The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) commission recently convened to discuss the final stages of the current beach renourishment project, address resident concerns regarding dune elevations, and negotiate a partnership proposal with the City of Sanibel.
Project Timeline and Parking Status General Manager Brighton Heard provided a timeline update for the ongoing beach renourishment. The project is nearing the finish line, with an anticipated completion window between Nov. 20 and Nov. 23.
Regarding beach access, the Turner Beach parking lot has reopened to the public. However, the Alison Hagerup Beach parking lot is being used for the project and will remain closed until all work is finalized.
Resident Petition Regarding Dune Height A significant portion of the meeting focused on a petition submitted by approximately 20 residents expressing concern over the height of the new dunes. The petition questions why the southern section of the dune system was constructed to a height of 12 feet, while the northern section near South Seas stands at 10 feet.
Residents cited several negative impacts, including:
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Obstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico.
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Changes to community character and aesthetics.
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Potential issues with stormwater runoff and sand overwash.
The petitioners requested that the board engage independent experts to review whether a uniform 10-foot dune would offer adequate storm protection and asked for a resolution to lower the 12-foot sections. Following discussion, the commission directed coastal engineers from APTIM to prepare a detailed explanation of the height determinations for the public. Staff will also schedule a workshop to discuss signage for protecting the new dune plantings.
North Sanibel Beach Project Negotiations The commission also debated a proposal to allow the City of Sanibel to “piggyback” on the CEPD’s current contract with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. This cooperation would facilitate the Northern Sanibel Beach Renourishment Project, placing approximately 300,000 cubic yards of sand along Sanibel’s northern shore.
During the initial meeting on Nov. 10, the board voted 2-3 against the proposal, with Commissioners Bernie Dupre, Timothy McGowan, and Bob Walter dissenting due to concerns over financial cost-sharing.
However, the discussion reopened during a Nov. 13 workshop attended by Sanibel City Manager Dana Souza. Negotiations focused on adjusting the administrative cost-share the CEPD would receive. While the city declined a request to pay an additional $375,000 for mobilization costs—citing strict budget constraints—Souza indicated a willingness to increase the cost-share percentage from roughly 23% to 27.2%.
Following this adjustment, commissioners expressed support for the revised agreement, noting the mutual benefits for the islands. The board directed staff to formalize the new numbers for Sanibel City Council to consider, and a special meeting was set for Nov. 17 for the CEPD to reconsider the vote.
Administrative Changes and Grants In other business, the commission made a unanimous decision to change lobbying representation, voting 5-0 to terminate their agreement with Becker & Poliakoff and engage The Southern Group.
Finally, staff reported progress on a $500,000 invasive species grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This funding is designated specifically for the removal of non-native vegetation, such as Australian pines, though it does not cover the costs for replanting native species.
