The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) commission has approved an agreement with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) to provide sea turtle monitoring and nest relocation services for the upcoming beach renourishment project. The commission also approved funding for rental housing for the interns who will assist with monitoring efforts.
Sea Turtle Monitoring & Nest Relocation
At its March 10 meeting, CEPD staff presented two proposals from SCCF regarding monitoring and protecting sea turtle nests along Captiva’s beaches before and during the project.
- SCCF will provide four interns and one biologist to oversee monitoring and nest relocation.
- Monitoring will begin April 15, marking the first day of nesting season, and continue through September 30.
- SCCF staff will handle monitoring in April, with interns hired from May through September to support the effort.
The commissioners unanimously approved the agreement (5-0) for a cost not to exceed $130,000.
Intern Housing Approval
The SCCF reported that the CEPD is responsible for securing and funding housing for the interns, as SCCF will not have available housing until 2026.
- The commission approved a short-term rental agreement for the four interns from May through September at a Captiva property for a cost not to exceed $15,000.
Other CEPD Meeting Highlights
Alison Hagerup Beach Park Parking Attendant Discussion
- The commission discussed hiring an additional part-time parking lot attendant to help at Alison Hagerup Beach Park.
- A motion to hire another attendant was approved 4-1, with Chairman John Wade voting no, suggesting that the current staff should rearrange scheduling instead.
Beach Renourishment Funding Updates
- Economist Dr. William Stronge presented his tentative apportionment report, updating storm and recreational benefit analyses based on the 2021 assessment method.
- Matthew Sansbury, a representative from Public Resources Advisory Group (PRAG), provided an update on the bank loan Request for Proposal (RFP) for beach renourishment funding:
- The RFP has been released, with 30-40 banks receiving the proposal and eight banks directly contacted.
- Bids are due by March 26.
- Sansbury expects five or more bid submissions based on initial bank responses.
Accounting Services Renewal
- The commissioners voted 5-0 to renew CEPD’s contract with accounting firm Wiltshire, Whitley, Richardson & English, with an estimated monthly fee of $3,550.
For more information about the CEPD’s beach renourishment project, visit the Captiva Erosion Prevention District website.
