Case Study

Long-Term Shoreline Protection in Sarasota County, Florida

In 2018, severe shoreline erosion in Sarasota County exposed a critical water main and the only access road for residents, putting essential infrastructure at risk. Sarasota County required a quick, reliable solution to stabilize the shoreline and prevent further damage. TrapBag’s modular erosion barriers were selected as a temporary stabilization measure, addressing the immediate need for infrastructure protection while withstanding harsh weather conditions.

Project Specifications

  • Product: 4ft TrapBags—stacked in 8-foot and 12-foot-high configurations.
  • Material: UV-resistant geotextile, reinforced with geogrid for added structural stability.
  • Filling: Locally sourced beach-compatible sand.

Initial Solution

TrapBag installed 150 linear feet of its 4-foot-high barriers—stacked to create an 8-foot tall system—along the eroded shoreline. The system provided rapid deployment and immediate protection for the water main and road, with a design tailored to resist erosion caused by wave action and heavy storms. This project earned the “Storm Water Solutions – Top Project of 2018” award, recognizing its innovation and effectiveness.

Unintended Longevity

Although initially planned as a one-year solution, the TrapBag system exceeded expectations, providing over five years of effective protection. Despite being exposed to significant weather events—including Hurricanes Helene, Michael, Milton, and Ian—the barriers maintained their integrity and successfully mitigated shoreline erosion.

2023 System Extension and Reinforcements

Following recent storms, some wave action overtopped portions of the original TrapBag barrier, shifting a few top-row bags. To address this, the TrapBag team returned in 2023 to extend and strengthen the system. Enhancements included:

  • Adding 300 additional linear feet of TrapBag barriers.
  • Increasing the overall height of the structure to 12 feet by adding another row of bags on top.
  • Incorporating geogrid to anchor the TrapBag system, ensuring stability during intense wave events.

Performance During Major Storms

After the 2023 upgrades, the reinforced TrapBag system faced Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. Despite intense wave and wind activity, the system held firm, continuing to protect the shoreline, road, and water main from erosion and damage. Aerial and close-up photos highlight the durability and resilience of the TrapBag barriers, even under extreme conditions.

Shoreline Protection in Sarasota County, Florida
Sarasota County, Florida - After Hurricane Debbie

Key Outcomes

  1. Immediate Impact: TrapBag barriers stabilized the shoreline and protected critical infrastructure.
  2. Cost Efficiency: The system’s unexpected longevity significantly reduced the need for additional emergency measures.
  3. Scalability: TrapBag barriers were easily expanded and upgraded to meet new challenges.
  4. Recognition: The project’s success earned industry accolades and set a precedent for scalable, modular shoreline protection.

Conclusion

The Sarasota County shoreline project exemplifies TrapBag’s versatility and reliability in mitigating erosion and safeguarding infrastructure. Initially a temporary measure, TrapBag evolved into an unexpected longer-term solution, performing exceptionally under extreme conditions.

Installation Highlights

  • 4ft TrapBags—stacked in 8-foot and 12-foot-high configurations.
  • UV-resistant geotextile, reinforced with geogrid for added structural stability, ensuring stability during intense wave events.
  • Locally sourced beach-compatible sand.