Captiva, Fort Myers Beach seek funds for beach renourishment after Irma

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FILE: Fort Myers Beach

CAPTIVA ISLAND, Fla. Leaders in Lee County are considering spending thousands of dollars to repair beaches after Hurricane Irma. One of those beaches is on Captiva Island.

The power of Hurricane Irma is evident on Captiva when you look at the beach, but how much sand was eroded is the question Kathleen Rooker, Administrator for Captiva Erosion Prevention District hopes to answer.

“The wave action overtopped the beach. When it overtopped the beach, it deflated the beach.” Rooker said. “We need to build up the elevation again of our beaches and rebuild dunes and replant sea grasses into them.”

MORE: Irma Recovery Series

The Erosion Prevention District needs $50,000 dollars for a study to determine out how much sand was lost and how much is needed for replenishment.

Rooker says $25,000 would come from their organization here on the island. The other $25,000 would come from the tourist development tax in Lee County which primarily comes from tourists.

Fort Myers Beach is also working on a solution for beach erosion due to Irma.

The city is considering spending up to $200,000 dollars to re-nourish the beach at Crescent Beach Park.

Rooker stays hopeful for approval of funds. “We’ve raised our children here. Our family still lives here. The beauty of these islands in Lee County are the reasons that we came here.”

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