beach nourishment. Various coastal
structures were evaluated within the Town of Highland Beach based on these concepts.
6.1 Groins
Groins are shore perpendicular structures that work by intercepting sand flowing along the
shoreline. They generally result in a saw-toothed pattern in the shoreline with sand building up on
the north side of the groin (in the case of Town of Highland Beach) and a corresponding recession
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in the shoreline on the south side of the groin. The groins are designed such that the downdrift
shoreline location meets the design beach goals. They are often constructed in conjunction with a
beach nourishment project to mitigate initial downdrift erosion and shoreline retreat (i.e., pre-fill
the groin field).
In Highland Beach, the shoreline is quasi uniform and there are no areas that are well suited to the
construction of a single groin or a groin field (multiple groins). The beach is currently receiving
the downdrift benefits of the Delray Beach nourishment project and the insertion of groins in the
northern section of the Town will interrupt the current long-term benefit.
Groins can be constructed of either rubblemound structures which can be pricey, or concrete piles
with concrete panels, which can be economically efficient.
6.2 Emergent Offshore Breakwaters
Breakwaters are shore parallel rock structures with crests above the water. They provide protection
to the shoreline by waves breaking directly against the structure and providing shelter to the
shoreline in its lee. Wave energy is dissipated in the gap due to diffraction of the wave energy.
The breakwaters will hold sand behind them at the expense of the sandy beach adjacent to the
breakwater. The shoreline then has a cuspate shape. Given that the shoreline along the Town of
Highland Beach is currently relatively stable along the northern half to two thirds, a breakwater
field is not a recommended option in this area due to potential changes to the alongshore sediment
transport. The application of breakwaters in the southern third of the Town could be considered
but must work in concert with the existing nearshore hardbottoms which will be technically
challenging to optimize the beach benefits while minimizing environmental impacts. As the
erosion in the south part of the Town is localized, and may be episodic, only select breakwaters
could possibly be required. Permitting such structures in environmental sensitive area has proven
to be difficult.
6.3 Submerged Offshore Breakwaters
A submerged rock breakwater has a crest below mean low water while an emergent breakwater
typically has a breakwater crest a few feet above mean high water. The benefit of a submerged
structure is that there are fewer concerns with negative impacts to sea turtle nesting. Also, because
the structure is submerged it does not have the same aesthetic concerns as an emergent structure.
The drawback of a submerged structure is that it is not nearly as effective as an emergent structure.
They have to be much wider than an emergent breakwater to be effective and are similar in cost,
if not more expensive. They can be hazardous to boats and will have to be marked with navigation
warning signs. Lastly, they have the potential to initiate rip currents between submerged structures
because waves break over the structure, but the return flow is restricted by the structure. This flow
will then be funneled towards a gap between the structures resulting in a recurrent rip current. For
longer, continuous submerged structures, an alongshore current can be created due to wave setup
across the structure resulting in an erosional stress on the shoreline. Thus, there are substantive
design challenges. There is only one set of submerged offshore breakwaters in the State and their
condition is such that the effectiveness has diminished.
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Considering the long-term sea-level rise trends and projections, the effectiveness of such a
structure will diminish with time resulting in a need for future rehabilitation. This structure is not
appropriate for Highland Beach.
6.4 Patented Technologies
There are several “patented technologies” that claim to prevent shoreline erosion and build
beaches. These are often marketed as having no downdrift impacts or negative environmental
benefits. We caution considering the installation these “technologies”. The FDEP regularly
reviews these claims, requiring a permitting process and peer review of any field tests. We
recommend the Town ask the FDEP’s opinion of their performance, if approached.
6.5 Coastal Structures Summary
Coastal structures are not recommended for implementation by the Town given the stable to
accretional nature of the shoreline, uniform longshore transport rate, and no definable erosion hot
spots. The cost of the structures will exceed the benefit.
Individual property owners may want to consider structures in front of their property in order to
expand the dry beach width. We recommend that the Town advise the property owner to
investigate this possibility at the property owner’s cost. The Town will be required to provide a
finding of consistency with the Town’s Coastal Management Plan as part of the owner’s FDEP
permit application process. The individual property owner should submit the engineering design
basis to the Town for review prior to the Town providing such a letter. This (APTIM’s) report
should not be viewed as a definitive negative response for such applications. As stated previously,
strategic use of structures can be beneficial but must be carefully designed and monitored. There
is no Town benefit for the installation of coastal structures at this time.
7. FUNDING MECHANISMS
The cost of coastal protection efforts is significant and may strain the Town’s Capital Improvement
budget. This section discusses other possible funding sources and mechanisms.
7.1 Federal Funding
Some of the beach nourishment projects around the State of Florida are cost shared by the Federal
Government through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). North Boca Raton and Delray
Beach are two examples of projects with Federal funding programs. This program includes a
complicated design and approval process and requires several years to develop documents to
support this funding. The Town is located within the general authorized limits of 1962 Palm Beach
County federal authority (House Document 164/87/1), but at present no federal project has been
designated due to the lack of public beach access within the Town (USACE, 1987). It is highly
unlikely that the Town would successfully obtain Federal funding. If the County were to construct
the park at the south end of Town and have sufficient parking on the west side of A1A, Federal
funding would still be limited to less than 10% of the total construction cost because of the limited
alongshore distance that this public access would provide.
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7.2 State Funding
The State of Florida recognizes the benefit of beaches for storm damage protection and supporting
the tourism industry. The Beach Management Funding Assistance Program (Chapter 161,F.S.,
62B-36, F.A.C.) is funded based on State taxes and administered through the FDEP. The funding
for the program is used to support the Department and provide construction funds to eligible
projects. The State will cost share up to 50% of the non-Federal cost on eligible beaches.
Eligibility is described in the following sections.
First, the State will only fund beaches that are deemed to be “critically eroded”. The Town of
Highland Beach is not currently deemed to be a critically eroded shoreline. Given the Town’s
history of shoreline advance since 1975, as documented in Section 3 of this report, convincing the
FDEP that the shoreline is critically eroded may be challenging.
Second, the State has a beach access requirement for receiving State funds. A “primary beach
access”, defined as a beach access with at least 100 public parking places and public restrooms,
will allow for funding of a beach project up to ½ mile from the access. A “secondary beach
access”, defined as an access that may have public amenities but does not qualify as primary
access, will provide for funding based on the number of available public parking places. Given
that there are currently no public beach access points within the Town, State funding is not a
potential funding source at this time. Construction of the County Park would open the potential
for State funding but depending on the type and size of the park, funding would still be limited to
the portion of the project within ½ mile of the park.
In summary, it is unlikely that the Town will be successful in securing State funding.
7.3 County Funding
Palm Beach County funds their beach program using a portion of the funds collected through the
Tourist Development Tax (or “Bed Tax”). This is a 6% tax on any short-term rental. The County
follows the same criteria that the State uses to allocate funds between projects. Again, the lack of
current public beach access will thwart any Town request for County funding assistance. If the
County Park were to be constructed, funding might still be limited as they use the State’s ranking
criteria.
7.4 Town Funding Methods
Given the low probability of receiving Federal, State or County funding, the Town will have to
fund any beach and dune initiatives themselves. Several options are available to the Town and are
discussed in the following sections. Table 10 shows a range of funding alternatives that the Town
could use to raise funds locally for a beach program. Often each local government identifies a
funding mechanism that is unique to their Town. Principal methods employed are discussed below.
7.4.1 Ad Valorem Tax
The Town could petition the Board of County Commissioners to levy a separate Ad
Valorem tax or to increase the millage rate on all Town property to generate additional
revenue to pay for the project. The general revenue approach would have all Town
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property owners (regardless of whether they reside on the ocean or elsewhere in Town)
pay for the project in proportion to the assessed value of their property. The County would
collect the tax and then turn this over to the Town to administer.
Ad Valorem taxes can be pledged as security for a Town issued bond to pay for a beach
project. Voter approval would be needed at a referendum for the Town to issue a bond to
pay the costs of the project.
7.4.2 Erosion Prevention District
The State Legislature may create a separate beach and shore preservation district. The
district would be self-governed by a Board of Directors who are residents in the district.
In Longboat Key, taxing is setup such that those properties located west (seaward) of Gulf
of Mexico Drive pay 80% of the required funding while those on the east side pay 20%. A
similar mechanism could be considered by the Town with those located east of South
Ocean Boulevard paying a larger percentage because they have greater benefit due to
having ocean front property.
7.4.3 Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU)
MSBU’s are authorized by FS 125. A petition by the majority of the property owners to
the Board of County Commissioners is required in order to pass an ordinance establishing
the MSBU. Public hearings are held to levy the assessment. MSBU’s do not require a
vote by referendum and involve only property owners. This is beneficial because property
owners may visit seasonally and have their voter registration in another State. An MSBU
will allow them to be included in the process. Once established, the MSBU has taxing and
assessing authority, and bonding and borrowing capability, using assessed property values
as security.
