City approves $550,000 settlement for Lake Maria Sanchez seawall easements
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Summary
The City Commission approved a settlement totaling $550,000 to secure permanent and temporary easements from the Steely family for the Lake Maria Sanchez seawall project; the package includes stipulated attorney fees under Florida eminent-domain statutes.
The City Commission approved a settlement on Nov. 11 to acquire permanent and temporary easements from the Steely family necessary for construction and future maintenance of the Lake Maria Sanchez seawall project. City legal staff described a settlement package of $450,000 in compensation for permanent easements, a temporary construction easement and a permanent access easement, plus statutorily required attorney fees of $99,621 (presented as a rounded $550,000 total).
City attorneys explained the Steely parcel includes submerged lands that must be addressed for seawall access and repair. The commission voted to pay the settlement from general fund reserves and approved the settlement agreement as presented.
Why it matters: The easements are part of a multi‑parcel, multi‑phase seawall and flood‑mitigation project (Lake Maria Sanchez) intended to address chronic flooding and protect vulnerable infrastructure. Securing the Steely easements clears a key obstacle to design and construction continuity.
What comes next: Staff will execute the settlement documents and proceed with related property acquisitions and construction planning as previously authorized by resolution; additional related parcels remain to be acquired as the project proceeds.