Everybody got their agendas? Okay. Hello everybody. It is Wednesday, August 13, 2025. This is the monthly meeting of the Marine and Environmental Resource Task Force Advisory Committee for Fort
Myers Beach. I'm calling the meeting to order. I would ask everyone to please rise and give the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Please be seated. Okay. Establishing a quorum. I'll start with the roll call. Ed Groove >> here. >> Ron How here.
>> Cheryl Hagstrom >> here. >> Dave Nusbomb is here. Uh Leo Sand >> here. And Jennifer Rusk. I had you on there. I just couldn't find your name. >> Here.
>> Here. And so here we are. Thank you. We do have a forum. So this is an official meeting. >> And Bill's fine. >> Did we mention that? >> Oh, yeah. Uh, Bill is phoned in and uh >> Yes.
>> Oh, okay. >> Okay. >> I'm here. >> Very good. >> And before we can start, do we take the we have to uh take a motion to accept Bill as a callin? Um, I'll I'll make that motion.
>> Okay. And I will second it. Um, motion made and seconded to approve it. Bill calling in the meeting. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. >> Welcome, Bill. >> Thank you.
>> All right. >> Thanks. >> Okay. Moving on down. I will accept a motion to approve the agenda unless someone would like to add something. >> So moved. >> Okay. Made by uh uh Leo, seconded by
Sharon to approve the agenda. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Oppose. >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously. Okay. I will now accept a motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting as
published. >> Second move >> and >> second. >> Okay. Made seconded to approve the previous meeting minutes as published. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Oppose.
>> Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. All right. Here we are at public comment. Does anyone wish to have any public comment? We do have a visitor. >> Yep. >> No. So, this is Elizabeth Fontaine.
She'll be giving us that presentation. I think uh I may have missed that on the agenda, but she was uh we had asked for her to be here to to speak. >> Okay. >> Uh wave attenuation welcome. >> Okay. Very good. When did you want it? Did you want it
there right away then, Chad? >> Yes, sir. Please. >> Okay. Uh, seeing uh, no one else for public comment. We'll close public comment and we'll go to current items and >> we'll do uh, Elizabeth first. Do we need
a microphone or she can just speak? >> She speaks coming to view. Well, informal. That's fine. I wasn't sure. So, I appreciate the opportunity. Again, Elizabeth Fountain. I am uh with J.R. Evans Engineering. We're a local um
civil engineering firm that also does uh flood plane management and coastal engineering. So we do a lot of um uh coastal flood plane analysis, wave coastal wave analysis, wave impact analysis. We also have a team that
designs coastal structures. Um so anything from your typical bulkheads or seaw walls all the way up to um full docks and marinas, things like that. So, we're here to I I made a presentation to
the town council and to the the planning and management committee about the opportunity to to really evaluate um the feasibility of doing what we define as a wave mitigation wall um that
could be installed or a system. it'd be more like a system um because it really works well with your dune uh nourishment, your dune enhancements with the vegetation and then having an extra layer of just mitigation to help reduce those wave
impacts to the to the upland properties and structures. So, um I wanted to chat thought it would be good to have me come in and talk to you today and answer any questions you may have. Uh the presentation is available on um through
the council's recorded meeting. Um I can also send you all a copy of it uh PDF. I brought a few printed versions to share with you today. And I apologize, but the staple got stapled on the on the wrong on the wrong
side. I have a question. >> Sure. >> Have you already contracted with the town? >> We have um provided them with a um a scope of work to do what we call a due diligence evaluation for the whole island. Um we expect that that's going
to be presented to the town council for approval on the next meeting, which is the 18th. we've been working with uh Frankie and his team on >> different projects or >> no on getting that um facilitated.
So, and the the the purpose of that study is to come up with um feasible cross-sections or design concepts that could be applied at different portions along the island because the conditions change of course.
>> So, it's on the Gulf side is >> Yes, on the Gulf side. >> Mhm. So you were hired by the town to to come up with a plan or >> we were asked to provide them >> provide them >> with a proposal to do that >> proposal. >> Yes. Yes. Um
the benefits of this system, you know, it does it it is designed to withstand the um 100year storm conditions. So, from a typical hurricane event, um we designed these these structures to make
sure they stay in place. Um and examples of these structures are located down on Bonita Beach at the north end of Pickory Island. We have >> in front of people's homes. >> Uh condominium properties. >> Condominium properties. >> Yes. >> So, is it broken up or is it continuous?
>> It's not continuous. It's perfect. >> But you're proposing a continuous wall from one end of the island to go to the next. >> It is it can be it's going to be very difficult to to do a complete continuous and and actually I recommend that there
are breaks in order to allow um storm water runoff to flow through like its natural flow pattern. So we don't disrupt that. Um also providing be able to provide access as long as you can provide you know there's ways to provide gaps in that system to provide access
not only for pedestrians but for equip small equipment to maintain. >> Sorry about like beach access and things like that. >> Y um this con this program has been um installed in other
places in Florida. So, like up in Clear Water Beach, they've they actually did we helped them design the wave mitigation wall. Um, and it's a it's mostly a buried buried structure and then there's an exposed portion that's probably three three and a half feet
tall and it it actually provides the people a sitting area because they integrated it into the pedestrian corridor and people don't know that they're sitting on a wall that actually provides a great level of >> this bed that's in going into the sand down.
>> It can be some it could be a concrete panel. It can be a sheep pile wall that's that's driven into the ground similar to how um seaw walls are. >> It it varies um at the most probably 15
15t 18 ft >> 15 18 ft goes into the ground. >> Yes. >> And then how wide is it when on on the surface? >> The concrete caps are usually between 1 and 12 and 2 feet wide.
two feet wide sticking up over the sand. >> Yeah. Or behind you could Yeah. >> picture on. >> Yeah. It's usually don't have they show >> and that and that helps with the the storm surge >> helps with surge and with um wave
energy. It it really just helps dissipate that. It knocks down the the waves to the lower height so they don't have as much impact onto the structures on the other side of the fall. Generally
uh generally have you found that if you have a greater beach depth between the vegetation line and the meanind watermark >> Uhhuh. that that uh creates a partial
uh mitigation of wave action given you've got say 300 yards of sand between the vegetation line and the mean high water mark >> that um I will tell you that we've studied the really wide portions of Fort
Myers Beach especially down south of the 5000 block and where it gets really wide where you've got like 500 600 ft of beach. Um because of the grade, I know is as if the grade the level of it is very
shallow, the waves are just going to continue to propagate across. Um the minute you introduce a change in that grade, like with a dune or with vegetation that helps create some obstruction,
that will help lower that wave energy down and slow it down so that it's doesn't keep propagating at the same level that it would be. But the width of the beach as if unless there's some undulating grade
to create that disruption of the wave, it's going to continue to propagate. >> Okay. >> Across. >> So if we had a retaining I'm just calling it a retaining. >> We call it a retaining wall. Yes. >> Okay. So if we had a retaining wall on
the deep sections of the beach at the vegetation line, that would act as a insurance policy for the, you know, property owners on this on the areas of the beach where they're trying to
maintain uh viewing corridors, >> right? And it helps with, you know, uh, sand transportation, you know, being transported across those upland properties too and into the into the roads,
uh, because it, you know, it affects that wave energy. So, it creates a an opportunity for the water to slow down and then deposit. So, um it and like I said, you can see this being as constructed along uh the northern
part of Hickory Island. Those there's a there's three condominium properties that all have a wall improvement that's been done. Now, they they had an existing buried wall that was there since the late '7s, early 80s. Um, and what we came in and did was verify the
condition of that wall and then added a three three-foot cap to it um to help mitigate continued impacts to those properties. Um, and then we put it on the seawward side, we reinforced it with
some uh rock material for, you know, to help prevent scour. And then when turtle season is turtle nesting season is finished, they're going to come back in and finish the back filling of the sand and then plant dune vegetation on top.
