Guest commentary: Dunes designed to provide greater resilience
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) understands that some residents have expressed concerns about the height of the dunes being constructed as part of the ongoing 2025 Captiva Beach Renourishment Project. We genuinely appreciate the community’s attention, feedback and passion for preserving the character and beauty of Captiva Island. Your engagement helps ensure that CEPD’s work continues to reflect both sound science and community values.
This project was carefully designed and permitted by APTIM Inc., using modern coastal engineering standards and the most recent Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood elevation data. In 2023, FEMA raised the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) across much of Captiva Island to 12-plus feet NAVD to better reflect the realities of rising sea levels, stronger storms and lessons learned from events such as Hurricanes Ian, Milton and Helene.
In response to these updated standards, APTIM designed the dune system to provide greater resilience against storm surge and erosion. In most areas, the new dune height represents a modest 1-2 foot increase over prior CEPD templates, but this increase plays a critical role in improving the island’s ability to withstand tropical systems and protect both homes and public infrastructure.
We recognize that the higher dunes may temporarily alter the familiar landscape for some residents. However, these dunes were not designed to limit views, but rather to safeguard the community and ensure Captiva’s continued recovery and resilience. Over time, weather will naturally soften the dune profile, and the beach will blend more seamlessly into its surroundings as the system stabilizes.
CEPD, APTIM and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock continue to monitor construction closely to ensure the work remains within approved design specifications and permit conditions. The district remains committed to its mission — protecting the shoreline, enhancing coastal resilience and preserving the beauty of Captiva for future generations.
At this time, the project will proceed as planned, consistent with the district’s resiliency goals and the approved engineering and permitting framework. That said, the CEPD is listening carefully to community input and is committed to reviewing all comments and working collaboratively to find balanced and amicable approaches for future renourishment projects. Our goal is to protect the integrity of Captiva’s shoreline while maintaining the trust, understanding and support of the community we serve.
We sincerely thank all residents and visitors for their patience and understanding as we complete this vital investment in Captiva’s future. For additional information, including design plans, permits and weekly project updates, please visit www.mycepd.com or contact our office at 239-472-2472.
Thank you for your understanding.
Established in 1959, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) is an independent special beach and shore preservation district. The boundaries of the district include all of Captiva, from the centerline of Blind Pass to the centerline of Redfish Pass, and extend 300 feet into the Gulf and Pine Island Sound. For more information, visit mycepd.com.