Sand-hauling trucks to return to I75, Collier County beaches

NORTH NAPLES, Fla. – Two Collier County beaches need to be resurfaced with sand in a project that could cost $5 million, tourism leaders said on Thursday.

The re-nourishing of sand on Vanderbilt Park and Park Shore has caused controversy before, but local leaders are recommending use of the same trucks that angered residents in 2014.

Some seasonal visitors, like a woman named Georgia, said they understand the need for sand-hauling trucks.

“It’s part of life,” Georgia said. “We have to put up with some of the woes with preserving this beach and if it means trucking in sand, it means trucking in sand.”

People may once again see sand-hauling trucks traveling along Interstate-75 from Lee to Collier county. The sight was a signal to traffic congestion for many. Others were upset about the trucks causing wear and tear on the roads. A Lee County commissioner even caught some of the trucks speeding.

The project has to begin before sea turtle nesting season arrives in May or face a delay until after October. Tourism leaders want the project to begin immediately since they believe the appearance of the beaches is so closely tied to the economy.

The project could mean a brief inconvenience for visitors.

“It’s a nuisance ’cause it will block up large portions of the beach. It’s already crowded,” one beachgoer said.

Collier County commissioners have not confirmed the sand mine or truck route that will be used. They could vote on the project as early as Tuesday.