So from the beach side, you're just you're going to see what looks like a dune with vegetation, but on the on the landlord side, they actually have a sidewalk and then that wall and then the beach. So >> a sidewalk meaning So this is more of a
like a boardwalk. >> It could be a boardwalk. Yeah, this is an actual existing sidewalk. It's a concrete sidewalk. It was already there. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> You're not talking about the island? >> No. >> But that but doing the wall um cuz we're
we're doing this for the Outrigger property and we're working on a couple other of the redevelopment properties um that want to implement the same improvement. Um we're finding that to address and then we had to go through FEMA and we had to go through the state
and then obviously through the local jurisdiction to get all the right permits and and outre we were we did get FEMA's approval um recently. So that was a significant benefit and so now we've submitted to the state for their permit
but we're finding that the design of these um systems we're having to accommodate making sure we're not going to cause any any adverse impacts and we're putting what we call like splash pads on the on the landward side of them which end up
being wide enough to even they could even be like a sidewalk. So it could it could become a pedestrian corridor there and be protected. So >> what's the elevations? >> It it varies. So like for outrigger the top is around an 85
>> 85 and abducting grade there is about five. >> It varies but between four and a half and five. So just for reference whenever we did our emergency burn it was around 6 foot 62 ABD our beach
>> itself right before the burn at the toes around four and ABD mean high water is 0.3 >> okay >> questions >> I know I think we should do that I hope the town council approved it
>> and like I said we We want to work with with Chad obviously and and what they've been doing >> in the nourishment uh program. >> Sure. >> And we want this to be complimentary to it. We don't want it to um >> No, we're not, you know, people think that we're putting something way out in the in the water like high water. That's
not what we're proposing. This is this is definitely an upland feature. >> How long does installation take per area? So the beginning the beach club finished theirs that it was a 600 long 600 feet long. Um I would say probably
six weeks to do that. >> Did do you know Chad if had to request a variance to get the wall built? >> Um I'd have to take a look. I >> it may have been a part of their CBD or >> there's there's an ordinance against any
seaw walls facing the hill. Well, that's retaining wall. It's not a seaw wall. >> Okay. >> Cucumber. >> Yeah. >> I was under the impression any construction secret of the u
well the the the cultural construction setback require a variance from the town. >> Correct. I'm not I don't think I don't believe they're >> we're not we are not seawward of the CCSL the setback line. or just land of it. >> The state I don't think cares according
to what Doug told me. They don't even care. >> They care state permitting. >> Yeah. >> Well, yeah. I don't Yeah. I understand they had to have state permit, but on what when I visited with him, >> it's authorizable. >> Yeah. Well, there the reason I asked was
only that, you know, if this goes uh townwide all along the property owners all the way through and you had to go through a special variance on everyone, you know, that that had tied the council up
forever, you know, not not to mention staff. So, >> well, they can they can issue they can do an administrative approval on the variance. It doesn't >> No, doesn't necessarily have to go >> except because you have you have private property owners all the way. >> There's legislative options that they
could change the ordinance to allow for it or it could be simply land of the triple CL. >> Okay. >> So, how would the I'm sorry on this, but how would the um wave attenuation wall interact with dune features, water,
whatever? And would you want doing features waterward and landward? Just forward or >> I I envision mostly having those doom features waterward. >> Um because I don't it's going to like I
said be complimentary to what the structure is going to do. Now sometimes we there is the possibility of integrating the structure within the June features. Um, I think it makes it a little diff more difficult than dealing with state
and FWC because I know they've got concerns with turtle nesting habitat. So, I'm trying to keep this as landward as possible. >> And then how do you minimize scour should you have a catastrophic event with that wall? >> That's what um we have to address. We've
had to address that same question from FEMA and that's where we put in the scour protection as part of the system from the beginning. What does scour protection mean? >> It's uh typically like a it what we're proposing is a concrete pad
that's been designed at the appropriate width for the anticipated wave height that the 100redyear storm approaching that wall. Um and based on the structural design, it's it can vary. The width could be like six feet to eight feet >> like the marine mattress kind of stuff
>> kind of but it's a it's concrete and it's set at the it's set um at basically at a toe of that structure not deep but it's there and it could be covered up with dune features but it's there to prevent scour from happening
right at the face of the wall. >> Right. And then with the gaps um you know channelization would increase scour in those gaps. And how do you how do you >> we've been wrapping around the the scour pad around the ends of the like return
walls or any of the any of the ends that we have. They get wrapped around there. >> Right. And for properties that may not participate have you ever done these things uh seawward on the ECL? >> Not the um ECL to date. We are we're
looking at um doing it for one piece of property, but they already had um there was an existing wall there to begin with, you know, that pre-dated um the 78 line.
>> Have you ever gone down that rabbit hole of putting something on state land in front of a property owner that has sign their easement, so you're off their property, but Well, and to be honest, in the on on the condominiums along
Bonita Beach, um the a lot of that's all seawward of the 1978 line. >> The ECL, not the ECL. No, we would not um try to do that. I know that that ECL is is pretty much a
prohibited line. >> Okay. for any type of construction or improvement. So, >> okay. >> Yeah. >> So, the erosion control lines, that property line between the state >> and the private property owner once um sand's been placed.
>> Yeah. >> The old mean high water line under that survey. >> That's a that's a critical boundary to respect completely. on Fort Myers Beach that line would be quite a ways out there if you owned all the way to the >> It undelates just like water border line
undelated back when they did the survey in the early 2000s. So in some places it's right up against the seaw wall and some places it's 150 ft plus out. >> Mhm. >> You have a couple of uh samples here. Clearwater Beach and Bonita Beach. Are those actually in place today?
>> Yes. >> How deep are the seaw walls as far as how deep are the foundation? >> Bonita Beach. It's a concrete panel that goes about 10 ft below grade um in Clear Water. I believe it is a sheet pile wall that has a concrete cap, but that sheet pile
goes about I think 15. >> When was when were they put in >> in Clear Water? It was two two sets of projects because it was the one was for um the high resort and then the Windham Grand came on about a few years later
and that was in the time frame of 201 14 to 16 and then Bonita Beach those have been more recent uh pre-Ian and post Ian. So and the the wall improvements that were designed and in
place right before Ian survived Ian. So I mean that's a good testament to their sustainability. >> So how did Clear Water Beach in front of the high window last?
>> No. Uh I don't know of any major major issues there. Um the thing with the with the Hyatt, they did that wall so that they could um mitigate the mapping of the they were in a zone VE and
doing the wall allowed them to update the flood map to recognize that wall and its impact to the flood mapping and they were able to get into a zone AE lesser risk. So it's still moderate. They were able to put um utilize their ground level for retail with the proper dry
flood roofing of course. So, but they they were able to activate that lower level area. >> They did these privately or with public funds? >> Privately. Um but anything like that has to go through the local municipality as well.
