The Town of Fort Myers Beach has once again extended the completion date for its beach renourishment project, now aiming to wrap up by June 30—more than six months later than originally scheduled. This marks the fourth delay since February.
Environmental Progress Amid Delays
Despite delays caused by equipment failures and dredging pipe leaks, the southern segment of the beach—home to the island’s most sensitive shorebird nesting areas—was completed on May 18. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has confirmed 250 least tern nests, black skimmer, snowy plover, and Wilson’s plover nests with active chicks on site.
Turtle Time has already relocated 12 loggerhead sea turtle nests since May 1 to safeguard against disruptions from the ongoing work. The FWC and Turtle Time continue to monitor and protect nesting wildlife, with critical zones taped off accordingly.
Delays and Permits
Originally set to finish in January 2025, the $21.7 million contract with Ahtna Marine and Construction Company has significantly exceeded its 180–195 day timeline. The contractor faces penalties of $750 per day for delays. Despite a formal protest from Callan Marine, Ahtna was awarded the project last year.
Delays have been attributed to impacts from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, as well as subsequent equipment breakdowns. Although initial work began on the northern end of the island, erosion-heavy areas like Leonardo Arms weren’t addressed until February.
Remaining Work and Safety Alerts
Current work focuses on the mid-island area, from Lanark Street to Newton Beach Park. Exposed dredging pipes remain visible in some areas and can be disorienting to nesting sea turtles. Residents and visitors—especially those with mobility issues—are advised to tread carefully on the newly placed and still-deep sand, especially near Leonardo Arms and Crescente Condominium.
Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt praised the restoration around Leonardo Arms, calling the transformation “spectacular.” However, Councilmember John King voiced concern that the southern tip of the island might still require additional sand placement. The town is awaiting state legislative funding for potential hot spot maintenance or emergency sand permits.
Permit Compliance and Wildlife Protection
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) granted the town its third extension through May 15 in the South Beach Segment. The DEP permit prohibits activity within the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area from April 1 to August 31.
FWC ensures compliance with daily shorebird surveys and nesting protections. While it’s preferable for such projects to occur outside of nesting season, the town’s efforts aim to restore essential habitat for shorebirds and sea turtles alike.
What’s Next?
Demobilization is expected in early July. The project continues under close monitoring from FWC, DEP, and conservation groups, striving to balance environmental protection with long-term coastal restoration.
