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Environmental Stewardship Committee member urges tree‑code updates, marsh restoration and accessibility improvements
Summary
Sarah Boren, a member of Atlantic Beach’s Environmental Stewardship Committee, told the Arts, Recreation & Culture Committee the ESC’s 2026–27 priorities include updates to Chapter 23 on tree protection, a marsh restoration pilot near Dutton Island, Florida‑friendly landscaping, and more accessible beach access for older residents.
Sarah Boren, who identified herself as a member of the Environmental Stewardship Committee, presented the ESC’s 2026–27 priorities to the Arts, Recreation & Culture Committee on May 12.
Boren said ESC will "support the passage and implementation of submitted and ongoing updates to Chapter 23," calling out protections particularly focused on preserving the largest and landmark trees after the recent removal of a tree the speaker said was “almost 240 years old.” She listed parks and open‑space goals, including a proposal for a marsh‑restoration pilot at three sites near Dutton Island, and urged that the city’s Parks Master Plan incorporate ecological‑health priorities rather than only programming considerations.
Boren also asked the committee to prioritize Florida‑friendly public landscaping in light of drought concerns and signaled that ESC planned to provide input on the master stormwater plan that is now being scoped. On outreach, she described tactics that worked in ESC events — yard signs and door‑hanger flyers — and offered to share ESC position descriptions to help recruit volunteers for open committee seats.
On beach access, Boren asked whether new accessibility mats and beach‑wheelchair or ‘‘fat tire’’ walker reservation programs could be expanded northward to help older residents access hard sand without traversing deep sand. Staff replied that the project details, including potential impacts during turtle season, had not yet been finalized.
The committee did not vote on any actions during the meeting because a quorum was not present. Boren’s presentation concluded with suggestions for programming at the soon‑to‑open Marsh Oaks Community Center, ideas for intergenerational events and a reminder that ESC had about "1,095 left in the budget" for its film‑series work and related outreach; Boren asked whether the committee should request $2 (amount not specified in the transcript) for the program in the next budget cycle.
The committee thanked Boren and moved on to other agenda items; no formal committee endorsement or vote on ESC’s priorities was recorded at this meeting.
