A stretch o f sounds ide beach behind Palm Beach Club got the Santa Rosa Island Authority's approval to install a rock revetment. Now, the proposal must get approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers.

SRIA staffer Matt Mooneyham said the plan passed muster with coastal engineers and Baskerville Donovan, the SRIA's engineering firm.

The rocks will be placed two feet landward of the mean highwater line to prevent further erosion behind the complex. The proposal calls for sand to be placed over the rocks to allow for a seamless beach look.

The item will be further considered at the SRIA committee meeting on February 25.

In other business, the SRIA:

Approved a proposal by Tiki Island to install an inflatable waterslide on the soundside of Via de Luna behind the Wings/Waves retail center.

Voted to draft a letter of qualifications for a master planner to consult on the proposed beautification project, including landscaping and hardscaping, along Via de Luna and at the toll booth gateway to Pensacola Beach, a proposal initiated by Portofino developer Robert Rinke.

Heard that the Florida DEP is now requiring an easement for dredging the Little Sabine Bay channel.

Heard a report from Sandy Johnson that inquiries about Pensacola Beach dropped from over 1,000 in January of 2008 to less than 500 for the same time period in 2009.

At the next meeting, the board will consider a proposal to sublease to a food concession trailer operation at Sabine Marina and consider opening a gate from Little Sabine Bay accessing the Sandshaker Lounge.