During a site survey conducted by Sebastian Inlet District and Sebastian Inlet State Park officials immediately following hurricane Dorian, there were observed impacts to the infrastructure at the inlet noted at the North and South jetties, and to include the displacement of armor stone lining the north shoreline in the mouth of the inlet.  

In the interest of public safety and according to the prescribed maintenance assessment schedule, the Sebastian Inlet District hired Wantman Group, Inc. to evaluate the structural integrity of both the North and South jetties as part of a comprehensive structural engineering assessment.  Comprehensive assessments have been conducted every 3-4 years and the jetties were last inspected following hurricane Matthew in 2016.

Results of the assessment found that both jetties are in good condition, but identified minor maintenance and recommended continued monitoring for structural degradation every 2 years.  Many of the minor repairs noted in the recent evaluation have already been made by Sebastian Inlet State Park officials.  Potential impacts to the North Jetty armor stone were also observed.  The Sebastian Inlet District has contracted a side scan survey to further evaluate and determine if repairs to the armor stone are necessary.

According to an agreement between the Sebastian Inlet District and Sebastian Inlet State Park, effective in October of 2018, responsibilities in managing and maintaining the jetties as navigational structures and fishing piers are clearly delineated.  Simplifying the defined responsibilities – the Sebastian Inlet District is responsible for the structural components of the jetties below the concrete cap and Sebastian Inlet State Park is responsible for maintaining all elements above the concrete cap to include the fishing deck, handrails and grates, as examples. 

Weather conditions have prohibited a hydrographic survey team from completing the side scan surveys, as part of a scan of the entire mouth of the inlet system to map the location of displaced armor stone and assess what remedial action may need to be taken along both the northern and southern shoreline.  That work will be completed as soon as weather conditions warrant.  Please check back here for updates.  For more information, please call (321) 724-5175.

Posted: 11/21/2019