Um so we we work with the city of Clearwater Beach on that. How tall is the uh Bonita Beach wall above the high water line? >> Above the above the mean water line. >> Um
total I mean it's it's so it's about three 3 and 1/2 ft above grade. So then it's about 8 ft above 7 and 1/2 ft above mean high water >> total. >> Yes. But the beach level is, you know,
measuring it from the beach, it's not not that high. >> Measuring from the beach for the outrigger wall, what would be the height for the wall? >> The 3 and 1/2 ft. >> 3 and 1/2 ft. >> That you that would be exposed >> exposed. Okay. And just for
clarification, everything is going eastward of the uh 1978 coastal construction line >> to the Yes. to the greatest. >> That's a pretty big word. >> Yeah.
>> Speak in absolutes. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I think it's sight specific. >> We never do. >> Okay. But >> as a general rule, everything is normally on the landlord side of the CCL. >> The trip the 1978 triple CL, which is
different from the state 1991 trip, >> right? I understand that. >> Yeah, >> I'm talking the 78 line, >> the setback line, the SL line. >> I think it's I think it's going to vary based on the specific site conditions. >> Okay. All right.
>> Yeah. So on your chart of search levels, a question, a couple questions. >> Okay. >> Um Ian was only 7.26 feet. Is that right? Search. Where was that taken? 15 >> 15. >> Let me see.
>> Depends on where this is. >> I noticed Charlie was not on there from 2004. That seems awfully low compared to what we actually >> Well, it's above mean mean mean high high water. >> I realize that. >> Yeah, >> it's likely this is from um I think it's
they're from the available gauges that they had. So I I believe this was probably taken in the uh from the gauge either at the Kusa Hatchee River which is which that's about right because the uh the max absolute water peak level is
around an 8 8.2 >> on the river >> on the river. >> So this is just these are not like recorded high water marks from Fort Myers Beach. And if we did that, we could have I I know for a fact that there were some high water marks around here that were like 13 plus.
>> Yeah. >> So, and on Bonita it was like 11 plus and then Santael was 9 to 10. So, >> so, so even if we put a seaw wall in another 3 4t be 8 ft above mean high water mark, we would Ian would have
still devastated. >> Yeah, Ian was a very significant event. Very very significant. So um >> the only thing you know and we're not proposing to stop an Ian event. This is
more for trying to um definitely the lower s surge events this will help plus you know waves that are above that um 8 8.5 elevation they'll still get diminished before they get on to the
upland properties. Is there any Let's just say that we have another Ian event that had a seaw wall that was 8 ft. >> Ian comes in at 13. 5T of difference over the top that seaw wall. Is there any studies that have been done to look
at the scouring effects of what those waves would do and the turbulence underneath the sea walls? There are um ways to evaluate that through hydrodnamic modeling. Um
and we can as part of our due diligence with the town. We will likely get into that. Um but when we're doing our coastal modeling, we're using the 100red-year event based on what FEMA has defined for the area. Um so our our
peak wave you know wave crest elevations are you know coming from the Gulf are beginning around 13 14 feet of the island. So that and that's those are the forces that we're using to def to design the structure to withstand.
So >> the reason I'm asking is if you looked at Fort Myers Beach after Cherokee and drove up and down. >> Yep. >> You could see straight through buildings all the way to the coast all the way to the Gulf Golf. And then we saw that
there was actual parking pads that were concrete that were 6 ft underneath that scoured away at times. Mhm. >> And so if those numbers aren't right for on the beach, they would have to be updated to make sure that we look at the beach. >> Yeah, these would be qualified to be
based on the recorded gauges that Noah has. Um we could likely do another table that showed all the high water marks for the recorded for the beach. >> We would have that. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, who would benefit from this?
just the properties on the on the beach or the whole island. I mean, what who do you think would benefit? >> Yeah, obviously the the >> from saying immediate properties, >> not obviously not or anything, but who
do you think would benefit on our island? >> I can help you out with that. I think it's a whole island thing with the overwash and the um that wave attenuation while reducing that overwash that would happen on a certain >> water keeping water off our streets in
uh on the island inland or >> the the sand transport that happened on the evacuation route >> sand >> and it also attenuate the waves which would attenuate the amount of water that would be washing the streets >> from like what size storm Milton and Helen
>> they had engineering to estimate >> your storm >> we could provide that y >> I mean because I'm not on the beach but I'm about 10 houses down from the beach and I got 3 ft with Helen and 4 feet
with Milton which which water came from the Gulf but primarily on our island the water comes from the bay or just rises up >> so people still flat out. So, I guess what I want to know is who would benefit
from such a large uh costly job because it would mean not just a town council approves it, but the whole town needs to approve it because we're the ones going to be paying for it, right? So, I think that's something that should be addressed. Okay. >> Who would benefit? >> Right. Yep. >> Understood.
>> And you you have people worried about, you know, trucks driving down the street and pushing up waves just from that. So while it's helping attenuate waves from the Gulf is going to be a benefit to everyone. >> What about the sea turtles? Would it would it um would it stop them from
being able to uh lay nests in certain areas? >> We're talking about catastrophic events. And typically in those catastrophic events, the the sea turtle nest are overwashed and exposed and sometimes washed out. So the wave attenuation wall
would be pretty high up and probably on the upper side of any sea turtle nesting habitat if any >> the wildlife expert that I contacted on a couple of different projects and I don't know Rob you can correct me but he
said most sea turtle nests are within 100 to 150 yards of the mean high water Turtles aren't designed to go inland any further than that. And they >> but they do if they can
>> not if they're laying if they're laying eggs. He said most nests are are done between the 100 and 150 yard maximum limit cuz the sea turtles don't like to go deeper inland
than that. So that's >> yeah there there's an average like how far they average they go but to to Jen to Jen's point there's always the one that does the >> um so >> and I've seen them >> several >> with with the beach nourishment it's
been almost impossible to plan how they're like on the other side of things who knows what they're going to prefer they might like it high up after this you know >> but hopefully we can get the berms planted and that'll help a lot with keeping them close to the water Yes, >> I have seen them go into the vegetation,
but and FWC actually looked at the ones on Bonita Beach favorably because it helps >> provide like a nice delineation. All right. Turtles don't go, you know, don't be going into >> have these Bonita have where's that at? >> At the end of Hickory Boulevard.
>> Okay. >> Um right at the end of the beach there. >> Yeah, I didn't miss that. >> Yeah. So, Bonita Beach Club just recently finished theirs. They still need to do the the sand and the dune vegetation. Well, staying on the turtles, how are their nests anywhere near those in the past? How do how do
those fair with um with do they have they've been close to it? Have has there been this orientations that like those walls may have stopped or anything like that, you know? >> Well, no. I think I think FBC likes them there because it does stop them from going into the developed properties and
>> because of the lights and and things like that and it also helps kind of buffer some of those >> lights that might be in their amenity areas. got to act as a natural light shield. >> Well, I'm wondering like, >> you know, because I'm trying to I'm trying to be devil's advocate with it,
>> you know, in the sense that it's, you know, more human structures on the beach, which >> I know >> is definitely a hindrance to nature, but humans are also affecting nature more than normal anyway. So, we got to find that balance where >> is it going to be more of a benefit for animals like turtles and nesting birds
or is it just going to be a benefit for for us? But >> that's why that's why because Bonita, sorry to interrupt, but because Bonita does really good with their turtles. >> Yes. >> Um, and I would love to know what their turtler is down there and what like
actually speak with them about what they talk Laura. Yeah. Is it Laura? >> Laura looked at and then for Bonita, she wanted to just make sure that our our dune enhancement that we were doing for the Bonita Beach Club wall was set so that the top of the uh placement of the
sand was was at least 18 in below the wall. >> Okay. >> Top just to make sure that the turtles couldn't like go over top of it. She was concerned. But so that's that's that was her only condition. Okay. Um otherwise she she was she looked at it favorably as a
>> interesting >> way to mitigate them from um >> what were you gonna say Jen I'm sorry I interrupted you more >> turtles turtles >> okay never mind >> I forgot
>> how much property damage did we have islandwide does anybody have an estimate on that >> catastrophic there are estimates that uh were done um several feet.
