Further to our original post about the Free Upham movement, the Suncoast Chapter of Surfrider Foundation reports on the results of the last St. Pete City Council Meeting concerning the Geotubes that are destroying the beach and surf at Upham as well as being a public safety concern. The meeting was held on July 22.

Suncoast Chapter members attended the St. Pete City council meeting on July 22nd, at City Hall. Dr. Nicole Elko presented a well choreographed report to the Commissioners and audience, in general about the benefits of the tgroin project. It seemed almost eighty percent of the people present were for the geotubes being in place. Suncoast Chapter Chair Mike Meehan and Jessica Emery spoke to the Commissioners opposed to the tgroin project however giving props to Dr. Elko’s presentation.

In the end the esteemed commissioners agreed to allow the project to continue as is until 2010, for experts to be brought in to examine the area for alternatives such as an artificial reef. The commission asked that during the study period, surfers to be taken into consideration when speaking of the permanent structures.

It’s more than just the surfers concern of coarse. The permanent solution, rock jetties, or some alternative, will still be paid for by tax payers. 50% State funded and 50% County funded. No other water front property owner is afforded such a benefit when it comes to storm protection.

A complete federally funded renourishment is scheduled for 2009.

I hope that more Tampa Bay residents will get involved in this issue and help save one of the only really well known international surf spots in the entire Tampa Bay region.

To get involved please Get The Word Out HERE, or contact the Suncoast Chapter of Surfrider HERE to find out how to help.