Beach restoration workshop will inform attendees
The on-going debate about to ‘re-nourish’ or ‘not to re-nourish’ will be front and center Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pink Shell Resort at 275 Estero Blvd.
The Estero Island Beach Restoration Project Workshop will provide a factual basis of information on beach re-nourishment and associated property rights to educate the citizens and business owners of Fort Myers Beach. The event should inspire everyone to make informed decisions.
“We’re trying to get property owners in the affected area to the Beach re-nourishment project to come together and hear a presentation about what it is about and what does it mean,” said Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President John Albion. “There are so many rumors out there and we need to give people clear, defined information so that they may get an understanding about what the impacts are.”
Beach residents and business owners will hear from elected officials, local experts and residents on coastal processes, beach re-nourishment, state law, property rights and beach-side habitat. The speakers will include FMB Mayor Larry Kiker; Lee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Ray Judah; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager Jacqueline Keiser; Lee County Division of Natural Resources Manager Steve Boutelle; Florida Department of Environmental Protection Administrator Lucy Blair; FMB Environmental Sciences Coordinator Keith Laakkonen; FMB resident Frank Schilling; and FMB resident Joanne Shamp. University of Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent Joy Hazell will moderate the workshop.
“There have been accusations that say this project is to only drive more business to the island,” said Albion. “I find that argument to be very hollow because we are already a tourist destination. The reality is that this has a much greater impact on residents. This is to protect their assets and property. That’s what this project brings.”
Albion talked about the dredging project currently clearing the Matanzas Pass Channel Cuts 1 and 2.
“One of the many benefits of the dredging project is the sand bar that’s being created is expected to generate a noticeable degree of potential protection for properties that are basically in the path of a potential storm and that property,” he said. “The beach re-nourishment project should be just as valuable. So, I think there is ample quantifiable evidence that exists. That is why it’s important property owners get an understanding to fill in any holes on questions of what the project is, what are the ramifications to your property and what you are asked to give up and what you are going to get. I think once they get this information, people are going to understand this is a very good project for the area and for themselves.
Presentations will be followed by a question-and-answer session. To RVSP the workshop or to schedule a private meeting, please contact Laakkonen at 239-765-0202.