>> So if I'm looking at the seaw wall, how many feet of island do we would we have to cover? >> Miles. >> Yeah. Order miles, but you know, I think you do something like this in phases and protect the most vulnerable areas first. >> Yeah.
>> The pier is uh one of the more erosional areas and R204 is another which is in front of the alarms. You can see Leonardo launch has already done a retaining wall and uh I believe Bermuda Dunes is >> following suit.
>> Would any of this be going in or is it planned to go into the critical zones or anything like that? It would just be like >> No. So it would be in the CWA Leonard Autos is adjacent to the CWA on their property. >> Okay. >> You may have to go out a little bit on the beach to get into the CWA property.
>> What about like Bage? It'll be a county call. I doubt that they would do something there. It's It's fairly accreal over there. >> I was just curious like how >> Yeah, that's why it's different. You'd have to look at different >> areas cuz it's going to be a different condition along the
>> Do you have a mapping here that would show >> where you would be doing it or >> I don't yet. No, don't. No. Have you uh Chad, have you spoken with resorts and condo and people that have property on
the Gulf and gotten an idea of how they feel about it? Have that conversation? >> Uh definitely got some positive feedback from some of the Times Square folks. Haven't really had conversations with regards to retaining walls
with the rest of the island. still on the beach nourishment planning phase for me. >> So beach reourishment reourishment is about 22 million I think. Uh yeah, for this particular project in
addition to, you know, all the other sand that we put on beach, it's probably peing up to the 40 or 50 million. >> And not to compare you to the beach task, >> right? >> But would the if if they went forward with this, would the installation be
outside of turtle season and during peak human season? >> Well, I know it would have to be, but then what are the chances of it running over like nourishment has? Like, >> you know what? I mean obviously you run into stuff things happen like obviously we can tell >> I think it depends on it's going to
depend on the location about and if if the work can be done without having to be on the sandy beach. I mean that's the that's the terminology that FTP uses. Okay. >> If you can if you can do the work without having to touch the sandy beach
then they'll they typically allow it to as long as you have the proper um silt fence barrier and fencing around the work area. How many jobs have you done besides the hickory? Did you do these other jobs? You've done all these jobs, right?
>> We did. We did one up in Fort Lauderdale. Um and we're doing several currently um not only on Fort Myers Beach, you know, for the redevelopment properties, but for multiple single family properties.
They're doing the same type of improvement where they're doing a upland retaining wall to help mitigate wave action coming towards their new, you know, new proposed home or residential property. Um, and there we've been doing that at Marco up in St. Petersburg,
Sarasota, very Bradenon, similar concept and have received approval by FEMA now. And then actually there's a couple that are completed with construction and we're getting the the um as permits. Do you have a file from uh FDEP and uh FWC
for all these as well? >> Only the ones that are on uh cword of the CCCL. Um and if we're not if we're not working in the water, we don't need to go to D or the core Army Corp of Engineers. So these are all upland
features. >> So $1,000 a foot. Is that just a seaw wall or is that a glass pad on the back? >> That's the whole system. >> Y whole system? >> Yeah. I mean, Bon needed beach clubs. There was there was a that was more of an enhance the like a structural
enhancement to their existing wall for 600 ft. I think it cost 2 240 240,000 that included the rip rat that include the rock in front and the sand. Um, so is the system. >> So, if my numbers are right, we'd be talking450 million through the whole
island >> approximately. >> That's about right. >> Yeah. The benefit is we've had over12 billion dollars of property damage or more. Probably it'll be nice to see what those numbers will be if somebody has them. >> I don't know if we'll ever know.
>> I don't know if we'll ever know the real number of two billion. >> I know the town does want me to want us to look at like grant availability for grant funding. There are grants out there to for projects that are intended to help protect upland coastal
upland properties. Um, so I think maybe this could fit into that category. >> Is that something that you're going to be looking into? >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, just to be clear so I can answer your questions down in my neighborhood,
none of this is proposed south of Leonardo. >> Again, I don't like speaking in absolutes. I'm not sure exactly what's proposed. I think the focus of this right now is in the Times Square area in the downtown area as a um mutual or or
double benefit for giving that area some resiliency as well as providing some uh pedestrian corridor. Um and I think the one of the funding mechanisms that they were looking at is having the developers actually pay for that wall kind of
similar to how Alri paid for theirs. Mhm. >> But you don't see it happening behind the curtain while >> I I'll get my crystal ball next time. >> Well, I'm and just speaking from our
property. >> Yeah. >> That that I'm at. We just finished after Ian reconstructing a a timber retaining wall >> that was you partially destroyed by Ian.
and we went through everything else and given the cost and the permanency of it, uh, I think Winds would be prone to taking a look at at something along the same lines where our uh, retaining wall
is now. >> Yes. >> Versus having one made out of timber. And nobody's going I well I shouldn't say nobody there was my absolutes but um I don't think the intent is to force things on people's property if that's the concern. I think this is a study to
how to make our town more resilient and given the issues over the period uh side of things and downtown and how exposed and the destruction that happened with these storms. we need to look at some
solutions. >> So, I'm looking at the picture behind you, which is our downtown. And what I'm understanding is the picture I'm looking at is to the to the um north of the pier is county property, right? So, >> north and south.
>> North and south. >> Oh, both. >> Well, you have Crescent on one side, Mall on the other. So, but you're not sure if the county would be on the board or have you talked to the county that >> I can't speak for the county. >> Yeah. But have you talked to the county about it >> because you're talking about the
downtown area which is the Times Square area, right? >> Yeah. No, we haven't had any formal discussion that I'm aware of. That's that's not >> where where are you talking that you think in the downtown area? Can you be more specific on what you're talking about? What area you're talking about?
From what I've read out of the projects, and correct me if I'm wrong, Elizabeth, I think they were talking kind of like from the Edison house down to maybe red coconut was kind of like the ideal, you know, pike dreamed in order to again um address the most um
erosional areas of the beach as well as the pedestrian corridor benefit of having a wall with an associated uh sidewalk. And this wall doesn't have to be straight. It's like a it can be a meandering
feature like up at Clear Water. It's a it's a it's a curved wall. Um they've done a lot. And then like in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, there's it's it's a wavy wall and it's a wave mitigation wall and it's so it can be it can be worked into the
landscape and environment and pedestrian. Are the curves part of uh are they just for visual or do they have engineering like attenuation benefits as well? >> They're I think they're more for visual.
