Key structural changes and financial planning updates are underway for Captiva Island’s shoreline defense systems. During its recent monthly meeting, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) commission advanced critical components of its beach renourishment framework while preparing for an upcoming leadership transition.
At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we watch these municipal updates closely. Protecting our shorelines through proactive erosion prevention directly preserves the structural integrity, property values, and natural beauty of Captiva’s premium real estate market.
In a nutshell: The CEPD has unanimously appointed a new economic consulting firm to finalize the cost apportionment for last year’s beach renourishment project, following the retirement of their long-time consultant. Additionally, the commission accepted the resignation of General Manager Brighton Heard and secured state funding for vital dune reinforcement.
New Firm Appointed to Certify Beach Renourishment Apportionment
A primary focus of the recent meeting centered on finalizing the financial apportionment—the formal distribution of project costs among benefited properties—for last year’s comprehensive beach renourishment project.
For over twelve years, noted economist Dr. William Stronge managed and certified this specialized economic data for the CEPD. With Dr. Stronge retiring from his consulting role, the district was tasked with finding a qualified replacement.
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The Transition: Outgoing General Manager Brighton Heard recommended contracting with Governmental Management Services (GMS) to step in and finalize the economic assessments.
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The Vote: The commission voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the contract with GMS.
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Next Steps: Staff expect to have the final cost apportionment ready for the board’s formal review at the upcoming July meeting.
General Manager Brighton Heard Submits Resignation
The meeting also brought significant internal staffing news as General Manager Brighton Heard officially submitted his two weeks’ notice to the commission. Heard has accepted a new professional opportunity located in Louisiana, concluding a tenure highly praised by the board.
His final day with the district is June 19, 2026. Expressing the board’s gratitude, Chairman Bob Walter noted, “I want to thank you. I think you’ve done an incredible job. I wish you the best.”
Funding Wins: State Grants & Future Federal Requests
Beyond staffing shifts, the CEPD successfully advanced several funding mechanisms designed to insulate local taxpayers from the full brunt of future coastal engineering costs:
Dune Vegetation Funding
Consultant Nick Matthews delivered a positive legislative update, revealing that the CEPD successfully secured $250,000 within the state’s General Appropriations Act. While the district originally requested $500,000, this secured state funding will be heavily utilized to enforce and stabilize the island’s protective dunes using a robust mix of native vegetation. The funding allocation is currently awaiting the governor’s final signature.
Looking Ahead to 2027-28
The commissioners approved a 4-0 resolution greenlighting a $37,847 agreement with APTIM Coastal Planning & Engineering. APTIM will assist the district in compiling and filing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Local Government Funding Request (LGFR) for the 2027-28 cycle.
CEPD STRATEGIC VOTES AT A GLANCE
[ ECONOMIST SWITCH ] ──► GMS replaces retiring Dr. William Stronge (Passed 4-0)
[ STATE FUNDING ] ──► $250,000 secured for mixed dune vegetation
[ ENVIRONMENTAL AID ] ──► APTIM hired for FDEP funding requests (Passed 4-0)
[ EXPANDED SCOPE ] ──► Matthews directed to explore new federal funding (Passed 4-0)
To further maximize capital options, the board concluded by passing a 4-0 motion directing Matthews to aggressively research potential federal funding programs for future beach renourishment lifecycles. These responsibilities were previously managed by a separate part-time consultant.
