Jupiter Narrows alliance seeks permits and funding to restore mangrove islands, proposes naming in memory of Andrew Red Harris

Sue Panella, co‑founder and president of the Jupiter Narrows Conservancy Alliance, told the Environmental Advisory Committee that a community-led effort aims to stabilize and restore three remnant mangrove islands north of Coral Cove Park by installing natural limestone breakwaters, protecting mangrove toe zones and planting additional mangroves where elevations allow.

"We hired Taylor Engineering and they are in permitting," Panella said. She described coordination with the Bureau of Land Management's nearby project and with state and federal permitters, and she said the project includes a three‑year monitoring plan to document ecological response.

Why it matters: the islands historically supported mangroves and seagrass and now show severe erosion and dieback. Panella said similar breakwater projects have led to substantial seagrass recovery elsewhere: Taylor Engineering's monitoring of a site cited an 860% increase in seagrass over five years following breakwater construction.

Project scope and financing: Panella said the engineering estimate about nine months earlier was roughly $1 million, with about 20% for engineering. She said the alliance has raised more than half of the target and had recent commitments bringing the total to nearly $750,000 if matching gifts materialize. Major pledged support includes a $175,000 commitment from the Andrew Red Harris Foundation and grants or commitments from local foundations and the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program.

Permitting and timeline: Panella said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection requested additional information and had a set of questions; Taylor Engineering planned to submit responses this week, after which DEP would have 30 days to reply. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also involved; Panella said the alliance hopes to secure permits by late summer or early fall so construction could be completed by year‑end or early next year if bids and funding align.

Community outreach and naming: the alliance is seeking local letters of support and proposed naming the islands the "Andrew Red Harris Islands" in recognition of a local foundation donor; Panella said she has discussed the idea with the village mayor and local elected officials and asked the committee for help sharing the name informally and supporting a letter for state naming consideration.

Boating, speed limits and protections: Taylor Engineering discussed the potential benefit of a lower local speed limit for wake reduction; Panella said speed limits help but will not entirely prevent wake impacts from large boats. The design proposes breakwaters located to permit kayakers, paddleboarders and manatees to transit at high tide while reducing wave energy that undermines mangrove roots.

Ending: Panella asked for continued local support for permitting, fundraising and outreach, and committee members offered letters of support, help with publicity and ideas for additional local donors.