Council directs manager to pursue wave‑mitigation study; consultant proposes phased, island‑wide approach

The Fort Myers Beach Town Council on Aug. 18 authorized the town manager to negotiate a task order and move forward with a coastal wave‑mitigation study after a presentation by JR Evans Engineering that outlined conceptual designs and a phased implementation plan.

Elizabeth Fountain, senior vice president at JR Evans Engineering, described a four‑task scope: coordination and meetings; initial analysis and conceptual designs (cross sections and wave‑attenuation modeling); a phased implementation and permitting plan; and continued stakeholder engagement. "The purpose of the scope of services ... was really to address coastal surge and wave impacts and effects to those properties, explore mitigation options," she told councilors.

Fountain said the firm would identify the island's most vulnerable segments and produce illustrative cross sections showing how proposed features reduce wave heights and inundation. She recommended dividing the island into segments by land use and beach width and adjusting designs where environmental critical areas exist. The firm also proposed outreach to condo owners, businesses and residents so private projects can align with town strategies.

When asked how long an initial round of findings would take, Fountain said, "I think we need at least, for the initial, like, findings probably 6 weeks." She added that the study would identify funding opportunities and produce a matrix recommending when to pursue grants.

Council members discussed cost and timing. Fountain said the scope provided to council included a multi‑task budget; "for the coordination of meetings and the design and implementation plan, that's a $6,062,000," she said (stated in the meeting; amount presented as an approximate total in consultant materials). Councilors and staff noted grant opportunities and the Florida League of Cities grant assistance program as potential funding sources.

Councilor Scott Safford moved — and Councilor Karen Woodson seconded — a motion to authorize the town manager to negotiate a task order under the town's existing continuing professional services agreement and to seek grant funding to offset town costs. Council voted unanimously.

Town staff and consultants agreed to circulate refined task orders and cost breakdowns to the town manager and council; consultants also offered to meet with condominium associations and property owners to avoid duplicated private and public efforts.

Councilors emphasized the need to move promptly. "I would be totally in support of delegating everything to Will to keep this moving forward and not have to wait for council meetings for approval of this," Councilor Woodson said, referring to the town manager. The council directed the town manager to proceed with task‑order negotiations and for staff to pursue grants, subject to the town manager's approval authority and available funding. Fountain and JR Evans offered to begin work after a task order is executed and a notice to proceed is issued.