Construction Projects Underway at St. Andrews

A bulldozer pushes sand on the beach.

Two construction projects are underway at St. Andrews State Park.

Campground renovations and new picnic pavilions at the jetty are in the works. Additional projects will follow in the next few years.  

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection welcomes the opportunity to make improvements to the facilities at St. Andrews State Park. We appreciate the patience and understanding of visitors. While projects may present a temporary inconvenience, they will provide valuable amenity improvements at the park.

Campground Renovations

Hurricane Michael left its mark on the campground at St. Andrews State Park. The category five hurricane caused extensive damage from wind and storm surge. Many of the trees were snapped into the shape of an A-frame, while others were uprooted altogether, causing significant damage to plumbing and electric pedestals.

Starting in March 2021 and lasting approximately a year, the camping facilities have been renovated in three phases.

Reservations are open for the West Loop and a portion of the East Loop. Each campsite features water, electric and sewer connections.

Construction continues on the remaining portions of the campground.

While this project will not be visible from the park because of vegetation, boaters will be able to see the project from St. Andrews Bay. Visitors to the park may see equipment and hear construction sounds. Traffic may be slower because of movement of equipment into the area.

Please be patient and exercise caution. Please do not enter the construction zone.

Campground

New Picnic Pavilions at the Jetty Area

New picnic pavilions are being built at the jetty area to replace the ones destroyed during Hurricane Michael. Parking may be reduced in the jetty parking lot during construction of the picnic pavilions. Visitors may see equipment and hear loud construction sounds.

Again, please be patient and exercise caution. Please do not enter the construction zone.

Completed Projects

Placement of Boulders at the Jetty

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has rebuilt the jetty by placing boulders on both sides of the inlet. This protects the inlet for boaters moving between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay.

A sand renourishment project is also complete.

Lagoon Restroom Replacement

The restroom facility at the lagoon has been replaced.

Playground

A playground has been built in the lagoon picnic area. The Friends of St. Andrews State Park received a generous grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation for phase one of the project. Fundraising for phase two is ongoing and will provide additional activities for children and other enhancements.

Primitive Group Camp Facilities

Sandy Point Group Camp is located near Sandy Point, the inlet and Grand Lagoon. The camp is available for organized youth or adult groups affiliated with a recognized nonprofit or community organization, such as Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, Sierra Club or church groups. Priority is given to youth groups with over half its members under 18 years of age.

The Sandy Point Group Camp provides space for tents, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, a barbecue grill and fire pit. Restrooms and outside showers are available.

The supplies were purchased with a major grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation.

 

Future Projects

Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) is investing $8.8 billion over 15 years along the Gulf Coast following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April 2010.

A future project at St. Andrews will use NRDA funds to reconfigure the entrance of the park, add a walking path alongside the park drive and repave the park drive.

The timing is uncertain on these projects.