Tybee Island Faces Severe Beach Erosion, Awaits Federal Funding

The Georgia coastal town has lost 60% of its beach since the last renourishment in 2020.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a serene but melancholic coastal scene, with the receding shoreline and encroaching waves dwarfing any visible human structures, conceptually representing the overwhelming scale of the natural forces impacting Tybee Island's beaches.The sublime power of nature overwhelms Tybee Island's shrinking coastline, as the community awaits critical federal funding to restore its beloved beaches.Tybee Island Today

Tybee Island's beach has lost roughly 60% of its sand since the last renourishment in 2020, according to Mayor Brian West. This has led to tighter beach conditions in some areas during high tide, with officials warning that the water may reach parts of the land on the south end if federal funding for renourishment is not secured soon. The town is seeking $12 million in federal funding, with $8 million already set aside from the local budget, to address the erosion.

Why it matters

Tybee Island is a popular tourist destination, and the erosion of its beaches could have significant economic impacts on the local and regional economy if the issue is not addressed. The loss of beach area also raises concerns about public safety and access, as well as potential damage to infrastructure like the 2nd Street crossover boardwalk.

The details

According to Mayor Brian West, the erosion has not impacted every stretch of Tybee's beach equally, with the area near the pier still having some sand. However, in other areas, the water is reaching all the way up to the dunes at high tide, making it difficult for visitors to access the beach. Officials are planning to recommend the best areas to visit for beachgoers this summer. While no parts of the beach are being closed, some infrastructure like the 2nd Street crossover boardwalk has been impacted and is currently unusable.

  • The last beach renourishment project on Tybee Island was completed in 2020.
  • Since then, the island has lost roughly 60% of its beach sand.

The players

Brian West

The mayor of Tybee Island, Georgia, who has provided updates on the severe beach erosion affecting the island.

Beverly Harris

A visitor from Arkansas who said the erosion did not change her decision to vacation on Tybee Island, and expressed hope that the island can secure federal funding for renourishment.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'We did our last renourishment in 2020, but we've lost about 60% of the beach since then.'”

— Brian West, Mayor of Tybee Island

“'I think they should get it. I think we should take care of our world, this being our beach, and it's an important part of this area.'”

— Beverly Harris

What’s next

Tybee Island officials are awaiting a decision on $12 million in federal funding for a beach renourishment project. If the funding is not secured, the town may have to consider smaller, more expensive stopgap projects to prevent flooding and protect the island's infrastructure.

The takeaway

The severe erosion of Tybee Island's beaches highlights the ongoing challenges coastal communities face in maintaining their natural resources and infrastructure in the face of environmental changes. The town's reliance on federal funding for renourishment projects underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable coastal areas.