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Table 10. Alternative Local Funding Mechanisms (from Stevens & Assoc, 1986)
ALTERNATIVE DESCRIPTION HOW ESTABLISHED PROS CONS
1. Ad Valorem Tax
Uniform Property Tax
Budgetary Process
Existing authority
Non- continuous source;
competition w/others; Poor
Management
2. Bonding
Selling bonds to create
revenue - bond retired by
Ad Valorem Tax
Referendum
New revenue covers large
initial costs
Non- continuous source; time
delays; confined to specific
projects; poor tool for
management and planning
3. Independent Special
Taxing Districts
Independent Gov't
established by Legislature
to collect property tax for
special purpose
By act of Legislature
Continuous source of funds
New government added -not
favored by Legislature; voter
dependent
4. Dependent Special
Taxing District
Ad Valorem tax collected
and administered by the
County for a special
purpose
By act of Legislature
Ability to fund projects
Limited by total County capital
of 10 mils subject to political
climate
5. Municipal Service
Taxing Unit (MSTU)
Property tax of a specific
area for service
By petition of property
owners; local authority
under FS 125
Existing authorization; not
project limited
Taxes only in improved area,
adjacent property owners
6. Municipal Service
Benefit Unit (MSBU)
Special assessments of
benefitted properties
Petitions of majority of
property owners
Existing authority; no
competition with others
Project limited; difficult to
establish
7. Erosion Prevention
Districts (FS 161)
A dependent taxing district
collecting property taxes
Established by ordinance
of the County under FS161
Existing authorization; benefit
zones can be taxed differently
Included in total County millage
cap; politically affected
8. Private Funding
Donations
By mutual agreement
Addresses needs of private
property
Not practical for countywide
funding
9. Parking Meters and
Park Feed
User Fees
Locally initiated
User benefits = pay
Private benefit is not assessed;
limited funding
10. Beach Management
Districts (Regional)
Larger government
spanning a number of
Counties with property
taxing authority
State Legislature Stable funding source; larger
tax base; not politically
motivated
Funds may be
disproportionately used
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8. IMPLEMENTATION OF REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE RECOMMENDATIONS
RELATIVE TO THE TOWN’S BEACHES AND DUNES
Appendix 4 of the Coastal Resilience Partnership (CRP, 2021) report on regional climate change
outlines a series of Town specific goals to increase the resiliency and sustainability of the Town
in the face of climatic change. These goals are broad, and in some cases, lack specific action items
for the Town or its individual property owners. This section correlates the previously described
beach and dune alternatives with the CRP goals and allows for further consideration of the
potential for long term climatic change to influence the Town’s beach and dune preservation
efforts.
While the CRP’s Appendix 4 recommendations address the potential for storm surge (with or
without sea level rise) to affect the Town, the impacts and strategies discussed are focused on the
effects of storm surge and sea level rise to flood the Town via the Intracoastal Waterway and not
directly from the beach and dune system. The majority of the current dune system is sufficiently
elevated and wide enough to prevent overtopping of the dunes by expected storm surge and
flooding the Town directly from the Atlantic Ocean.
Nevertheless, the Town residents who live along the Ocean are subject to direct storm surge (with
or without sea level rise) and its potential effects on the dry beach, and dunes. Storm surge will
cause erosion of the dunes which offer protection to upland private infrastructure. The efforts
described above to protect the dunes against storm surge and sea level rise are compatible with the
general recommendations of Appendix 4 of the CRP vulnerability assessment.
9. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The beach in the Town of Highland Beach has benefited from the beach nourishment projects in
Delray Beach and to a lesser extent Boca Raton. The shoreline has advanced an average of over
1 foot/year since 1975. The beach at the north end of the Town has advanced the most while the
beach at the south end of the Town has mildly receded. Overall, the beach is in good condition
and does not have an immediate need for a renourishment project.
However, many of the upland properties have suffered minor losses of sand from the dune toes
and dune faces. While the shoreline will recover from episodic storm events, upland property
owners will have to independently address damage to the dune system because the dunes will not
recover naturally in a short period of time.
Two recommendations are provided to the Town:
1. Near Term. Construct a dune toe repair project and/or dry beach nourishment. This will
restore the storm protective capacity of the beach and dune system. Maintaining this
project will offset the effects of sea level rise. If the Town elects not to pursue the dune
toe repair or the dry beach nourishment, individual owners may consider implementing the
dune toe repair on a property-by-property basis.
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APTIM ENVIRONMENTAL & INFRASTRUCTURE, LLC
2. Long Term. Construct a beach nourishment project with sand on the dry beach plus sand
in the offshore beach profile to protect the upland infrastructure. Beach nourishment
projects can take several years to design and permit so this process should be initiated well
in advance of need. The nourished beach can offset the effects of long-term sea-level rise.
An initial estimate of the construction cost of a beach nourishment project is $14M,
assuming construction in the winter of 2024. Cost savings could be realized by
coordinating construction with either Delray Beach or Boca Raton, which could save some
of the dredge mobilization costs.
A local funding plan needs to be developed concurrently with the beach nourishment
design and permitting. The Town may wish to consider several funding mechanisms for
the project including Ad Valorem taxes, creating an Erosion Prevention District, or creating
a Municipal Services Benefit Unit.
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APTIM ENVIRONMENTAL & INFRASTRUCTURE, LLC
10. REFERENCES
Bruun, P., 1962. "Sea Level Rise as a Cause of Beach Erosion," Proceedings, Journal of
Waterways and Harbors, Vol. 88, No. 117.
CB&I Coastal Planning & Engineering, “Town of Highland Beach, Beach Nourishment Feasibility
Study,” 2013.
Climate Resilience Partnership, Southeast Palm Beach County, “Multi-Jurisdictional Climate
Change Vulnerability Assessment,” July 2021.
Dean, R.G., Chiu, T.Y., and Wang, S.Y., 1992. Combined Total Storm Tide Frequency Analysis
for Palm Beach County, Florida. Florida Department of Natural Resources, Division of Beaches
and Shores.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2013. Historic Beach Profiles.
Lindeman, K.C., D.A. McCarthy, K.G. Holloway-Adkins, and D.B. Snyder. 2009. Ecological
functions of nearshore hardbottom habitats in East Florida: A literature synthesis. Prepared for
Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems, FDEP, Tallahassee, FL.
Lindeman, K.C. and D. Snyder. 1999. Nearshore hardbottom fishes of southeast Florida and effects
of habitat burial caused by dredging. Fisheries Bulletin 97:508-525.
Lirman, D., D. Manzello, and S. Maciá. Back from the dead: the resilience of Siderastrea radians
to severe stress. Coral Reefs 21:291-292.
Stevens & Associates, 1986. Letter to CPE Regarding Potential Funding Mechanisms for a
Municipal Beach Nourishment Project.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, “Beach Erosion Control Projects for Palm Beach County, General
Design Memorandum with Environmental Impact Statement,” April 1987.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2004. Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory Wave Information
Studies. http://frf.usace.army.mil/wis/.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2012. Southeast Florida Sediment Assessment and Needs
Determination (SAND). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District.
Walker, B. 2012. Spatial analyses of benthic habitats to define coral reef ecosystem regions and
potential biogeographic boundaries along a latitudinal gradient. PLoS ONE 7(1):1-14.
Page 54
APPENDIX A
BEACH PROFILE CROSS-SECTIONS
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Page 59
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Page 61
Page 62
Page 63
Page 64
Page 65
Page 66
Page 67
Page 68
Page 69
APPENDIX B
BEACH AND DUNE OBSERVATIONS
Page 70
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
2355 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- ~20" berm scarp
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- There is a depressed area mid-berm with 2 additional
wrack line
- Nearshore bar with a 12-18" trough at the low-tide water
line.
- High tide/wave run-up
- Dune crest elevation is ~3-3.5' above berm elevation
- ~2-2.5' of dune scarp, with a 1H:2V seaward slope
- 1V:5H slope from scarp to toe
- Back dune areas have a 2H:1V slope towards the dune crest
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
- Seaward dune vegetation thinning/dying at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2359 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- ~19" berm scarp
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- There is a depressed area mid-berm with 2 additional
wrack line
- Nearshore bar with a 12-18" trough at the low-tide water
line.
- High tide/wave run-up
- Dune crest elevation is ~3.5-4' above berm elevation
- ~2.5-3' of dune scarp, with a 1H:3V seaward slope
- 1V:5H slope from scarp to toe
- Back dune areas have a 2H:1V slope towards the dune crest
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
- Seaward dune vegetation thinning/dying at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2363 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- ~18" berm scarp
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- There is a depressed area mid-berm with 2 additional
wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~4.5-5' above berm elevation
- ~2.5-3' of dune scarp, with a 1H:3V seaward slope
- 1V:5H slope from scarp to toe
- Back dune areas have a 2H:1V slope towards the dune crest
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
- Seaward dune vegetation thinning/dying at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2365 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- ~16" berm scarp
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- There is a depressed area mid-berm with 2 additional
wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~4.5-5' above berm elevation
- ~2.5-3' of dune scarp, with a 1H:2V seaward slope
- Other areas of dune have a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
- Seaward dune vegetation thinning/dying at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
1. Seawalls include all types of retaining structures (seawalls, revetments, retaining walls, etc.). Detailed review of property specific plans was not performed.
