Sand Sifting Stirs Beachcombing Debate

Plans to use a huge sand sifting machine called “the extractor” for beach renourishment in Fernandina Beach is drawing the ire of beachcombers in search of shells and shark teeth.

A city beach consultant told city commissioners that the extractor was going to be used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the first time in Fernandina Beach in two phases of replenishing sand on city beaches.

The extractor uses a series of vibrating, sliding screens to filter unwanted materials from three-quarters of an inch to four inches from sand being deposited from dredge materials onto the beach. The unwanted debris is collected and dumped in a collection area off-island.

City Commissioner Joyce Tuten said she has received more than 20 emails regarding concerns with the use of the machine.

Critics contend the filtering will eliminate shells and sharks teeth.

“I always thought shark tooth hunting was an attraction for the tourists and locals to come ... I guess we just want some bougie beaches …” said Tamara Brock on Facebook.

Kings Bay channel will dredge and place sand at Fort Clinch and near North Beach. Mobilization of equipment will begin in December, with dredging and sand placement taking place during January and February of 2025.

The Nassau County Shore Protection Project is slated to begin later in 2025, with mobilization slated for May and actual dredging and sand placement starting in June. The NCSPP authorizes the federal project for dredging sand near the jetty's entrance, and beach sand placement by North Beach all the way south to Sadler Road. 

“I just wish they would leave all "nature" alone, and let it do it's thing! God doesn't make mistakes,” wrote Natelia Bailey.

In response to more than 250 posts on Facebook on the issue, consultant Al Browder with Olsen Associates wrote about the process “only if it is larger than 3/4”, and even then if it isn’t detrimental to being on the beach it may likely be returned to the beach.”

Others pushed back citing unwarranted concerns.

“Way over reacting. There will always be shark teeth to be found. It’s a beach. There will always be shells and shark teeth after any nourishment,” wrote David Johns.

Justin Miller said the extractor machine is used on beaches throughout the U.S.

“This machine is used by municipalities all over the state and is vastly more efficient in that it moves more material in less time and eliminates some of the shortcomings of the older “rock box method,” cutting down equipment downtime and the length of the project, thus cutting down the cost to the taxpayer,” Miller wrote. “In short … you shouldn’t be protesting the machine … the machine is awesome … you need to make sure the project specifications state that the contractor is to use screens large enough to let sharks teeth though and how big of a sharks tooth we’re talking about.”

Patti Mixson wrote “the last time they did this using the old way we ended up with nothing but crunched up shell. We couldn’t even walk on the beach barefoot for a year and a half. As an individual that owns a home on the beach and pays the property taxes to match, I want the new way, at least we will have nice sand when we walk or sit in our chairs. I don’t think we can stop the refurbishing it’s going to happen. I love to pick up sharks teeth as much as the next person but again, for those of us who live on the beach and pay the ridiculous taxes, I want sand not crunched up shells.”

Concerned residents are expected to speak during public comments at Tuesday’s city commission meeting.