Bunche Beach restoration underway after Hurricane Ian damage

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Bunche Beach is undergoing restoration work with construction crews building a berm to protect the coastline after Hurricanes Ian and Milton left behind erosion.

To preserve the beauty of the area, trucks are delivering sand to the end of John Morris Road. Christine Bailey with Lee County Parks and Recreation said the project has been a long time coming.

"Everybody knows after Ian we had a lot of damage and this was one of them that we had," Bailey said. "We also tried to do the berm probably about a year and a half ago, but then we had Milton come in and knock it down, so this is the reprieve from that."

Once completed, the new berm will protect the coastline from potential storm surges.

Bob Chase, a visitor from New Hampshire, said he didn't mind waiting a few days to hit the sand.

"We kind of like it when we go to different places, and that's what they're doing," Chase said.

Crews are expected to continue working on the sand through Wednesday, and many visitors are supportive of the efforts.

"They are working to do good for our beach, putting in more sand, which we need it," said Bunche Beach regular Les Kozbinski. "This is really good, so let them do it, please."

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