Work has officially begun at Clam Pass Park, setting in motion a substantial beach-renourishment and dune-restoration effort aimed at restoring the shoreline after significant damage during the 2024 tropical season. The project, led by Collier County Government, will excavate sand from the inlet, transport it to nearby beaches, rebuild dunes along a 2,000-foot stretch of the park, and replant mangrove vegetation impacted by storm surge.

Heavy equipment began mobilizing at a beach access point off Horizon Way, as crews prepare to clear shoaled material from the inlet and redeposit that sand on eroded beach sections. These early-morning operations may require brief beach access closures while staging is underway.

The need for this work was precipitated by storm events in 2024, including Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, along with Tropical Storm Debby, which together caused overwash of dunes, shoaling of the inlet, and vegetation damage—especially in mangrove wetland areas landward of the dunes.

The planned scope of the project includes three main components:

  1. Inlet excavation — Remove excess sand that has collected in the inlet beyond its authorized template so as to restore tidal flows and shoreline stability.

  2. Beach nourishment — Relocate the excavated sand onto the adjacent eroded shoreline segments to rebuild beach width, replenish lost sand, and support recreational access.

  3. Dune and mangrove restoration — Reconstruct dunes over the 2,000-foot stretch, re-plant vegetation, and rehabilitate mangrove wetlands where sand was pushed by storm surge into the mangrove zone.

According to the county’s timeline, the work is expected to be completed by late February or early March of 2026, barring any major weather or access delays.

Why this matters for Naples & surrounding real-estate

  • From a real-estate perspective, improved shoreline stability and renewed beach access can enhance the value appeal of nearby residential and hospitality properties, as shoreline erosion and beach width shrinkage are often concerns for the coastal premium segment.

  • The restoration effort signals that Collier County is proactively investing in coastal resilience and recreational infrastructure, which supports the broader narrative of Naples as a stable destination for area-second homes, rentals and lifestyle buyers.

  • For local businesses—especially vacation rental operators, beachfront restaurants and tour providers—the project suggests clearer pathways to maintaining beach access and aesthetic quality, which are key drivers of guest satisfaction and occupancy.

  • From a marketing angle, developers and real-estate professionals may leverage the dune-restoration project as a brand-building item (“Beach access secured and enhanced at Clam Pass”).

What to keep watching

  • Monitor the actual beach width and dune height once the project is completed and compare to pre-storm conditions. This will give insight into how much added buffer has been achieved.

  • Watch for temporary disruptions or beach-access closures during the mobilization and active phases; these may impact short-term visitor experience.

  • Track the vegetation recovery in the mangrove areas—successful mangrove restoration is a sign of long-term shoreline health and erosion buffer.

  • For investors, keep tabs on whether adjacent parcels or properties near Clam Pass see increased buyer interest, pricing movement, or rental demand following the renewed beach restoration.