1 of 28
Page 71
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
2367 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- ~12" berm scarp
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- There is a depressed area mid-berm with 2 additional
wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~3.5-4' above berm elevation
- ~2.5-3' of dune scarp, with a 1H:2.5V seaward slope
- Some seaward vegetated areas of dune scarp have 1H:1V slope (wave run-
up)
- Other areas of dune have a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2375 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- ~8-10" berm scarp
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- There is a depressed area mid-berm with 2 additional
wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~3.5-4' above berm elevation
- ~2.5-3' of dune scarp, with a 1H:2.5V seaward slope
- Some seaward vegetated areas of dune scarp has 1H:1V slope (wave run-up)
- Other areas of dune have a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
- Dune vegetation at N property line (near walkway) is thinning/dying on
seaward side
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2395 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- ~4-6" berm scarp
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- There is a depressed area mid-berm with 2 additional
wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation
- ~1.5-2' of dune washout/scarp, with a 2H:1V seaward slope
- Vegetation on top of dune crest is thinned out ~10 landward
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2425 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- There is a depressed area mid-berm with 2 additional
wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~3.5-4' above berm elevation
- ~2.5-3' of dune scarp, with a 1H:2V seaward slope
- Some seaward vegetated areas of dune scarp have 1H:1V slope (wave run-
up)
- Other areas of dune have a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines extend to mid-
berm; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
- Seaward dune vegetation thinning/dying at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
2 of 28
Page 72
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
2435 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has 1 additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~3.5-4' above berm elevation
-Northern side of the dune higher than southern side
- ~2-2.5' of dune scarp, with a 1H:2V seaward slope on N property & 1H:1V
slope on S property
- Back dune areas have a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines extend to mid-
berm; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
- Seaward dune vegetation thinning/dying at scarp line & thinning extends on
top of dune crest landward
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2445 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
-Mid-berm has 1 additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation
- ~0.5-1' dune scarp on N property line & ~1.5-2' of dune scarp the rest of the
property with a 1H:2V seaward slope
- Back dune areas have a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines extend to dune
toe; dense vegetation towards the back of the dune
- Seaward dune vegetation thinning/dying at scarp line & thinning extends on
top of dune crest landward
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2455 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has 1 additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above berm elevation
- Dune's crest appears to be positioned more landward then neighboring
properties
- ~1-1.5' of dune washout/scarp, with a 2H:1V seaward slope to gradual, 3H:1V
slope to the toe
- Vegetation on top of dune crest is thinned out ~10 landward
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2475 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has 2 additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above berm elevation
- ~1.5-2' of dune scarp, with a 1H:2V seaward slope
- Vegetation on top of dune crest is thinned out ~10 landward
- Other areas of dune have a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
- Seaward dune vegetation thinning/dying at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
3 of 28
Page 73
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
2525 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has 1 additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above berm elevation
- ~1.5-2' of dune scarp, with a 2H:1V seaward slope
- Other areas of dune have a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
- Seaward dune vegetation thinning/dying at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2545 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above berm elevation
- ~1-1.5' of dune scarp, with a 2H:1V seaward slope
- Other areas of dune have a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
- Seaward dune vegetation thinning/dying at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Townhouses of
Highland Beach
2575 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- ~6-8" berm scarp north-to-mid property, & ~8-10" berm
scarp mid-to-south property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has 2 additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation
- The dune in front of the N. building is positioned more landward than the dune
in front of the S. building; the southern dune falls in line with adjacent northern
properties
- Dune crest elevation lower in the middle of the property (~2' above berm)
compared to the edges
- ~1.5-2' of dune washout/scarp, with a 2H:1V seaward slope
- Seaward vegetation up to the dune crest is thinned out, ~5-6' of front dune
veg before dense sea grape back dune; especially the south dune
- Dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; sea grape
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2635 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation
- ~1' of dune scarp, with a 2H:1V seaward slope that gradually become 3H:1V
slope to the toe
- ~5' washed out vegetation extending into the toe
- Little to no dune vegetation/grasses along south property line
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
4 of 28
Page 74
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
2633 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has 2 additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~1.5-2' above berm elevation
- ~1' of dune scarp, especially around the center of the property, with a 1H:1V
seaward slope that gradually become a 3H:1V slope to the toe
- ~5' washed out vegetation extending into the toe
- Little to no dune vegetation/grasses along south property line
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats; railroad vines at the toe of
the scarped dune; dense vegetation (sea grape) towards the back of the dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
1cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Carlton House
2701 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~1-1.5' above berm elevation from north-to-mid
property, and is ~2-2.5' from mid-to-south property
- No dune scarp but rather wave runup to ~2' above the berm, only observed
mid-to-south; the northern dune is at a lower elevation and has been washed
over, with little/thinned vegetation before back dune
- 2H:1V seaward slope where vegetation remains than gradually 3H:1V slope
to the toe/wrack line
- North property edge has sea grapes rather then a planted dune
- Dune comprised of ~5-10' of thinned sea oats before the dense back dune
vegetation (sea grape); railroad vines growing in wrack line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
raising the crest
elevation of the dune.
Jamaica Manor
2711 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~1.5-2' above berm elevation
- No dune scarp but rather wave runup to crest of the dune
- 3H:1V seaward slope where vegetation remains; back dune slope levels off,
with a 10H:1V slope to the seawall
- North property edge has sea grapes rather then a planted dune
- Dune comprised of ~5-10' of thinned sea oats before the dense back dune
vegetation (sea grape); railroad vines growing in wrack line
No
Yes.
Historical
revetment
partially
buried.
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
raising elevation of
dune crest.
Villa Magna
2727 S Ocean
Blvd
- Wide beach
- Delray gray sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2' above berm elevation north of steps and ~3' south
of step, fronting the pool structure
- North end has wave runup to crest of the dune, extending ~10-15' into the
thinned vegetation with a 6H:1V seaward slope in these areas
- South end has ~2.5' runup/slight scarp with a 3H:1V seaward slope; dying
vegetation at scarp line
- Back dune slope levels off, with a 10H:1V slope to the seawall
- Dune comprised of ~50' of thinned sea oats before the dense back dune
vegetation (sea grape); railroad vines growing in wrack lines
No Unknown
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
5 of 28
Page 75
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
Delray Sands
2809 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above berm elevation north of the steps and is
~3-4' south of the steps
- North dune has ~2' scarp with a 1H:2V seaward slope and the south dune has
~3' scarp with a 1H:3V slope
- Wave runup over parts of the north dune
- Areas of thinned/dying vegetation on the seaward slopes
- Dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats, with a denser sea grape back dune;
the sea grapes along the south end of the property extend seaward to the dune
crest
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highlands Place
2901 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- No visible dune fronting the dense Seagrape vegetation at both end of the
property; these plantings are ~1' above berm elevation
- Dune crest elevation from mid-property is ~2-3' above berm elevation with ~2'
scarp with a 1H:1V seaward slope
- Wave runup/turtle nests have created depressed parts of seaward dune
- Areas of thinned/dying vegetation on the seaward slopes
- Dune comprised of sea oats, but is mainly a denser sea grape back dune
No Unknown
Restore dune toe with
1cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Wiltshire
2909 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- North dune crest elevation is ~3-3.5' above berm with ~2' scarp
- South dune crest elevation is ~3.5-4' above berm with ~3' scarp
- Dune has with a 1H:2V seaward slope with thinned/dying vegetation at scarp
line
- The dune vegetation tapers landward mid property/at walkway compared to
the property edges
- Dune comprised of sea oats, railroad vines extending to dune's toe wrack line,
and sea grapes start on dune crest extending landward.
No Yes.
~6' tall
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Trafalgar of
Highland Beach
2917 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation with 2H:1V slope for
most of the south half of the property
- The dune at the north property line is positioned more seaward and has ~2'
scarp with a 1H:2V slope; thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
- The dune vegetation tapers landward mid property/at walkway compared to
the property edges, wave runup over the dune crest in this area
- Dune comprised of sea oats, but is mainly a denser sea grape back dune to
the seawall
No Yes.
~7-8' tall
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
6 of 28
Page 76
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
Highland Towers
2921 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- wrack lines are closer together at this property
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation
- Dune has ~2' scarp with a 1H:1V slope; thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
- The north dune crest has been washed over (wave runup)
- Dune comprised of ~15-20' of panic grass and sea oats fronting the dense
back dune vegetation (sea grape)
No Yes.