>> Um >> yeah just >> so you're you're sorry. Uh, so you're thinking that the properties for medicine to Brett Coconut that they you've talked to some of those people and they would be interested in in building
>> That's not what I said. >> I'm sorry. Lyn, can you repeat what you said? I may have misunderstood. >> My understanding from reading about the project is that they were looking at from Edison down to Red Coconut as an ideal
place to have the benefits of increasing resiliency in one of the more erosional areas of the beach as well as providing the benefit of the pedestrian walkway. >> I could have swore you said you talked to some of the property owners who who
like the idea. >> We can replay the video. >> Oh, >> if I said that, I'm sorry. I must have misspoke. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I have, but this is this is separate in a way. It's a separate issue and until
2001 we had a seat belt and it got covered up by a Gabriel completely covered up but it's it's >> so it was 5 ft down to the water otherwise before now but you could still walk we could the walk it's still used they can still see it could it be built
could something be built upon that >> yes >> upon that seaw wall honest to god never even thought of that >> no if there's existing walls and I know there's several there's many properties along the beach that existing walls. >> We always look to we look we look for opportunities to try to utilize that
existing feature. >> Sure. >> As long as it's we have to verify its structural integrity and stuff, but >> but the um like with Bonita Beach, we were able to use that. And it's a it's a concrete panel wall that goes down 10 ft below grade, >> but it was stable enough to support an additional,
>> you know, 3 ft. I know our neighbors have concrete walls and >> I I didn't even know they had them until Ian came through and exposed them and I went, "Whoa, >> where did that come from?" >> Some of the really old ones built by like almost like railroad
>> railroad ties. >> Well, that's what we had. We had railroad ties. >> Yeah. And they they got destroyed. >> You talking about the metal like metal bars? >> Just railroad timbers. timbers 8 by8 timbers
>> that are spiked together. >> Were you were you contracted with any of these towns through the towns or just these jobs were the individual property >> properties individual properties? >> Okay. So is this the first time you worked with the town? >> Yes, it is the first
>> for this type of project. Yes. >> Okay. >> I have a a question. If this were to be put in most of the coastal setback line, it's quite a ways away from beach from the water. Uh I'll
give you an example. Cable Beach Club, which you mentioned, I I assume Red Coconut RV Park you're talking about. >> So just clarify the what coastal setback line. >> I think it's the 1988 mistaken or whatever. the 1978 triple CL like the the delineation for the
critical uh >> I don't know which one it is Chad it's the one that's furthest to the buildings so right now it goes into the >> where we can't build over >> right >> right okay so the 1978 triple CL or CC yeah I refer to it as the SL
>> set back line yeah it's like the original the original one in 78 walls would be in front of that because going landward side would be into the into the grass area. So, a lot of >> Yeah. Again, everything's going to be
dependent on discussions with the property owners and figuring out um the configuration based on that. Well, from from discussions with a few of the people at the condos that I live in,
their concern is the easement language. >> Mhm. >> Um being it permanent and then also the what they can use it for. And then right now they have sand from their grass all the way to the water which they put on chairs and so forth. Having people
walking in front of the in front of the property. We already have two beach access. One cleanup property, one on the south side of the property, which we haven't had major issue with people coming in and using our facilities, you know, grills, picnic areas, all that
stuff. >> So, that's that's a challenge. How do you how do you alleviate that? That's some of the concerns that they're going to have. >> That's that's why it's important to study different areas of the island because they're going to have different priorities, right? And I agree that you
know many people don't want the public track, you know, >> crossing their property. >> The two beach accesses with that seaw wall go through those beach access and then come up over the top. Typically, I >> think you would still need direct
access, you know, be able to >> walk >> possibly on some of them where they're designated for construction access even for equipment. M. So that would have to be accommodated. >> What I was getting at, I think that would be a good case study area because that's what you're going to run into a
lot of resistance in. And that's exactly what I'm saying is you you look at that area >> and what are the condo owners concerned with and I think everybody we talk to most everybody on the island would like to have some type of boardwalk
along the beach as long as it doesn't affect their privacy. That's the key. >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We all We all want a nice walk on the beach, but just don't walk in front of my property. >> Well, walking in front of walking in front of property is not an issue. >> We We have We have thousands of people
walking in front of our property every day. Uh-huh. >> You know, the issue is the same thousand people before we started limiting access to the property was that they'd all go in and and use the restrooms, the pool,
and everything else. You know, they figured if I'm on the beach, then this condo is part of the beach, and it's all public property. >> That's true. And that's, you know, we share our beach with the world, but we don't necessarily want to share the
restrooms and the pools. >> Makes sense. >> Yes. >> You know, so that's the issue. But I don't think anyone has a problem with people on the beach. That's that's what tourism is the fuel that runs the economic engine of the t Yes.
>> of the town. And you know, we we want to continue to promote that, but we have to do it that's that is supportive of the people that also live on the beach side of the asteroid.
>> I have a question too since what you brought up was a good point. The accesses I could see that you know our island isn't long stretches of buildings. is we have several beach accesses and if the water can get
through the beach access, how are we preventing sand and water from getting inland? >> If you if you have a retaining wall, you have a ramp >> in front of that property, but >> but you have a ramp that goes over the the wall. It's very easy to build a
ramp. >> Sounds like an engineering question. >> Beach access. >> I'm just trying to >> trying to get you an answer. It's it's if you have a wall going through, you have a ramp that goes over the wall that provides beach access
or you cut a you cut it so that you have the ground sloped up behind it. You pave the ground through the wall and you have sides on either side going out to the beach. There's there's numerous ways to
to shield the landlord side with a with a three-foot You could always, you know, you could always like overlap the ends and still provide enough room for maneuverability >> through that that wall, but but it still
as if you're if you're the a wave coming towards it, you still see it as one as one structure. >> Yeah, we just have so many accesses, whether they're walk accesses or, you know, beach accesses. So that's I just don't see how um this retaining wall
would really work. Uh >> if you go to Miami Beach and look at some of the >> structures that they built there, of course, Miami Beach is higher, >> right, >> elevation wise, but you go I've been to Clearwater Beach, so I know
>> if you go look at these retaining walls, you'll see how they would benefit the property and how that accesses come into play and so forth. But it each property is going to be unique. I mean, we got millions of business that come to the island a year
>> and it just takes one or two or half a dozen really rude people that think they can, you know, come and use your property that creates all kinds of issues. >> That's true. Like Miami isn't I mean they have a walkway, the boardwalk, an
area to ride bikes and things like that, but I don't believe that that is privately owned property that's adjacent to it. So that's where I think you're right. I think a lot of people are going to have an issue with people walking right in front of them.
>> So bringing this back >> Yes. >> to a close, what can we do as a committee? Uh what would you like us to either do, not do, leave you alone, make a recommendation?
Um, you know, our purpose is to advise the town council. So, um, >> it would I mean, so I believe we're going to be on the agenda next Monday. Um, it would be nice to to be able to
document that that we had that y'all talked to me and we had a discussion and answered questions and, um, I definitely want to keep y'all engaged. you know, hopefully we'll move forward with the town. And I think y'all are a
valuable resource for for this type of project for, you know, for our team to be able to continue to talk to and and get ideas from. >> I have one more question. Do you mind >> if it's quick? We're running late.
>> I just have one more. Okay. So if uh in if it's in front of a personal property a private property and the storm does come and do damage who take who is responsible for damage to that seaw wall? >> It depends >> what >> depends depends.
>> It depends on what >> number of factors >> who paid for it to begin with. what the agreement is between whoever paid for it and the property owner and >> how much one question >> quick
>> sand deposit seaw walls uh that they typically >> end up on the water side or on the landward side when you have a >> the the water side >> water side so keep it it it stops or reduces sand deposits coming into the property because it
and the lean and we had A tremendous amount of sand deposited on the properties up and down the beach. >> I know it was like that all the way down Bonita Beach. I mean it was the parking lot the parking >> areas were full of 5 ft of sand. It was
awful. >> Vegetation stop it. vegetation is is I always promote that like even before Ian just to give y'all background I have been working with other property other kind of man properties on the beach and um we were
always promoting how about we install some additional doing vegetation out there cuz you know there are so many properties or it was just a combed beach and because everybody wanted to see and I I was able to convince a few of the condominium properties to do that. Um and uh and I
can give those those properties those names to you. But so I I know how important the vegetation is because it does it holds the sand. >> It does create you know once it's >> doesn't it do about the same thing that retaining wall would do?
