Pink Shell hosts Restoration Project workshop
Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah and Fort Myers Beach town officials are expected to be addressing questions and concerns at the Estero Island Beach Restoration Project workshop Thursday, July 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pink Shell Beach Resort at 275 Estero Boulevard.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach, Pink Shell, and Lee County Sea Grant are sponsoring the informational beach re-nourishment workshop for property owners and other interested parties. The meeting is open to the public.
According to FMB Town Manager Scott Janke, the workshop will consist of presentations from experts in coastal process, beach nourishment, state law and habitat. It is being moderated by Joy Hazell, Lee County Sea Grant Extension Agency with representatives from the Town of Fort Myers Beach, Lee County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Elected officials also will also be available to answer questions.
“We encourage you to attend this workshop so you can learn first hand about the details of this project and how your support is necessary for this project,” said Janke. “If you are not able to attend this workshop in person, please consider sending a representative who can participate in the workshop on your behalf and can keep you informed with the most up-to-date information about the project and its effect on your property and all residents of Fort Myers Beach.”
Vice Mayor Herb Acken is surprised that the public is “giving credibility to two or three nay-sayers” but is encouraged with the town’s progress.
“The project looks good,” he said. ” It really looks like we might be moving forward. We’re starting to have a lot of good information out there to counteract the misrepresentations that have been made.
Acken is anticipating the workshop to provide “clear, honest facts about how people will be able to control dunes and vegetation” and about “the reality of retention of property rights involving the beachscape management program that has been adopted by the council.
“It’s looking good and we are starting to see the tide turn,” he said. “I’m sure that we’ll be answering questions from the public.”
FMB Mayor Larry Kiker says the re-nourishment project is coming to a fruition and either way sees a measurement of success in it.
“We are trying to educate everyone so that they can make an informed decision,” he said. “We are inviting opposing positions to speak at the workshop. This is the first time that a Beach town council has had an interlocal agreement with the county on this issue.”
Janke said town officials are in the process of scheduling meetings with property owners to discuss individual property requirements and concerns. Judah and members of the FMB Town Council will be available for on-site meetings from July 8-16. They will be joining County and Town staff to discuss the details of this program on these dates or any other times that may be convenient for you.
To RSVP the workshop or to schedule a private meeting, please contact Keith Laakkonen (Town of Fort Myers Beach) at 239-765-0202.
“Thank you for your continued partnership with this historic and important project,” said Janke.