Santa Rosa Island Authority Committees were awash in environmental topics at their June 11 meetings with beach erosion control, a wetlands discussion and a resolution to oppose offshore drilling leasing.
The Architectural and Environmental Committee approved a Resolution for the Florida Beach Erosion Control Program, which according to SRIA Developmental Services Director Juan Lemos is tied to the beach renourishment permitting process. The resolution, which is approved annually, identifies Pensacola Beach as having a critically eroded shoreline. The Authority acknowledges that they are monitoring beach renourishment needs and planning for future funding to meet those needs.
Escambia County Natural Resources Management Deputy Director Tim Day presented the Architectural and Environmental Committee with the results of a Wetlands Assessment of the area between the leasehold properties in the 800 block of Rio Vista Drive and Santa Rosa Sound. The appropriate care for the area, which is zoned Conservation/Recreation, had come before the board numerous times. It was being mowed by Escambia County Public Works, and according to adjacent leaseholder Steve Luppert was being illegally mowed and destroyed with herbicides by leaseholders. The discussion centered around whether the land was meant to be undisturbed or maintained for passive recreation. The SRIA Board on February 26 voted that the area should be allowed to return to a natural vegetative state. Board Member Dave Peaden requested the wetlands assessment. He also voiced a desire to understand if the wetlands can be protected and the upland areas be maintained for recreation.
The Assessment, which was performed by Wetland Sciences, identified a large portion of the area as wetlands. Day explained that apparently back in the 80s the area had been sodded. By the 1990s a combination of native and non-native plants was growing. He described it as a “weedy mess.” He put forth a few options for consideration but just allowing it to regrow was not among them. The first action was allowing Public Works to resume “some type of cutting” while the SRIA determines a final disposition for the area. He gave the SRIA potential restoration options which included removing all the vegetation through appropriate chemicals or with scraping equipment. The next steps were to leave it barren or replant it with appropriate native vegetation.
“Planting would jump start it. In a short time, you should have a nice healthy wetlands system,” said Day.
Luppert, who has been very concerned about the area’s misuse, reminded the board that the entire soundfront from Baby Beach to 709 Panferio was unique. He said, contrary to what Day recommended, the area should be left alone and the natural vegetation would take over.
“What was the driver for this report,” he asked. “This board voted not to mow.”
Board Member Bruce Childers, after reiterating his support of leaving the area to return to its natural state, noted that there were legalities to follow in reversing a board action.
Board Member Elizabeth Timothy said the Board’s prior discussion and decision were based on their personal observation, leaseholders’ input and Board interpretation of the Land Development Code. In light of the professional assessment and recommendations, Timothy asked if the staff and attorney could advise on what further actions could be taken.
Board Member Jerry Watson who serves on the A & E Committee recommended that SRIA Board Attorney Mary Jane Bass and SRIA staff review specifically what the Board action included in February, and prepare more information regarding the possible options.
In other business, the Administrative Committee approved a resolution opposing the inclusion of new offshore oil and gas leasing in the Gulf off the coast of Florida. Timothy, a Committee member cited family conflict of interest, so Board Chairman Jeremy Johnson was added to the committee temporarily.
Beach resident Tom Jardine, who is not in favor of offshore drilling, said the Island Authority is not protecting the environment just by virtue of passing this resolution. He said the SRIA encourages masses of visitors arriving by car, boaters, approves swimming pools, beach renourishment and the Blue Angels air show; none of which are environmentally friendly.
“Those Blue Angels burn a lot of fuel and oil,” said Jardine, who works in an aviation related field. “They are not environmentally friendly.”
The SRIA Committee actions move to the June 23 Full Board agenda.