~7' tall
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Ocean Pines
3009 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Nearshore sand bar is ~40' from waterline
- North dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above berm with ~1.5-2' scarp
- South dune crest elevation is ~3-3.5' above berm with ~3' scarp
- Dune has with a 1H:2V seaward slope with thinned/dying vegetation at scarp
line
- Back dune has 2H:1V landward slope
- The dune vegetation tapers landward from north to south
- Dune comprised of sea oats, fronting a denser back dune (sea grapes) start
on dune crest extending landward.
No Yes.
~6' tall
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Ocean Dunes
3015 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~3.5' above berm elevation
- Dune has ~3' scarp with a 1H:3V slope
- Dune comprised of sea oats, fronting a denser back dune (sea grapes)
- Barely any dune fronting the sea grape vegetation
- The dune crest has been washed over (wave runup) exposing the base of the
sea grape
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
No Unknown
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Penthouse
Towers
3101 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Sea grape vegetation on seaward side of the dune
- Dune crest elevation is ~2' above berm elevation with a 2H:1V slope where
veg remains
- Dune has ~1.5-2' scarp, exposes the base of the sea grape
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
- The dune vegetation thins tapering landward mid-property/at walkway
compared to the property edges
- Some areas mid-property have been washed over (wave runup)
No Yes.
~3.5-4' tall
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
7 of 28
Page 77
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
Ocean Terrace N
3115 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Sea grape vegetation present to seaward dune toe
- Dune crest elevation is ~3-3.5' above berm elevation at the north/south ends
of the property and is ~2.5' above the berm mid-property
- Dune has ~1.5-2' scarp, exposes the base of the sea grape
'- Dune has with a 1H:2V seaward slope with thinned/dying vegetation at scarp
line
- Wave runup/turtle nests have created depressed parts the exposed dune
- Dune comprised of mainly of denser sea grape and beach naupaka, and some
sea oats where some fronting dune is present
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Beach Walk E
3201 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation
- Dune has ~1.5-2' scarp with a 1H:2V slope; thinned/dying vegetation at scarp
line
- Sea grape vegetation extends to dune toe, base of plants exposed at scarp
line
- The north dune crest has been washed over (wave runup)
- Erosion around steps/walkway locations
- Dune comprised of mainly of denser sea grape and beach naupaka, and some
sea oats where some fronting dune is present; some railroad vines in wrack line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Villa Mare
3211 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~3' above berm elevation with ~2.5' scarp and a 1H:2V
slope
- Dune comprised of mainly of denser sea grape and beach naupaka, and some
sea oats where some dune toe is present
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line, exposing base of sea
grape/naupaka vegetation
- South dune, near steps, has been washed over (wave runup), exposed base
of vegetation is positioned ~6 landward compared to rest of dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Ambassadors V -
North
3221 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at mid-berm
- Dune crest elevation is ~3' above berm elevation at edges of property with
~2.5' scarp/runup to base of vegetation
- Dune crest elevation is 3.5-4' above berm at mid dune (fronting pool area)
with ~2.5' scarp and a 1H:2V slope
- ~25-30' of dune vegetation fronting seawall, which thins out in front of the
buildings
- Dune comprised of mainly of sea oats and beach naupaka, with some palm
trees
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line, exposing base of sea
grape/naupaka vegetation
No Yes.
~5' tall
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
8 of 28
Page 78
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
Ambassadors V -
South
3221 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- North dune crest elevation is ~3.5-4' above berm elevation with ~2.5'
scarp/runup to base of vegetation
- Mid-property dune crest elevation is ~1' above berm, appears to have been
washed over; has a wide flat dune crest
-South dune crest elevation at 2.5' above berm elevation with a 1H:2V slope;
scarp of 2' at base of sea grape
- Dune comprised of mainly of sea oats, sea grape, and beach naupaka, with
some palm trees
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line, exposing base of sea
grape/naupaka vegetation
No Yes.
~5' tall
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Coronado at
Highland Beach
Ocean Club
3321 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~3-3.5' above berm elevation with ~2.5' scarp/runup to
base of vegetation and a 1H:2V slope
- No fronting dune to the north
- Dune comprised of mainly of sea oats, sea grapes, beach naupaka, and
snake grass, ~20' wide
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line, exposing base of vegetation
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Ridge O
3401 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above berm elevation
- ~1.5-2' scarp/runup to base of vegetation and a 1H:2V slope
- Top of dune comprised of sea oats and sea grape ~50’ wide
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Clarendon
Condominium
3407 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~1.5-2' above berm elevation
- ~1.5' scarp/runup to base of vegetation and a 1H:2V slope
- Top of dune comprised of sea oats and sea grape ~50’ wide
- Dense sea grape fronting tennis court structure, scarp at vegetation base
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
No
No (for
building).
Yes (for
tennis/pool
structure);
~20' tall
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
9 of 28
Page 79
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
3419 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
‘- Dune crest elevation is ~3' above berm elevation under sea grape vegetation
- ~2' scarp/runup to base of vegetation and a 1H:2V slope
- No dune fronting the dense vegetation
- Top of dune comprised of dense sea grape/naupaka, with some sea oats
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3421 S Ocean
Blvd
- ~6-8" berm scarp
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
‘- Dune crest elevation is ~3' above berm elevation under sea grape vegetation
- ~2' scarp/runup to base of vegetation and a 1H:2V slope
- No dune fronting the dense vegetation
- Top of dune comprised of dense sea grape/naupaka, with some sea oats
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing seagrape and
replacing it with
pioneer dune
vegetation.
Le Sanctuarie O
3425 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
‘- Dune crest elevation is ~3' above berm elevation under sea grape vegetation
- ~2-2.5' scarp/runup to base of vegetation and a 1H:2V slope
- Dune positioned more landward in front of building
- No dune fronting the dense vegetation
- Top of dune comprised of dense sea grape/naupaka, with some sea oats
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing seagrape and
replacing it with
pioneer dune
vegetation.
Villa Nova
3505 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
‘- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation under sea grape
vegetation
- ~2-2.5' scarp/runup to base of vegetation and a 1H:2V slope
- No dune fronting the dense vegetation
- Top of dune comprised of dense sea grape/naupaka with some sea oats
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
- Dune veg width tapers landward from north to south
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing seagrape and
replacing it with
pioneer dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
10 of 28
Page 80
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
Villas at Highland
Beach
3511 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above berm elevation with ~1.5-2' of dune
scarp, and a 2H:1V seaward slope
- The back dune slope’s up to ~8’ in elevation
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass, sea oats and naupaka; manicured
garden hedge at ~25 from of front of dune
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3515 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune elevation is ~2.5' above berm elevation with ~1.5-2' of dune scarp/wave
runup, and a 2H:1V seaward slope
- The back dune slope’s up to ~6-6.5’ in elevation
- Top of dune comprised of panic grass and sea oats; sea grape hedge fronting
the gazebo ~30 from of front of dune
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing seagrape and
replacing it with
pioneer dune
vegetation.
3519 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach getting thinner
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~3' above berm elevation with ~2.5' scarp/runup to
base of vegetation and a 1H:2V slope
- Not much fronting dune remains
- Dune comprised of mainly of sparse sea oats fronting the sea grapes; some
cactus plants along south property line
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line, exposing base of vegetation
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3521 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5' above berm elevation on north side of property
with ~1.5' scarp/runup to base of vegetation (dense cactus plants)
- Dune crest elevation is ~2’ above berm to the south with ~1.5-2’ scarp,
especially around base of pine tree
- Not much fronting dune exists
- Dune comprised of mainly of sparse sea oats and grasses, fronting the denser
back dune comprised of sea grapes; some cactus plants along north property
line
- Dune has thinned/dying vegetation at scarp line, exposing base of seaward
vegetation
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Remove
pine tree (exotic).
