by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
In March, City Council approved a professional services agreement with ADG Architecture, LLC, in the amount of $772,057 to design the new Police Station on the City-owned property where the recycling center is currently located. Target Builders was named Construction Manager to collaborate with ADG Architecture. At the time the design contract was approved, the building’s construction was estimated at $8 million. Due to the delays caused by Hurricane Ian and the increase in building materials and construction expenses related to Hurricane Ian, ADG and Target Builders now estimate the project cost at $12,232,358. The building has parking underneath, a gym, offices, training and briefing rooms, a meeting room, command center, armory and firearms maintenance area, and more. Renderings can be seen here.
Sanibel Cancels Independence Day Fireworks, Plans Other Events
July 4th fireworks are canceled this year and may be for several years due to safety considerations while the causeway islands are under construction. The city will hold other Independence Day events.
City staff are very concerned about the logistics and public safety during an Independence Day fireworks display that could result from off-island residents traveling to Sanibel for a fireworks show. The last fireworks display was held on July 4, 2022, when 20,000 people watched the fireworks display from limited locations on Sanibel, the Sanibel Causeway Islands, boaters, and from mainland locations. As the causeway islands remain under construction, it is likely that visitors wishing to view a fireworks display on Sanibel will travel to the island. This is likely to result in heavy traffic within Sanibel’s neighborhoods and beach locations, which will be overwhelming for Sanibel’s public safety agencies. Additionally, the Sanibel Fire and Rescue Board of Fire Commissioners (BOFC) has voted to oppose fireworks this year due to the amount of dead vegetation on Sanibel from Hurricane Ian and the potential fire risk the dead vegetation and dry conditions pose.
The July 4th parade will take place, as will the road rally and a Rec Center event.
Repairs to Shared Use Path to Move Forward
A grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation will allow repairs to be made to the shared-use path. Hurricane Ian created significant surge throughout the City and as a result portions of the 26-mile shared-use path were damaged. Additionally, right-of-way debris collection efforts further damaged some sections of the system. Since this shared-use path system is critical in providing transportation needs for visitors and residents during high peak season, the City requested assistance from the State of Florida to make the necessary repairs. An appropriation of $1.0 million was adopted in the State’s budget during its 2023 fiscal year. FDOT has provided a grant agreement for the City to approve for the $1.0 million in funding for the repairs to the shared-use path system.
Beach Project Nearly Complete
April 10 marked the final day of sand hauling, excluding the Sanibel Lighthouse addition. The totals are: 15,859 truckloads over 103 work days including 92 days of sand placement. All reaches along the shore are now complete as is escarpment leveling. The Lighthouse Protection Project is moving forward and requires state and federal permits. The total volume will be approximately 75,000 tons of sand at an additional cost of about $3.5 million. Phase I was completed April 30, with Phase II scheduled for November/December 2024 when another 52,536 tons (or as adjusted) will be placed. Dune plantings are scheduled to be done this summer.
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