CEPD updated on beach project, talks signage
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s (CEPD) commission received an update on the beach renourishment project at a recent workshop, as well as directed staff on some possible dune signage.
On Nov. 6, General Manager Brighton Heard provided an update on the project.
He reported that the contractor is nearly three-quarters of the way through the work, with the line approaching the ‘Tween Waters Inn & Marina that coming weekend. From there, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock will start moving back north, with just over 2,000 cubic yards left to dredge at that point.
“It looks like the project has sped up to some degree,” Heard said.
He explained that it could be attributed to the close of sea turtle nesting season.
The possible end date for the renourishment is Nov. 23, maybe sooner if productivity remains high.
Heard continued that all of the dune plantings have been completed over the southern half of the project area. They also left openings among the plants to serve as walkways for beachgoers. However, people have already been stepping on the plantings, so staff have been installing temporary signs.
A discussion of whether to use the temporary signs or invest in permanent signs took place.
Vice Chairman and Treasurer Rene Miville supported using the temporary ones.
Brighton explained that he felt permanent ones, made of perhaps pressure-treated wood, would be better. They could be placed every 300 feet and serve as an ongoing reminder to stay off of the dunes. He added that the temporary plastic ones can be blown away during high winds and appear cheap.
Commissioner Bob Walter pointed to the cost of the beach project.
“I think residents would want a quality sign,” he said.
The board directed staff to draft a proposal to purchase the materials needed to construct the signs in house, versus going through a contractor, for presentation and consideration at its next meeting.
Also at the workshop, Brighton reported that staff attended the Sanibel City Council meeting on Nov. 4. The council approved a proposal to piggyback off the CEPD’s agreement to have approximately 300,000 cubic yards of sand fill placed on north Sanibel, with a cost-share to the CEPD for $142,046.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email