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
11 of 28
Page 81
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
Ocean Reef
3525 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Delray gray sands, traces of Highland shelly brown
sands
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5' above berm elevation with ~2.5' scarp/runup
primarily in the center of the property
- The seaward dune has a 2H:1V slope where vegetation remains, and a
3H:1V slope back to ~5’ in elevation
- Dune comprised of sparse sea oats mid-property, with denser sea grape
vegetation along the property edges, and the back dune
- Several turtle nests fronting the dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach
Club (access)
- Only consists of an overwalk staircase from the road to
the beach - Dune appears to have 3' scarp/wave run-up under the steps No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3567 S Ocean
Blvd
Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation with ~2.5' scarp/runup
primarily around steps
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1V slope up to crest, and a 3H:1V slope back to
~5’ in elevation
- Dune comprised of naupaka and sea grape veg, that is exposed and scarped
at the base
No No
Restore dune toe with
1cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3569 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation with ~2.5' scarp/runup
primarily north of the steps; ~1.5' scarp/run-up mid-south property
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1V slope up to crest, and a 3H:1V slope back to
~5’ in elevation
- Dune comprised of dense cactus and sea grape vegetation, that is exposed
and scarped at the base
- The vegetation to the north of the steps currently sits ~5' landward of the
south vegetation
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing seagrape
/naupaka and installing
pioneer zone
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
12 of 28
Page 82
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
3571 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation with ~2.5' scarp/runup to
dune crest
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1V slope up to crest, and a 3H:1V slope back to
~5’ in elevation
- Dune comprised of sea oats, naupaka and sea grape vegetation, that is
exposed and scarped at the base
- Tall dense back dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
1cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3573 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- Dune crest elevation is ~1.5-2' above berm elevation with ~1.5' scarp/runup;
most of the front dune is gone
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1V slope up to crest, and a 3H:1V slope back to
~8’ in elevation
- Dune comprised of sparse sea oats of the front dune and dense sea grape
vegetation, that is exposed and scarped ~1.5' at the base
- The sea grape vegetation to the north of the steps currently extends more
seaward out to dune toe, although scarped at base
No No
Restore dune toe with
1cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3575 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- The beach is starting to get more narrow
- Dune crest elevation is ~1.5-2' above berm elevation with ~1.5' scarp/runup;
most of the front dune is gone
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1V slope up to crest, and a 2H:1V back slope
- Dune comprised of sparse sea oats of the front dune and dense sea grape
vegetation, that is exposed and scarped ~1.5' at the base
- Sea grapes along south property are ~10' landward and front dune has
flattened, with a 4H:1V slope fronting the
No No
Restore dune toe with
1cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing seagrape
and installing pioneer
zone vegetation.
3615 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- The beach is more narrow
- North Dune crest elevation is ~1.5-2' above berm elevation with ~1.5'
scarp/runup; sea grapes extend out to the dune toe
- South of stairs to mid-property, the dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above
berm elevation with ~2' scarp/runup; most of the front dune has washed out
- Mid-to-south property, the dune crest is ~3' above berm elevation, with ~2.5'
scarp/runup
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1V slope up to crest, and a 2H:1V back slope
- Dune comprised of sparse sea oats/grasses on the front dune and dense sea
grape vegetation and naupaka
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing seagrape
/naupaka and installing
pioneer zone
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
13 of 28
Page 83
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
3621 S Ocean
Villas Condo
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- The beach is more narrow
- The beach profile appears to have a steeper slope
fronting this property
- Dune crest elevation is ~1.5-2' above berm elevation with ~1.5' scarp/runup to
crest
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1.5V slope up to crest, and a 1H:1V back slope
on the tall back dune
- ~2' scarp behind each of the beach access steps
- Front dune vegetation is sparse, comprised of sea oats/grasses and railroad
vines; and dense sea grape vegetation on the back dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
1cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing seagrape
and installing pioneer
zone vegetation.
Toscana E
3701 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
-wrack line at crest of mid-berm slope
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- The beach is more narrow
- The beach profile appears to have a steeper slope from
the waterline to mid-berm
- Nearshore bar is ~50' from waterline
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5' above berm elevation with ~2' scarp/runup to
crest
- The seaward dune has a 1H:2V slope up to crest, and a 3H:1V back slope
- Dune vegetation comprised of sea oats and sunflowers with a denser sea
grape and naupaka vegetation on the back dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3711 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- The beach is more narrow
- The beach profile appears to have a milder slope
compared to the northern adjacent property
- Front dune crest elevation is ~2.5' above berm elevation with ~2' scarp/runup
at base of vegetation
- The seaward dune has a 1H:2.5V slope up to crest, and a 3H:1V back slope
- Dune comprised of sea grape and naupaka vegetation with some snake plants
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3715 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- Mid-berm has additional wrack line
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- The beach is more narrow
- Mid-property front dune crest elevation is ~1.5' above berm elevation with ~1'
scarp/runup at base of vegetation
- Back dune and base of sea grapes are ~3' above berm with up to ~3'
scarp/runup, exposing vegetation roots
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1V slope up to crest, and a 1H:3V back slope
- Dune comprised of sea grape and naupaka vegetation with some palm trees
- 2 layers of sandbags stacked fronting the vegetation to the north of the beach
access ramp
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
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Page 84
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
3719 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- The beach appears to be narrowing
- The beach profile appears to have a steeper slope
fronting this property
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5' above berm elevation with ~2' scarp/runup to
crest
- The seaward dune has a 1H:2V slope up to crest
- Dune's front slope comprised of sea oats; a denser sea grape and naupaka
vegetation comprise the back dune
- Sea grape vegetation is scarped at base
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3723 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Delray gray and Highland brown sands
- No visible beach access through dune
- Dune crest elevation is ~3' above berm elevation with ~2' scarp/runup to crest
at base of vegetation
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1V slope up to crest and a back dune slope of
4H:1V under sea grapes
- Dune comprised of sea grape and naupaka vegetation with some palm trees
and sea oats
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing the seagrape
and planting pioneer
dune vegetation.
3801 S Ocean
Blvd
- 4-6" berm scarp, smoothed by runup
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Beach appears to <50' from seaward edge of structure
- Not much of a pioneer dune present
- Dune crest elevation is ~5-6' above berm elevation with ~2' scarp/runup to
crest at base of vegetation
- The seaward dune has a 2H:1V slope under sea grapes
- Dune comprised of sea grape and naupaka vegetation which is positioned
more landward than north adjacent property
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing the seagrape
and planting pioneer
dune vegetation.
3805 S Ocean
Blvd
- Property appears abandoned
- 2-4" berm scarp, smoothed by runup
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Beach appears to <40' from seaward edge of structure
(floor elevation appears to be only ~4' above berm)
- Dune crest elevation is ~3' above berm elevation with ~2-2.5' scarp/runup to
crest
- The seaward dune has a 1H:2.5V slope up to crest
- Not much back dune, appears flat
- Waves appears to have washed over the mid-property dune
- Dune's front slope comprised of sea oats; denser sea grape and naupaka
vegetation comprise the north and south property edges of the dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
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Page 85
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
3809 S Ocean
Blvd
-Minor berm scarp, smoothed by runup
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune crest elevation is ~3-3.5' above berm elevation with ~2-2.5' scarp/runup
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1V slope up to crest with level top; scarped areas
of dune have 1H:2V slope
- Dune sparsely comprised of sea oats with slightly denser sea grape and
naupaka vegetation on dune crest
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Remove
exotics. Consider
reducing the seagrape
and planting pioneer
dune vegetation.
3813 S Ocean
Blvd
- 6-8" berm scarp, smoothed by runup
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune overwalk is ~8' above the berm
- Dune crest elevation is ~3-3.5' above berm elevation with ~2.5-3' scarp; wave
runup of dune extends ~5' landward in some areas
- The north dune has a 2H:1V slope up to crest with level top; the back dune
has 4H:1V slope
- The dune, south of the steps, has a 1H:2V slope, with more scarp
- Dune sparsely comprised of panic grass, naupaka, and misc. vegetation on
dune's scarped slope and dune crest. Denser sea grapes in the back dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3817 S Ocean
Blvd
- 8-9" berm scarp
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Armoring with 2.5-3.5' wide boulders present in front of
the dune, more so from north-to-mid property
- Dune crest elevation is ~3-3.5' above berm elevation with ~3' scarp where no
armoring is present
- The dune has a 2H:1V slope but exhibits a 1H:3V slope where dune scarp is
present (mid-south property)
- Dune comprised of grasses, sea grapes, naupaka, and misc. vegetation on
dune's scarped slope and dune crest
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3833 S Ocean
Blvd
- 4-6" berm scarp, smoothed by runup
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above berm elevation with ~2' scarp/runup to
crest
- The seaward dune has a 1H:2V slope up to crest
- The back dune is 5-6' above berm elevation
- Dune comprised of sea oats and grasses fronting a denser sea grape and
naupaka back dune
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
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Page 86
z Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
3901 S Ocean
Blvd
- 4" berm scarp, smoothed by runup
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Narrow beach
- Not much of a pioneer dune present to north, slight dune to south
- Back dune elevation is ~3.5-4' above berm elevation with ~2.5' scarp/runup at
base of vegetation
- The flattened dune has a 2H:1V slope and the scarped seaward dune has a
1H:2V slope up to crest
- Dune comprised of sparse grasses fronting a denser sea grape and naupaka
back dune, which is scarped at the base of the vegetation
- Only ~10-15' of dense vegetation between beach and seaward edge of the
patio
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3905 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- North dune crest elevation is ~3' above berm elevation and is positioned
under the deck structure and no vegetation
- Mid-to-south dune crest elevation is ~4' with ~2.5-3' scarp/runup to base of
vegetation
- The seaward dune has a 2H:1V slope up to crest
- Dune comprised of sparse grasses and denser sea grape
- Only ~20' of vegetation between beach and seaward edge of the patio
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3907 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Berm appears higher north-to-mid property compared to
mid-to-south property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Rock outcrop visibility extends into 1-2' deep water of
swash zone
- Not much of a pioneer dune present
- Dune crest elevation is ~3' above berm elevation with a 2H:1V slope and ~1.5'
scarp and at south end of property
- Back dune has a 1H:1V slope to crest at ~8' above berm elevation
- North-to-mid property, the dune is ~15-20' wide
- Mid-to-south property, the dune narrows to ~10' wide
- Dune comprised of sea grape and sparse sea oat vegetation
Yes;
on dry beach, acts
like groin
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Regency
Highland Club
3912 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Rock outcrop visibility extends into 1-2' deep water of
swash zone
-North-to-mid property dune crest elevation is ~2.5' above berm elevation
sparsely covered with grasses and sea oats
- South dune crest elevation is ~3-3.5' above berm elevation with ~2.5' scarp at
base of sea grape vegetation
- Areas where wave runup occurred on the dune, has a 1H:1V slope but
exhibits a 1H:3V slope where dune scarp is present (north-to-mid property)
Yes;
half on dry beach/
partially wet, acts
like breakwater
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
moving beach chairs to
the berm.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
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Page 87
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
3921 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the base of wall extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Rock outcrop visibility only in 1-2' deep water of swash
zone
- No dune, only a concrete seawall around the property
- 0.5-1' of erosion visible at the base of the wall
- Seawall only ~6-8' from seaward edge of pool
- Runoff erosion occurring at edge of the south property's wall, at the base of
the shared seawall face.
