by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
Natural Resources Director Holly Milbrandt reported on the Historic Sanibel Lighthouse Post-Hurricane Ian Emergency Protection Project, or sand placement. Her report included beach gully repair as well.
Phase II, to be completed this month, involved the placement of an additional 105,000 tons of sand at an additional cost of $4.8 million. This covers the area from the Sanibel Beach Club to the Sanibel Fishing Pier and west to the park boundary.
In addition, approximately 23 major gullies and two shore-parallel depressions are being repaired with 42,000 tons of sand at a cost of about $2 million. Phase 1 covers the Donax Beach Access/Lighthouse Beach Park beginning January 24 and needing 18 work days to place 35,000 tons of sand.
Phase II of this project covers West Gulf Drive (West Wind Inn) and will begin the week of February 3. Three work days are required to place 5,000 tons of sand.
The total amount expended for sand replacement projects is $22.28 million. The funding source is the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.