Lee County approves funding for dunes and native plants to protect coastline

Lee County commissioners have approved funding for new dunes and native plants at Lovers Key and Bonita Beach to help protect the coastline from future storms.

Benny and Kim Beaty, visitors from Fort Myers, shared their appreciation for the new vegetation at Lovers Key Beach.

"We love all the vegetation that we see," Benny Beaty said. "We love the birds that used it for nesting and the flowers, we do. We love it."

The native plants play a vital role in stabilizing sand dunes, with their roots holding the sand in place during storm surges.

Joseph Van Gaalen of Florida SouthWestern State College explained the significance of the vegetation.

"It acts as a barrier for any kind of infrastructure behind it. So, by putting the vegetation out on the dunes, the root system and everything helps to hold the sand together," Van Gaalen said.

The approved project includes two miles of 10-foot-wide dunes and native plants at Lovers Key and Bonita Beach.

The initiative, costing approximately $245,000, will be funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and FEMA disaster relief funds. It aims to strengthen the shoreline nearly four years after Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage.

Van Gaalen described the effects of hurricanes on sand movement.

"Whenever you see beach gain or lose sand, like in Hurricane Ian, right? The roads along Fort Myers Beach were covered in sand after the storm, and other beaches were completely devoid of sand. You're seeing the final net product of sand movement," Van Gaalen said.

Visitors expressed their support for the restoration efforts.

"I think they'll be good for the long-lasting effect of the beach and everything," Jeremiah Sutton said.

"The more money that could be spent to make things more natural and more useful would be fine with me," Joseph Milone said.

Restoration work is scheduled to begin in mid-April of next year.