Residents, committee members urge action after helicopters and barges disturb osprey and wildlife

Several committee members told the Murph advisory committee that recurring low-altitude helicopter flights and a contractor barge operating near critical wildlife areas have disturbed nesting birds and other wildlife.

"I fully a-100 blame the helicopters for spooking this mama," said Jennifer Rusk, a committee member, describing an osprey nest at a nearby property that produced fewer fledglings this season and required a rescue after a chick became entangled. Rusk said she has contacted Florida Fish and Wildlife and other groups and plans to press neighbors and nearby municipalities to take action.

Rusk and other members described repeated low flights over a critical wildlife area (CWA) and said operators’ barges had been stationed in sensitive zones. The committee discussed the implications for manatees, dolphins, sea turtles and shorebirds and multiple members urged regulatory or legislative steps to limit barges and low flights in wildlife protection zones.

Town staff said they had relay contact with FWC on the matter. "FWC is meeting," the staff member reported, and staff said several helicopter companies and state partners were following up.

Members asked staff to continue coordination with FWC and to report back; at least one member said she intends to pursue broader outreach and legislative options if local mitigation does not reduce disturbances.