>> Not as uh not on a more permanent basis. Um you have to have really mature vegetation with pretty large diameter. M >> um to >> to be able to >> equivalent to what yes
>> it helps a little bit but it doesn't it doesn't >> right >> dunes with lots of vegetation that would equal the retaining wall or it would be helpful >> it would be very helpful it would be helpful um >> even with the retaining wall you would like to see the vegetation
>> yeah because I think there I think that it's complimentary to it and it works that to me that's the best program >> to utilize >> it's been very informative business card. >> I do. Yes. >> I would also like
>> I I brought several. >> So would you like to >> make a motion as far as what we wish to advise the town council or >> on this matter?
>> Yes. Yes. Do you have another copy? >> I don't, but I can. Um, >> you can send that to me. >> I'll send it to Chad. >> Yep. I'll send the chat and he can >> Well, I I'll make one just um I think
after listening to the presentation, I believe the uh there are benefits uh involved in working with some permanent uh retaining walls
uh for the island that can mitigate uh wave action. And I think I would my motion is that we recommend that the town continue to pursue this path. >> I'll second that.
>> Any discussion on the motion before we move? >> We just say retaining wall and way attenuation walls. It's kind of >> Yep. >> Um >> retaining well. She she said they're retainable walls. So
>> you know one tomato tomato >> to make a distinction between a seaw wall cuz a lot of there's a lot of misconception that there's seaw walls under >> well the initial area that they're talking about doing this also they need all the protection they can get anything that would help
>> anything anything is anything we can do to protect the island is should be pursued at my point. So, >> okay, >> that was my motion and it was made and seconded. Any further discussion? >> I don't believe we should purchase
anything on our beaches. I mean, environmentally, I don't think that anything we can do, you know, we know the equivalent is doing dunes and vegetation to help mitigate the sand that collects on people's properties and
the roads. I think there's other ways, probably a lot less expensive ways to do that. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other discussion? >> Okay. With that, a public question
starting with that. >> Yay or nay? >> Yay or nay? >> Yay. >> Um, I'm a nay on it right now. I just want more information. I would like more information today or
>> if you need more information it's just that yes I would not like to pursue it yet until we have more information. >> Okay. >> All right. I mean I'm yay. >> Yay. >> Okay. >> And you're a yay. So um that's our re
>> Yep. That's our recommendation that carries. We recommend to the council um that they continue pursuing the path. >> Best we can do. >> And thank you for having here.
>> Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity. >> Thank you, Jack. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Um let's see. Going back beach nourishment project. I think we're going to kind of
keep saving that for champ staff update. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Uh hazardous material disposal. We had the collection on August 8th. How did that go? Do you I was not here for it, but
>> I I was not here as well. Um, I heard there was limited participation, but I haven't gotten any stats from the county or or Jeff Howy, so I can follow up with them. >> Okay. >> I I believe that
it we should I Our next one is what scheduled you gave me the date. >> I feel like it's is it February? >> Yeah. >> Um, so that'll be, you know, we'll have more people on island and participation get more public broadcasting, brass bands
announcing it, whatever it takes to let people know because we didn't we didn't get enough, you know, send it out to um the uh beach beach bulletin and and beach talk radio
and anybody else that that can put it in and say bring your stuff in because I think it's I think we need to get more information out to the people more often. done prior to the event. >> Yes, sir.
>> Um, canal dredging. I think we'll leave that near the corner, too, cuz you were the one talking about it. >> Okay. >> And all right. Shortbird nesting. I had an anecdotal
uh conversation with our uh Chris Weber, our our beach vendor, and from our section of the beach, we had an extremely successful snowy clover brooding season. We had uh
three nests, hatched five chicks, um and three have flown the coupe, as they say, and the other two are getting ready to fly any any day. So percentage- wise, we've added another 2% to the
total snowy clover population in the state of Florida. >> The official report that I I'm not trying to be confidential. The official report that I've read at FWC said there was one nest with two chicks. >> Mr. Chairman, if I can read the report from Brianna. >> Yeah.
>> Because I got >> give you official. So >> yeah. >> Uh hey Chad. Yes. Great updates for Fort Myers Beach. Next newsletter will be sent out this weekend, so that should be coming to y'all soon. Overall, this season was incredibly successful despite
the bird populations being drastically different than last year. Snowy clovers, we had three known Snowy clover nest and one unknown nest. From the three nests, six chicks successfully hat uh fledged. Nesting has not concluded. And the
fourth nest has three feathered chicks running around the 6,000 block in Mr. Dave's neighborhood. Uh, two of the four nests were on the 6,000 block and regularly surveyed or posted by Chris and Ginger Weber. They did an amazing amazing job educating beachgoers about
the birds and wildlife conservation efforts in place. Will Perry uh that's Mr. Bill's son also surveyed these nests and took extreme precautions to uphold the highest standard of imperial beach nesting bird monitoring while doing beach grooming. Wilson's clover. Of the
seven nesting attempts, two nests were abandoned and one nest hatched. The chicks chicks were immediately predated of the four nest. Uh, three from the CWA, one from the 8,000 block of the other four nest, sorry. Three in the CWA
and one in the 8,000 block. 10 chicks successfully fledged. All nesting has concluded for the Wilson clovers. Black skimmers nesting has not concluded. There are still two nests with eggs and several downey to feathered chicks. Over 130 chicks have
success successfully fledged and there are still around 100 chicks that are close to fledging but still using the colony. The largest number of adult skimmers we saw this year was around 800 total. Last year it was around 1,300 which isn't surprising with new colonies
popping up around the county. The lease turns nesting has mostly concluded. Over 100 chicks have su successfully fledged and there are still around 80 flighted chicks using the colony posting area. Our maximum number
of adults was around 350 which is less than last year. Again, not surprising due to new colonies around Lee County. Part of this year's success was how well the stakeholders worked with FWC during the off season. There were scheduled
meetings to discuss previous issues and worked out partnerships, agreements, partnership agreements and we received overall positive feedback so far. We really could not have had as successful this season as we did without the Perry's help as the main liazison between FWC staff and the stakeholders.
They really helped open up the communication channels and formed the partnership in a positive direction. The Perry's also helped me being Brianna to post the southern CWA as well as the col as well as the colony so that they can keep in contact with
stakeholders to answer questions they may have. While FWC staff understand the consistent concerns with colony postings versus beach use, we did everything in our power to mitigate these concerns during the season. This includes pulling postings that have not been used for a certain amount of
time in the late season, shrinking the colony in certain areas that were not used, and more. We truly want to work with stakeholders as we continue this partnership and a few in the future to ensure success for birds and humans. Additionally, the herbicide treatment at the beginning of the season was
incredibly successful with only 3% vegetation growth within the treated area throughout the season thus far. None of the regrowth included sand spurs. So that in itself was a win. The biggest issues we face this year in the
CWA and 6,000 and 8,000 block beaches are off dog uh off leash dogs, flushing birds, dog owners that were not responsive to our feedback on off leash dogs and dogs not allowed in the CWA.
motor powered paragliders fighting flying over the CWA. The CWA is a no-fly zone for drones as well. Uh which typically launched from the 6,000 block beach and she says she hopes this help helps
and if you have any questions to get in touch with her. She's been great. >> Dave, I apologize. I'm glad I was wrong. >> That was a great >> if we can figure out a copy of that. I asked Brianna last night for yesterday
too late. >> Sure. I can forward it to the >> committee. >> If we can do something to stop the the uh paragliders from launching off the beach, we're all for it. I mean, >> I've buted heads with uh them several
times. It's the same group that keeps coming. I've talked to the property owner that they claim to have a relationship with and hopefully it's been addressed, but they are persistent. Are they the ones that have motors that take off? >> They're terribly irritated.
