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Fort Myers Beach authorizes manager to execute dune‑management MOAs, council asks for public record plan
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Summary
Council approved a resolution delegating authority to the town manager to sign memorandums of agreement (MOAs) with beachfront property owners under the town dune management plan; staff said MOAs allow limited deviations (native, salt‑tolerant plantings like sea grapes) and the council requested clearer record‑keeping and notice to future buyers.
Councilors voted unanimously on April 6 to authorize the town manager to execute standardized Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) with beachfront property owners under the town’s dune management plan.
Environmental staff member Chad Shoots described the MOA as a way to document property‑owner preferences for dune vegetation (for example, limited sea‑grape hedging or specified maintenance heights) while ensuring plantings remain native and salt tolerant under the dune plan, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit, and town code.
Chad said the MOA template will be the standard starting point but acknowledged some owners may request deviations; staff will bring significant deviations back to council. "We draft it and that's what we've been going forward with and the guidelines are there referenced in the dune management plan that's an exhibit," Shoots said.
Councilors pressed staff on record‑keeping and how MOAs will be discovered during property due diligence. The town attorney and staff said recording the MOA is an option but carries fees; staff proposed alternatives such as adding a memorandum tab to the town's property record system so prospective buyers and staff can see MOA status. Council asked staff to return with a recommended public‑recording and cross‑reference approach.
The resolution passed unanimously; the manager will execute routine MOAs and return to council for any significant deviations from the standard template.
