The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) has officially approved its operating millage rate and budget for the upcoming fiscal year, while also sharing important updates on the island’s major beach renourishment project.
Budget Approval
At its final budget hearing on September 12, the CEPD commission voted unanimously (4–0) to adopt an operating millage rate of 0.3740 mills, which matches the rolled-back rate and represents a decrease from the current 0.4128 mills for 2024–25.
The board also approved a $648,205 budget for fiscal year 2025–26. According to the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the district’s certified gross taxable value for non-exempt properties stands at $1.73 billion.
At the first budget hearing held earlier this month, a tentative rate of 0.5000 mills was considered. However, commissioners ultimately chose to proceed with the rolled-back rate.
Beach Renourishment Updates
General Manager Brighton Heard reported that preparations for the long-awaited beach renourishment are well underway. The Turner Beach parking lot closed September 5 to serve as a staging area for equipment, with work scheduled to begin on September 20.
Nicole Sharp of APTIM shared that the pre-project survey revealed the need for 1.2 million cubic yards of sand, significantly higher than the 800,000 cubic yards originally planned due to hurricane impacts. The project contractor, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, confirmed it can provide the additional sand at the same unit price of about $19 per cubic yard. However, this will extend the project timeline.
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Original bid: $26 million
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Additional sand needed: 400,000 cubic yards
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Estimated added cost: $7.66 million
Construction will advance northward along the island at a pace of 400–500 feet per day, operating continuously, 24/7, for an estimated 56 days.
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Turner Beach lot: closed through October 12
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Alison Hagerup Beach lot: will close temporarily during the project’s second phase
During construction, public access to active work zones will be restricted, while other areas of the beach remain open. Nighttime operations may generate light and noise, but CEPD confirmed that environmental protections—including on-site wildlife and water quality monitoring—are in place.
Commission Appointments
In other business:
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The board voted 4–0 to appoint Bernie Dupre to the vacant commission seat. A Captiva resident of 16 years with decades of management and investment experience, Dupre said his goal is to “help protect and preserve” the island.
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The commission also named Vice Chairman Rene Miville as the new treasurer.
Stay Connected
For project updates or questions, contact CEPD at 239-472-2472 or visit www.mycepd.com.