>> So, they're taking off off the beach. >> Yes. >> I don't know that. >> Yeah, it's a group. >> There's a group. >> There's FWC. Don't they have >> I don't know. >> Well, the thing to do, and this is for everybody watching for sure, and to
share, when you see them, immediately call FWC or the sheriff. That way, they can follow them to their landing site. And if it is anywhere near any of those zones, then they can get them right then. Okay, >> but you got to report it. Um, they were scaring away the rosettes. They were scaring away. It's been crazy with those
guys. >> So, just report it and then they can follow them if if they have available officers. That's what they kept telling us when I recall. >> So, also have turtle stats if you want to hit that real quick. Um, so turtle update. This is as of this morning from
Miss Cindy Johnson with the turtle time uh volunteer group and FWC marine turtle permit holder. Uh we have 112 nests that looks like it's going to be the final number. You never know. 314 false crawls which is high. Um so that has to do with
the black pipe we have on the beach. Having said that 112 nest is a healthy number of nests and and kind of typical typical year that we have on Fort Myers Beach. Uh to date we've had 40 nests that have hatched. Unfortunately, we've had 18 disorientations to date. That's
the most we've had for an entire season since I've been here. Um uh three last night. Uh it's a symptom of the redevelopment. You know, we've had everything uh the destruction that happened knocking down structures, knocking down vegetation, lights that
have never been visible before are visible. In addition to we have a lot of new construction with contractors that aren't necessarily familiar with Fort Myers Beach. Uh new owners that aren't necessarily familiar with uh Fort Myers Beach. So it's just a reminder everybody
that is on the Seawwood side of Astero Boulevard should have amber bulbs on the beach side and shore perpendicular side of their structures. Uh and the roofs of their structures. It should be uh in a amber longwavelength bulb in a downward
directed fixture that shields that light source from the beach. On the street side, they should also be amber bulbs per the sea turtle conservation code. Um and if they're under 260 lumens, which the turtle bulbs typically are, they don't necessarily have to be shielded on the street side because the structure is
doing the shielding. They do need to be amber long wavelength as well. Uh across Astero Boulevard, uh we're going to try and get the message out. um even two, three, four lots um into the side streets, they are causing disorientation. So, we need those folks
to do their best to turn off these flood lights that they're leaving on all night if they're not necessary for human health and safety. Install sensors and please install longwavelength bulbs. We have several low low uh cost options that I've been blasting out um to the
property owners and uh the community is responsive. Homeowners are responsive for the vast majority of them. Um it's just the sheer volume. You know, typically we only had to worry about mostly the beachfront properties because the structures shielded a lot of
the uh across the scar boulevard and sideh side street stuff. But now that everything's so open, you know, we get a lot of uh both indirect and direct light that we typically didn't see. And and one thing I would add to that,
if you get bulbs off of Amazon and they advertise as turtle friendly, they are not necessarily compliant. >> Turtle friendly does not mean turtle does not mean FWC compliant. and they're
generally selling for about a third of the cost of what a real amber wavelength bulb should be. So look for the FWC >> the FWC the FWC um insignia that that there's a bit of a delay there. Look for
the manufacturer spec. If they say 560 nmters or greater or have like 590 or 620 on that manufacturer spec it typically if they're saying that that's going to be a compliant bulb. You don't know until you take a specttoraph. But if it's not saying that and Amazon isn't
the best at listing all the manufacturer specs manufacturer specs, but you see it on the box, typically that will be a long way. >> Right. I just wanted to pass that along cuz we did get burned on some bulbs that we purchased. >> Yes.
>> I'm so confused why we're having so many new constructions on the beach with not even lights that have shields on it. bright lights. >> It's a challenge. We're going to get a um a post via the building department out to the contractors. >> Some of these houses, new houses that
are across the street are being built and now they're bigger, they're taller, so you can see them from the beach now. And they have recess lighting. I'm sure you you've seen this. The recess lighting that's built underneath. Is that considered um >> Right. So we're addressing that through
the lighting standards code which um the lighting standard code lighting standards code requires all lighting exterior lighting to be fully shielded and full cut off. So whenever you have these fans and um lighting that's on the
second and third floor it's so high up and it is producing flare or flood lights that are producing flare into the rightway um and they don't meet the exceptions for the lighting standards code. Um there's several exceptions that you don't have to have it fully shielded, not necessarily full cut off.
Um uh we are um um addressing those issues with those houses one by one. Um and if it is visible from the beach directly or indirectly, it should be amber and in compliance with the sea turtle conservation code. So they don't get a final sign off that the that it's
all done until there's a walk through to make sure the lighting is correct or >> So the CTO conservation code does not give me an inspection for single family homes that are language of the triple CL. This may be a stupid question, but I've
often wondered with the problem that they're having with the lighting and and from the land side, why isn't there some type of a curtain that can be put up uh behind the nest to to to to block that light so so that when the hatching folks
come up and start out, they don't see the light from behind. >> They have they have gotten special permission from FWC to do that on a couple of nests considering the level of disorientations that we've had this year. However, even with that shielding that they put, they did put one and last night one of those was shielding. Still
disoriented. Once they make it past that curtain, I mean, the lights are are hitting them. So, >> well, they put artificial light sealers. >> I've never heard that suggestion before. >> It won't work. >> I mean, that that we had a full moon
last night and still didn't. We have the one of the biggest lights out in the sky and it still can't compete with these LEDs that are 5,000K. just seemed like the curtain would be easy, inexpensive. It seemed like it would work. >> It opens up a can of worms with those curtains cuz then if we're putting up those curtain, not only are they not
foolproof, there's a lot of issues with them as far as but it opens up a can of worms to where if we're putting up those curtains, then property owners might start the argument, well, if you're doing that, why do I need to worry about the lighting when it's like everything helps? >> Um, >> and it is foolproof. If the property
owners do what they're supposed to do and put the correct lighting, then we wouldn't have the dis. >> Well, but you're going to have the issue and so you can take some corrective measures possibly to help. It just doesn't work. Mr. I know. I know you want I I I get it and I've talked about
the same things and it it just it doesn't work. >> Or I've heard people say put out lights out into the water to guide them, right? >> Well, what does that light do? It attracts sharks and bigger fish that eat the babies as they go out. So, >> okay. Thank you, Chad.
>> Yes, sir. >> All right. >> Going down members items. Ed, do you have anything? >> Well, I've got uh something on behalf of the uh friends of Little Herald Island. So, I don't know if I should address that during the members items or if I
should wait to public comments and then >> do it during members. >> Okay. So, um we we have um and we're and again this month we'll be doing it. We have the MURF award for um um people
that that go above and beyond uh uh to help protect the wildlife and the environment and and we uh uh nominate people when we vote and and we we give them this award. Um it it seemed funny
to us um on the the few people that I've talked to um that are part of the part of the friends of little island that you recognize uh a person or entity or whatever with with with
an award um and nominating them and voting uh to give them award when there's nothing tangible for them to um show or for them to
remember as time goes on. And so um hopefully um it's okay. But without anyone's permission on this committee, the friends of Louisis Carolina took it upon themselves
to have a small award um uh manufactured that could be given to whoever it is that's nominated and given the award. Uh so that they can have something uh as a memorabilia that they can put on their
on their desk or on their shelf in their office or their credenza uh you know uh to help to help them uh uh you know that they can show off the people that that people come in or people that they talk to. And so so we we took it upon
ourselves to have them made for 2025 to the end of the year. And um and if that's if that's uh acceptable with everyone, uh we'll continue to do that beginning in the first of the year for the for 2026.