Yes;
only visible in the
shallow water of
swash zone
Yes;
6.5' tall
concrete
Evaluate feasibility of
restoring dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4001 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the base of the wall extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Armoring with 1' to 3.5' wide boulders, primarily along
south property, 3' above berm at highest location, only 1-
2' above berm for other areas
- No dune, only a steel sheet pile seawall around the property
- 0.5-1' of erosion visible at the base of the wall No
Yes;
7' tall SSP
wall (with
1.5' conc
cap)
Evaluate feasibility of
restoring dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4005 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Not much of a pioneer dune present
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation with ~2' scarp to dune
crest, the base of vegetation and at base of palm trees
- The seaward dune has a 1H:1V slope up to crest at mid-property; the
scarped dune has a 1H:2V slope
- Dune comprised of sparse sea oats, denser sea grape vegetation along north
property and the back dune
No
Yes;
concrete.
~10 above
berm
elevation
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4011 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Not much of a pioneer dune present; appears flattened
- Dune crest elevation is ~2-2.5' above berm elevation with ~2' scarp to the
north of the steps
- The scarped base of the back dune has a 1H:2V slope
- Dune comprised of sparse sea oats and palm trees, with sea grape vegetation
on the back dune
- Only ~20' of vegetation between beach and seaward edge of the patio
structure
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
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Page 88
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
4015 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- North dune crest elevation is ~6-7' above berm elevation with ~3' scarp and a
1H:3V slope
- South dune crest elevation is ~3-4' above berm elevation with ~2.5'
scarp/runup to crest and a 1H:2V slope
- The dune has a 4H:1V back slope
- Dune comprised of sea oats, sea grape, and naupaka vegetation
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4019 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Rock outcrop visibility only in 2-3' deep water of swash
zone
- Front dune crest elevation is ~3-3.5' above berm elevation with ~2-2.5'
scarp/runup at base of vegetation
- The seaward dune has a 1H:2.5V slope up to crest
- Dune comprised of some sea oats with some denser sea grape and naupaka
vegetation extending from the back dune to the dune toe
- ~40-45' of dune fronting the patio structure
Yes;
visible in 2-3' deep
water, from mid-to-
south property; no
effect.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4023 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune crest elevation is ~10' above berm elevation with ~3' of wave runup to
the north of the steps, and ~4.5' of runup behind the beach access
platform/steps
- Erosion along landward side of steps
- Dune comprised of some sea oats and grasses with some naupaka along the
north property line
- ~15' of dune fronting the grass yard
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Remove
exotics.
4101 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Rock outcrop visibility only in 1-2' deep water of swash
zone
- Pioneer dune has been mostly washed over; some vegetation remains on the
slipped seaward face
- Dune crest elevation is ~10' above berm elevation with ~3-5' of scarp/runup
- ~4.5' of runup behind the beach access steps
- Erosion along landward side of steps
- The northern dune has a 1H:3V slope up to crest
- The southern dune has a 1H:4V slope to from ~5-10' above the berm and then
the slope becomes 1H:1V down to the dune toe
- Dune comprised of some sea oats with dense naupaka growing mid-property
- ~20' of dune fronting the grass yard
Yes; rocks up on
beach and also
visible at waterline
and shallow water of
swash zone; no
effect.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
19 of 28
Page 89
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
4105 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Rock outcrop visibility only in 2-3' deep water of swash
zone
- Pioneer dune relatively is flat due to wave runup with a 4.5H:1V slope and
crest elevation at 2' above the berm elevation
- Mid-dune has a 2H:1V slope and 1.5' scarp in some areas
- The back dune has a 3H:1V slope
- South dune is setback ~5' landward compared to the north dune
- The dune is comprised of sparse grasses with a denser sea grape and
naupaka vegetation growing in the back dune
Yes;
visible at waterline
and in 2-3' of
shallow water in
swash zone; no
effect.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4111 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Not much of a pioneer dune present; deflated
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation with ~2-2.5' scarp/runup
over the deflated dune to the base of the dense vegetation
- Fallen front dune comprised of sea oats
- Tall dense back dune, comprised of sea grape and naupaka, is exposed and
scarped at the base
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4115 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune elevation is ~2' above the berm elevation with ~1-2' scarp, primarily at
the north end of the property
- Dune has a 3H:1V front slope and transitions to a 2H:1V back slope
- Dune comprised of sea oats, sea grape, misc. vegetation; and snake plant
and palms (only in south dune)
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing seagrape and
planting pioneer zone
vegetation.
4117 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Not much of a front dune present
- Dune elevation is ~2' above the berm elevation with ~1-2' scarp at the base of
vegetation
Dune has a 1H:1V front slope and transitions to a 2H:1V back slope
- Dune comprised of sea oats, sea grape, misc. vegetation; and snake plant
and palms (only in south dune)
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
20 of 28
Page 90
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
4121 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Visible, partially buried rocks mid-berm ( at the wrack
line)
- Narrow beach is only ~80' from waterline to dune toe
- Not much of a pioneer dune present
- Dune elevation is ~1.5-2' above the berm elevation with ~1-2' scarp at the
base of vegetation
- Dune has a 1H:1V slope
- Dune comprised of sea oats, sea grape, snake plants, and misc. vegetation
- Dune is <50' wide
Yes;
rocks buried on the
upland beach, mid-
berm to near the
dune toe
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4201 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm elevation is ~1' higher than adjacent properties
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Visible, partially buried rocks dune toe (Armoring
boulders?)
- Rock outcrop mid-berm to the waterline
- Not much of a pioneer dune present, rocks partially buried at dune toe
- Dune crest elevation is ~2.5-3' above berm elevation and there is ~2-2.5'
scarp base of the vegetation
- Dune has a 1H:2V slope
- Dune comprised of sea grape and misc. vegetation
Yes; some rocks
buried at the dune
toe. Most of the rock
outcrop is up on the
beach down, mid-
berm to the
waterline. Acts as a
breakwater. Scour is
occurring at the
base of the seaward
edge.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing sea grape
and planting pioneer
dune vegetation.
4205 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm elevation is ~0.5' higher than southern adjacent
property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Visible, partially buried rocks dune toe (Armoring
boulders?)
- Not much of a pioneer dune present due to severe erosion, especially at mid-
property near the steps
- Dune has a 1H:5V slope, with 2' of scarp at the base of the vegetation
- Dune comprised sea grape, naupaka, and misc. vegetation
- Northern dune vegetation extends seaward ~10' compared to the rest of the
dune
Yes; some rocks
buried at the dune
toe. Some of the
rock outcrop along
the north edges of
the property act as
breakwater for this
property. No
exposed rocks in the
berm fronting
property, but
another outcrop is
exposed along the
south property edge.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Ocean Place
Villas
4211 S Ocean
Blvd
- Very narrow beach, <40' from waterline to dune toe
-Berm scarp is ~6" at waterline
Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Northern steps are the most seaward and tapers
landward at each location.
