Staff explains inlet-management targets and how Saint Lucie Inlet affects Jupiter Island sand budgets

Commissioners heard a technical summary of how Saint Lucie Inlet influences local sand supply and the district's role in regional inlet management.

Mister Dubcek said the inlet acts as a catch basin that reshaped the North End of Jupiter Island and cited historic bypass objectives: "In 1995, the objective... was bypassing 184,000 QPPRs per year south," then said the 2016 plan allowed bi-directional movement (161,000 cubic yards south and 34,000 cubic yards north on average) and the 2023 revision adjusted those numbers to "163,000 cubic yards south, 36,000 cubic yards per year north." He noted the town is a stakeholder in the plan and that Martin County is the local sponsor responsible for inlet management.

The presenter described how those inlet numbers underpin sediment-budget estimates and influence which areas can receive sand, and that nearshore hard-bottom areas create unavoidable gaps in placement near Hope Sound Beach Park. Commissioners discussed the state five-year review cycle for the inlet management plan and staff said the next substantial budget update is expected in 2028 and that the town will be involved in advance coordination with Martin County.