>> And I want to make sure that they're they're politically correct or whatever. >> Well, you know, you don't come from me. >> That's why you want to see it. >> Never know. >> Are they made out of plastic? Yeah, I remember. >> Anyway, it's got the uh it's got the
Fort Myers Beach logo at the top. Um and then it's just uh it's not going to be shown. It's uh >> anyway, it's beautiful. >> They were relatively inexpensive. They're great expansion.
>> And they they're willing to donate these free of charge is is what the hope is. That's pretty cool. Well, that's his um >> we have to we have to I'm I think we have to ask the town council because we
have the Fort Mars Beach logo on it >> um if it's if it's acceptable and if so. Okay. >> You know, that's a good idea. >> I think it I I I too thought, you know, gee, it'd be nice even if we gave just a little button that said I won a Murf
award or something. But no, that's a very striking thing and it makes it very >> from very 19. >> Also, one other thing I'd like I'd like to mention before I'm finished. I would like to on
the agenda for next month's meeting there. Also, I've had fielded some questions about who it is actually that's eligible for the merger board. What types of entities or organizations, companies, businesses or individuals? And so if we could just add that to the
agenda next month and just have a great discussion on on on on who it is about who who who it is. >> You're already dead. >> Mr. Rude, what's the name of the award? >> Award Murphy Murphy award, right?
>> I'm sorry. >> The Murf Murphy award. >> I said, yeah, >> we should probably put Murphy award on. >> Call it Murphy. It's >> Well, it's for Murf. It's the It's the MERT. Isn't it Murphy?
>> Murphy. It's not It's the Murf M >> RF T. >> Nice job. >> I always thought it was ask forgiveness when it's on. >> If you look it up, if you look it up on the town's website, it clearly states
the marine environment resources. >> Okay. Anything else? >> That's a very nice That's a very nice award. >> Well, thank you. >> If Um, we'll have to put that in in front of the town council when we get our report.
>> That's right. >> Very You're welcome. You know what, Dave? Why don't you take take one and so that you can show it to the council? I'm not going to be here. >> It says Murphy, right? >> Yeah, it's Murphy. >> It's Murphy. It's It's Mur
Py. Murphy award for what? It's always been >> It's always been his name. >> I didn't know that. >> Mr. Murphy. >> What does the Murphy stand for? >> It's a gentleman. Do you Do you know the
story chat? The gentleman who >> Murf stands for Murf because that's the acronym that we use. And I mean John Molland was the uh >> founder of the committee but Mur is just
a play on the acronym of the committee marine. >> But the resource task force they called it the Murphy award spelling it M P. >> In light of the fact that it's called the Murphy award it still comes from the Murf committee.
>> Correct. Well, I think that these will be appropriate for about you already had some made. >> All right, sure. We got 5 minutes. >> Yeah, I know. All right. Um, two things for me. Number one, um, Mr. Rude brought something to my attention that you guys might all be interested in coming down and seeing what I'm doing. I think you
also want to open up a in like please come down and check out all the nature programs, friends and family. I'd love to take you guys out and show you around. So, thank you for making me think about that. >> Um, number two is I just want to ask Chad real quick. When are we going to be planting the dunes or the burn in front of Pigshell?
>> When? >> Uh, so I think we have the contract signed. I'm I need to see if the town manager if we've executed our side of it, but um the contractor was enthusiastic that the plants are growing
faster than expected and will be of size very soon. So hopefully in the next month or two. And when you when they go to put in the new plants that they're planting, are they going to be allowing the plants that have already started to grow and establish naturally to stay? They're going to plant around them.
>> Um I think there's going to probably be some um foot traffic on those on what's my >> I don't think they're going to intentionally kill anything, but >> it's going to be a construction area construction will happen. >> Okay. Thank you, sir. That's all for you.
>> Okay. My only thing was that um I'm hesitant to resign up for the Ranger program because I had paid for a year ago then they canceled it. They're doing it again. Is it a good idea? >> Yeah. 100%. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> That's it. timeline. >> Um, we uh received uh over $2,000 um uh contribution from the Fort Myers Beach Chamber Water Program uh which is uh now testing our waters at Moundhouse if
you're not aware. And I've got a card uh for a thank you for that. uh that money is going uh towards the printing the reprinting of the children's activity book which now we uh can do 15,000 uh copies. So we'll have lots of I have a
thank you card if you don't mind just uh saying thank you to the chambers water program you could all sign and um uh I think that's it for me. >> Oh, I didn't hear the part. Did you go over staff reports about the dredging? Did you say anything? I
>> we haven't got there yet. We haven't got there yet. Um, do you have anything? No. Okay. I have two things. Number one, um, we need to get, um, I don't know if there was a press release that came out
that went from, uh, the public information officer about the Mhalland award. I I didn't see anything going out to the press. Was there one? I believe there was one some time ago and uh I've been in communication with her. We're going to get another one out for you.
>> Okay. Because the end of August is coming and we'd like to at least rebroadcast the invitation for people to send their applications out. >> Yes, sir. We will. >> Okay. And then uh the other thing was
and I'm going to bring this up. I'll bring this up at uh next meeting agenda. Um, I want to talk about turtle cards, but that's all I have. >> Turtle what? Sorry. >> Turtle cards. >> Okay.
>> I talked to you a little bit about them. Um, >> oh, the uh Okay. >> Any personal ones that people use? >> Okay. >> And that's all I had. Okay. Staff, you're up.
>> All right. So, uh, the dredge project looks like I'll be shaving this beard by the end of the month. We're going to be all done. Uh it's a eight-month period. That's about how long we're overdue. And uh uh I think early next week, end of this week, early next week, uh the pump will
be turned off. And by the end of this month, they will be demobilizing, get all getting all the black pipe off the beach, uh finish grading, finish grooming, and we will have our new beach to ourselves. All right,
>> no more jumping up over houses. >> When is the next >> When is the next month? Second Wednesday of everybody. >> And I think maybe in the interest of uh time, we can push the dredging conversation to the next meeting. >> Sure.
>> If you like. Um, may I have any excuse for next meeting? I'll be out of the country. That's what I was asking. >> Bill, are you still on or did you have to? >> He probably >> Okay, I think we're getting close to the
end. So, um, did you have anything memberwise? >> Uh, no. I'll glad I'll bring it up next time when I'm down there. >> Okay. Very good. Um,
next meeting. >> What do we want to talk about? >> I want to talk about turtle cards. That's one thing you wanted to talk about. The Murphy award. Um, we can have another turtle update. >> Dredging
>> and dredging. Okay. Anything else? >> All right. Um, >> signs. Beach entrance signs. >> Beach entrance signs. Okay.
>> All right. >> We're a little running >> just a minute. Everybody's got something scheduled. So um I will accept a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> Second. >> Thank you everybody. >> Thank you.
>> All those in f motion meeting seconded to adjourn the meeting. All those in favor say >> I.