-Rock outcrop only present at north end of property
- Not much of a pioneer dune present; appears flattened with some grasses
only ~2' above berm elevation
- The dune appears to be severely eroded, with 4-6' of wave run-up and 2' to 5'
scarp in areas
- Dune position tapers landward between each walkover staircase; 20' from
north-to-mid steps; 10' from mid-to-south steps; 10' from south steps to property
line
- North dune has a 1H:2V slope, Mid dune has a 1H:3V slope, and South dune
has a 1H:5V slope
- Dune comprised of sea oats, grasses, sunflowers, and misc. vegetation
Yes;
rock outcrop at north
end of property acts
as a groin. Visible
into 2' deep water
Yes;
visible at
south
property
edge. ~10'
tall,
concrete
cap
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
21 of 28
Page 91
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
4217 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Small dune present fronting the seawall
- Dune elevation ~3' above berm elevation with a 3H:1V slope
- Wave run-up visible to dune crest, with 1.5' scarp in areas
- Dune comprised sea oats, naupaka, and misc. vegetation
No
Yes;
9' tall SSP
wall (with 2'
conc cap)
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4221 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Small dune present fronting the seawall
- The north dune extends 3-8' from base of seawall, with an elevation of ~2-2.5'
above the berm elevation and ~2' scarp
- The south dune extends 10-15'' from base of seawall, with an elevation of ~3-
3.5' above the berm elevation and ~3' scarp
- Wave run-up visible to dune crest with dying vegetation on seaward edge and
at base of exposed roots
- Dune comprised sea oats, naupaka, and misc. vegetation
No
Yes;
7' tall SSP
wall (with
1.5' conc
cap)
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4301 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Pioneer dune has a fallen slope, sits at an elevation ~3' above berm elevation
with 2.5' scarp/runup
- Severe erosion of back dune face, with ~5-6' scarp
- Dune has 1H:4.5V slope
- Dune comprised sea oats, naupaka, and misc. vegetation
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Coco-de-Mar
4307 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach; only ~55' from waterline to dune toe
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Armoring boulders located near base of steps
- Dune has been newly planted with 2H:1V front slope and a 3H:1V back slope
- Dune comprised sea oats
- Dune toe is only ~0.5' above the berm elevation
- Dune crest is ~10' above berm elevation
No No No action.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
22 of 28
Page 92
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
1 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Severe dune erosion present, with scarp of ~10' up to top of dune face
- Fallen slope/front dune has elevation of ~1' above berm elevation
- Dune is setback 10-15' landward compared to neighbors
- Dune comprised sea oat, sea grape and misc. vegetation
- Dune slope has 1H:8V slope at it's most extreme sheared face
- The seaward face of the home/structure is <10-15' from the scarped dune face
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
2 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune has been newly planted with 1H:1V slope and 6' swale at toe of the
dune
- Toe of the dune is ~3' above the berm elevation
- Dune comprised sea oats; sea grapes are planted along south property line
- Patio structure along south end of property cuts into the top 1.5' of dune.
- The seaward face of the home/structure is <15' from the dune crest
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
3 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Severe dune erosion present, with scarp of ~8-9' up the dune face
- Fallen slope/front dune has elevation of ~1-1.5' above berm elevation
- Dune is setback 10' landward compared to neighbors
- Dune comprised sea oat, sea grape and misc. vegetation
- Dune slope has 1H:4V slope
- Scarp/wave run-up at the steps is ~10' above the berm
- The seaward face of the home/structure is <15' from the scarped dune face
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune has dense shrub extending from dune toe up to ~8-9' above berm
elevation
- Dune has 1H:1.5V slope under the shrub
- Front dune has a 1H:1V slope
- Dune comprised dense shrub and misc. vegetation; sea grapes planted along
both property edges
- Erosion/wave run-up of ~8' under the stairs
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing some of the
seagrape and
replanting pioneer
dune species.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
23 of 28
Page 93
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
5 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune has dense shrub extending from dune toe up to ~8-9' above berm
elevation
- Dune has a fallen 1H:5V slope with 8' scarp in some areas
- Front dune that has not been eroded has a 1H:1V slope
- Dune comprised dense shrub, sea grape, naupaka, and misc. vegetation
- Erosion/wave run-up of ~4-5' in areas without vegetation
- Erosion/wave run-up of ~5' under the stairs
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing some of the
seagrape and
replanting pioneer
dune species.
6 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune has dense shrub extending from dune toe up to ~8-9' above berm
elevation
- Dune has fallen 1H:2V slope with 5' scarp in some areas
- Dune comprised grasses, sea grape and misc. vegetation
-Dune toe has erosion/wave run-up of ~4-5' to south of stairs
- Erosion/wave run-up of ~5' under the stairs
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing some of the
seagrape and
replanting pioneer
dune species.
7 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune toe elevation is ~2-3' above berm elevation
- Dune has ~1.5' scarp at the base of the vegetation with a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune is ~7-8' above the berm elevation, which is ~1' shorter compared
to neighboring properties
- Dune comprised sea oats, naupaka, and misc. vegetation
- Front dune has erosion/wave run-up of ~3' to north of stairs
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing some of the
seagrape and
replanting pioneer
dune species.
8 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Narrow beach
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune Toe elevation is ~2-3' above berm elevation
- Dune has a 2H:1V slope
- Top of dune is ~8-9' above the berm elevation
- Front of dune comprised sea oats; back dune comprised of sea grape and
misc. shrub vegetation
- Front of dune has erosion/wave run-up of ~3.5' to south of stairs
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing some of the
seagrape and
replanting pioneer
dune species.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
24 of 28
Page 94
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
9 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- Dune toe elevation is ~2-3' above berm elevation with ~1' scarp at the base of
the vegetation
- The south dune toe is ~10' landward compared to the toe located north of
stairs
- Front dune slope has 4H:1V slope
- Back dune has 1H:1V slope
- Top of dune is ~9' above the berm elevation
- Front dune comprised sea oats; back dune comprised of sea grape, naupaka,
and misc. shrub vegetation
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing some of the
seagrape and
replanting pioneer
dune species.
10 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- The north-to-mid dune crest elevation is ~1' above berm
- The mid-to-south front dune has been eroded and is set back ~10' landward
compared to north dune
- Top of dune elevation ~8' above the berm elevation with ~6' scarp in some
areas
- Front dune (north end) slope has 4H:1V slope
- Back dune has 1H:3V slope
- Front dune comprised of sparse sea oats; back dune comprised of sea grape,
naupaka, and misc. shrub vegetation
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing some of the
seagrape and
replanting pioneer
dune species.
11 Ocean Place
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- The fallen slope of the dune toe is ~2' above berm elevation
- Top of dune elevation ~8' above the berm elevation with ~4' wave run-up in
some areas
- North front dune slope is 1H:1V slope, with 1' scarp at the base of the
vegetation
- South dune has 2H:1V slope with ~1.5 scarp at the base of the vegetation
- Dune comprised of sparse sea oats, sea grape, naupaka, and misc. shrub
vegetation
No Yes;
buried SSP
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
removing some of the
seagrape and
replanting pioneer
dune species.
45 Ocean
Condominium
4511 S Ocean
Blvd
- 6" berm scarp, smoothed by run-up
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the base of the wall extending to
waterline
- More Highland brown sands and shell hash visible
- No dune present in front of seawall
- North end of the wall appears to have ~1-1.5' more sand than the south end of
the wall
- Minor erosion (0.5-1') at the base of the seawall
- Mainly weeds and railroad vines present at the base of wall
No
Yes; ~7'
above
berm,
concrete
wall
Evaluate feasibility of
reestablishing a dune
on this property. Likely
more feasible on the
south side of the
property.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
25 of 28
Page 95
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
4513 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Back dune has a 1H:1V slope
- Dune has ~3-4' scarp at the toe of the dune with 1H:3V slope
- Wave run-up/scarp under the steps is ~7' above the berm
- Dune comprised mostly of sea oats, grasses, and railroad vines
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4515
4517
4519
S Ocean Blvd
- ~6" berm scarp, smoothed by run-up
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Front of dune has a 3H:1V slope and back dune has a 1H:1V slope
- Dune has ~2-3' scarp at the toe of the dune
- Wave run-up/scarp under the steps is ~5-7' above the berm
- Dune comprised mostly of sea oats, grasses, and railroad vines; and sea
grapes, along the south property edge
- Scarp at base of sea grape vegetation is ~2.5'
Yes;
visible in 1-2' deep
water at mid
property, going
south; no effect.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
4521
4523
S Ocean Blvd
(Former Sea
Frolic Condo)
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Nearshore bar is ~40-50' from shoreline
- Dune toe has elevation of ~3' above the berm elevation with ~2-2.5' scarp at
the toe of the dune
- Back dune has a 1H:1V slope
- Wave run-up/scarp is visible up to 5' above berm elevation
- Dune comprised mostly of sea oats, misc. vegetation, and railroad vines
Yes;
flat rocks visible in 1-
2' deep water; no
effect.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Park Highland E
Condo
4605 S Ocean
Blvd
- ~4-6" berm scarp, smoothed by run-up
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Dune toe has elevation of ~3' above the berm elevation with ~1.5-2' scarp at
the toe of the dune
- Back dune has a 1H:2V slope under the vegetation and extends 15-20' above
the berm elevation
- Wave run-up/scarp is visible up to 2-3' above berm elevation at the base of
the vegetation
- Dune tapers landward about 10' from the north end to the south end of the
property
- Dune comprised of sea oats, sea grape, railroad vines, and misc. vegetation
Yes;
flat rocks/ridge is
visible in 1-2' deep
water; no effect.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
26 of 28
Page 96
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
4611 S Ocean
Blvd
- ~4-6" berm scarp, smoothed by run-up
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Base of the vegetation is ~3' above the berm elevation
- There is ~2.5-3' of scarp, exposing the base of the vegetation
- Back dune has a 1H:2V slope under the vegetation and extends ~30-40'
above the berm elevation
- Dune comprised of dense sea grape and misc. grasses
Yes;
flat rock/ridge is
visible in 2-3' deep
water; no effect.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing the seagrape
and planting pioneer
dune species.
