Hollywood commission approves modified county dune plan, pauses planting in narrow 'segment two'

The Hollywood City Commission on Wednesday reviewed implementation problems with a Broward County–led dune construction project and approved a modified approach that pauses planting in the most narrow, heavily eroded reach (known in staff materials as “segment two”) while allowing planting to proceed in a wider reach (segment three) with specific safeguards for emergency access and coconut palms.

Commissioners and staff framed the decision around two competing goals: deliver engineered dunes that provide immediate storm and shoreline protection, and preserve public safety, business views and long-standing coconut palms along the boardwalk. Jose Cortez, who gave the Commission the on-site summary, said recent surveys (Feb. 2024 vs. Jan. 2026) show segment two’s beach width has narrowed enough that the county’s proposed 26.5-foot dune likely will not achieve the 2:1 dune-to-beach ratio set out in the Dune Master Plan and could constrain emergency access.

Public commenters and local dune advocates offered mixed views. Jenny, owner of the Mermaid Queen restaurant, told the Commission, “We don't see any difference between having or not having dunes” during storms but said the new dune construction has obstructed ocean views and affected her business. Dune advocate Lee Gottlieb urged the body not to stop the project and offered volunteer and nonprofit help: “Let's get it done right. Let's get it done the Hollywood way,” he said.

Broward County’s lead staff, Dr. Jennifer Gerardo, acknowledged the county’s team coordinated with city staff and consultants and described the project as consistent with the city’s Dune Master Plan and permitting basis. She also noted constraints tied to the county’s contractor timetable: the county says it cannot indefinitely hold its contractor and that certain planting work can proceed only within the contractor’s contract window unless the parties reach a written amendment.

After commissioners aired concerns about tree wells, access points, post-and-rope heights, and the April 30 environmental-permit cutoff prior to turtle nesting season, the Commission approved a motion directing the city manager to negotiate a modification to the county access agreement with these elements: remove segment two from immediate county planting pending a tailored redesign; allow planting in segment three with city–county coordination to protect tree wells and emergency access; treat segments one and four as sites where the City will decide on post-and-rope placement (the Commission reserved the right to require no vegetation or to set rope/post positions later). The amended resolution also preserves the city’s ability to maintain contractual remedies while staff negotiates final language. The measure passed 6–1.

City staff and the county agreed to explore whether materials already purchased by the county (plants, posts and rope) can be put to use in Hollywood without violating procurement rules; county counsel said disposition would follow procurement law and any transfer or reuse would need to be memorialized in amended agreement language.

The Commission’s action instructs staff to continue working with the county to refine access points, lower post heights where practical (design shows 36–42 inches above sand), and examine whether the city’s public-works crews can implement localized grading and slope adjustments for tree wells before the permit window closes. Commissioners also directed staff to report back with the amended agreement language.

The meeting closed with the Commission saying it wanted a durable solution that preserves the economic value of the beachfront, protects public safety and improves dune performance over time. The body voted 6–1 to approve the amended motion.