Living shoreline project coming soon to SPC Bay Pines STEM Center

In an effort to restore the popular “Hurricane Hole” near Bay Pines and protect Tampa Bay estuary waters and habitats, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) has awarded St. Petersburg College (SPC) a grant that will be used to create a living shoreline.

The $10,071.47 grant focuses on restoration and rehabilitation of a living shoreline at the SPC Bay Pines STEM Center, part of the Tampa Bay estuary known as Hurricane Hole. TBEP believes empowering citizens through programs such as this helps foster an environmental ethic and promote community stewardship of the bay.

This project – low-cost, long-term alternative to repairing and/or replacing the dilapidated seawall at the site – will fill in gaps in the deteriorating structure, restore native habitation and create a living shoreline. SPC students from various ecological classes will engage in restoration efforts and ongoing monitoring of the environment.