Sand Restoration Underway at Tigertail Beach Ahead of Nesting Season

Marco Island — Crews are carrying out sand restoration work at Tigertail Beach as part of an ongoing environmental maintenance effort designed to protect the lagoon ecosystem and prepare the area for upcoming bird and sea turtle nesting seasons.

The work is focused on Tigertail Lagoon and Sand Dollar Island, the sandy spit that connects to Tigertail Beach. City officials emphasize that this is not a traditional beach renourishment project involving imported offshore sand. Instead, it is a permitted maintenance operation that redistributes existing sand to maintain the shape and stability of the berm.

The project includes grading sections of the sandy berm to smooth steep drop-offs and fill eroded areas, as well as clearing small shoals near mudflats to improve tidal flow into the southern portion of the lagoon. Maintaining proper water circulation is considered critical for water quality and wildlife habitat in the area.

All work is being scheduled to conclude before the start of shorebird and sea turtle nesting seasons, in accordance with state and federal environmental regulations. Tigertail Beach and the adjacent lagoon are designated as critical wildlife areas due to their importance as nesting and feeding grounds for protected species.

Funding for the current maintenance is being provided by the Hideaway Beach Tax District, not by general Marco Island tax revenues.

The restoration follows a larger ecosystem project completed in 2022 and 2023 that rebuilt the berm using tens of thousands of cubic yards of sand, restored wetlands, and improved tidal flow throughout the lagoon system. That project was intended to protect the sensitive coastal environment while preserving recreational access for residents and visitors.

Under long-term agreements, the City of Marco Island and Collier County share responsibility for ongoing maintenance of the Tigertail area, including periodic sand redistribution as conditions change.

Beachgoers may notice equipment and limited access in certain areas while work is underway, but officials say the effort is necessary to preserve one of Marco Island’s most environmentally significant and popular natural areas.