4612 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Nearshore bar is ~20-30' from shoreline
- Base of the vegetation is ~3' above the berm elevation (1H:3V slope)
- There is ~2.5-3' of scarp, exposing the base of the vegetation
- Back dune has a 1H:2V slope under the vegetation and extends ~30-40'
above the berm elevation
- Dune comprised of dense sea grape and misc. grasses
Yes;
visible in 2-3' deep
water; no effect.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing the seagrape
and planting pioneer
dune species.
4621 S Ocean
Blvd
- Berm scarp leveled off
- Beach is less narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Nearshore bar is ~20' from shoreline
- Base of the vegetation is ~4' above the berm elevation (1H:2V slope)
- There is ~6-7' of scarp, exposing the base of the vegetation; also under the
steps
- Back dune has a 1H:2V slope under the vegetation and extends ~30-40'
above the berm elevation
- Dune comprised of dense sea grape and misc. grasses
Yes;
visible in 2-3' deep
water; no effect.
No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing the seagrape
and planting pioneer
dune species.
4705 S Ocean
Blvd
PARK
- Beach is relatively wide at the north side of the property
and becomes narrow south of Yamato Rock
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
mid-berm
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Base of the vegetation is ~3' above the berm elevation (1H:2V slope)
- There is ~6-7' of wave run-up around the end wall, with ~4-5' of scarp
exposing the base of the vegetation to the north of the end wall
- Back dune has a 1H:2V slope under the vegetation and extends ~30-40'
above the berm elevation
- South of end wall, the property tapers landward 20-25' compared to north end
of property
- Dune comprised of dense sea grape, naupaka, and misc. grasses
Yes; Yamato Rock
North end acts as a
breakwater, south
end acts like a groin
Yes;
a short
wall, 2.5-3'
above
berm.
SSP with
1.5'
concrete
cap at base
of the dune
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
reducing the seagrape
and planting pioneer
dune species.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
27 of 28
Page 97
Property Photo Observation Dune Condition Is there rock?Any visible
seawalls?Recommendations
4713 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach is slightly narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Nearshore bar extends from Yamato Rock, ~20' from
shoreline
- Dune elevation is 2-2.5' above berm elevation with ~2' scarp
- Front of dune has 10-15' width, comprised of sea oats and grasses before a
denser sea grape back dune
- Back dune elevation extends ~8-10' above the berm elevation
- Dune has a 2H:1V slope
- The dune located at mid-property, has thinned out/sparse vegetation
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
raising dune crest
elevation for increased
storm protection.
4715 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach is slightly narrow at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Nearshore bar extends from Yamato Rock, ~20' from
shoreline
- Dune elevation is 2-2.5' above berm elevation with ~2' scarp
- Front of dune has 25-30' width with sea oats and grasses before a denser sea
grape back dune
- Back dune elevation extends ~8-10' above the berm elevation
- Dune has a 2H:1V front slope and a 10H:1V back slope
- Wave run-up is visible ~5' into the front dune at base of the sea oats
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
raising dune crest
elevation for increased
storm protection.
4801 S Ocean
Blvd
- Beach is relatively wide at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Nearshore bar extends from Yamato Rock, ~20' from
shoreline
- Dune elevation is 1.5-2' above berm elevation with ~1' scarp/wave run-up over
the front of dune
- Dune is ~30-40' wide from the beach to the seaward edge of the structures
- The back dune is a lower elevation than the front dune (appears to be the
same elevation as the berm)
- Front dune is comprised of sea oats and grasses before a denser sea grape
and naupaka back dune
No Unknown
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
raising dune crest
elevation for increased
storm protection.
Admirals Walk
Condominium
(beach access)
- Beach is relatively wide at this property
- Historical wrack line at the toe of the dune extending to
waterline
- Highland brown sands with shell hash more prominent
- Nearshore bar extends from Yamato Rock, ~20' from
shoreline
- Dune elevation is 2.5-3' above berm elevation with ~2-2.5' scarp
- Front of dune has sea oats and grasses
- Mid and back dunes comprised of denser sea grape, palms, and misc.
vegetation
No No
Restore dune toe with
2cy/ft of sand along
east dune toe.
Revegetate dune toe
with pioneer zone dune
vegetation. Consider
raising dune crest
elevation for increased
storm protection.
Highland Beach - Beachfront Property Evaluation [North-to-South]
28 of 28
Page 98
Page 99
Notes:
1. Background is ERSl's
Imagery basemap.
Legend:
�Parcel
0 100 200
US Feet
Title: Highland Beach
Ocean Front Parcels
APTIM
Date: 08/16/2023 Drawn By: HMV
6401 Congress Avenue, Suite 140
Boca Raton, FL 33487
APTIM.com
Commission No.:
631030509 Figure 2
Page 100
Notes:
1. Background is ERSl's
Imagery basemap.
Legend:
�Parcel
0 100 200
US Feet
Title: Highland Beach
Ocean Front Parcels
APTIM
Date: 08/16/2023 Drawn By: HMV
6401 Congress Avenue, Suite 140
Boca Raton, FL 33487
APTIM.com
Commission No.:
631030509 Figure 3
Page 101
APPENDIX C
SELECT DUNE VEGETATION ISSUES IN HIGHLAND BEACH
Seagrapes
Seagrapes are a common native dune species observed within Highland Beach and elsewhere in
Palm Beach County (Photo C-1). They are a shallow rooted species which are best suited on the
back dune face. While a native species, it can be invasive over years to decades timeframes as the
plant will crowd out other native dune species.
The current growing conditions (annual weather) in Palm Beach County are optimal. If left
unmanaged, seagrapes can grow to tree height. Historically freezing weather and lightning
induced fires limited the growth of seagrapes (Barron, personal communication). Heavy salt spray
will turn the leaves brown and potentially kill the plant. Therefore, seagrapes are best managed
and grown landward of the dune crest. The shallow root system does not assist in sand retention
on the dune face. The seagrapes tend to fall down the dune face when undermined (Photo C-1).
In Appendix B, there are multiple properties, where there are recommendations for consideration
of removal of some of the seagrapes. Individual owners need to consider how the existing
seagrapes contribute to the existing and future dune ecosystems. Resiliency considerations may
warrant larger scale dune revegetation efforts.
Beach Naupka (Naupaka)
Beach Naupka is an exotic invasive plant that grows well on the dune face in Palm Beach County
(Photo C-1). It is characterized by oval (or club shaped) shiny green leaves. It should be removed
from all dune ecosystems as it crowds out and shades native dune species. Any FDEP permit
issued will require its removal.
Page 102
Photo C-1. Seagrapes at the left center of the photograph and Beach Naupka on the right side of
the photograph.
Page 103
File Attachments for Item:
C. Nomination of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
Page 104
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
MEETING TYPE: Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular Meeting
MEETING DATE May 01, 2024
SUBMITTED BY: Jaclyn DeHart, Deputy Town Clerk
SUBJECT: Nomination of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
SUMMARY:
Ms. Stansfield’s term as a member of the Natural Resources Preservation Board expired on
April 30, 2024 along with her role as Chairperson. In May of 2023 Ms. Nestle was nominated
as the Vice-Chairperson to the Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board and has
served in the position for the allotted one -year term. Therefore, the matter is being brought
before the Board for discussion and nomination to fill the positions of Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson for a one-year term, ending May 01, 2025.
According to Resolution No. 19-029 R, - Advisory Board and Committees Appointment
Process Policy, Section 9, it should be common practice that no member shall serve as chair
and vice chair until he or she have served for one full year on the advi sory board unless no
existing member is willing to serve as chairperson or vice chairperson.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
Board Members List
Resolution No. 19-029 R
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend nomination of a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to serve for one year,
ending May 01, 2025.
Page 105
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TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
Town Commissioners Advisory Board Members
Contact Information
Names Addresses Home
Numbers
Cellular
Numbers Email Addresses Date of
Appointment
Joshua Davison 5/17/2022
Barbara Nestle 8/2/2022
Christine Viegas
5/16/2023
Alan Blumberg
8/1/2023
Kenneth Shriberg 8/1/2023
NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meetings held Quarterly - February, May, August & November (as needed)
1st Wednesday at 11:00 AM
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