Presidents Council Update

This Update includes:
Summary of the August 18th Membership Meeting.
Beach & Dune Committee update
Communication Committee update
Status of So Hutchinson Island new development projects
Future PC membership meetings

August 18, 2020 Meeting Summary

Guest Speaker: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Governing Board Member South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). (website: sfwmd.gov)
Charles Grande introduced and welcomed Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch to the meeting. The two have worked together over the years on water related issues in the area.
Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch launched into her discussion by explaining the organization’s structure, reporting relationship, and the direction. It is composed of 5 Districts with the South being the oldest. The current problems with Lake O were placed in context by explaining the history of the development in the state since 1923. (Meeting presentation is available on the PC website, Governmental Affairs Committee.)
SFWMD began a new journey in 2019, when the Governor replaced all of the board members and the current mission was developed. For the first time “to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources” was included in the mission. Governor DeSantis 2019 Executive Order 19.12 outlines the new strategic plan and is useful to review in order to gain a better understanding of the direction.
The SFWMD projects all tend to be long term efforts and the 3 significant projects were described: the EAA reservoir, C44 reservoir, and C-43 reservoir. Funding for all of the efforts was also explained and more information is included in the presentation slides, including other major project timelines.
Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch was asked what we, as interested residents, can do to support water resources efforts. “Become an advocate!” was the reply. She further explained the need to build relationships with elected officials, speak out during public meetings and voice what’s important to you.
Additional questions from participating PC members were discussed, including one on the Lake O height schedule (LORS). The criteria for determining the level now considers “Human Health & Safety” impacts, along with agricultural needs. The Army Corp manages the Lake level and SFWMD is the local sponsor.
Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch’s enthusiasm and passion are infectious. We all took away information that we can share with others to support the effort to improve the water quality in our area.

Beach & Dune Committee Update

Harvey Alligood provided a brief Beach & Dune update: the PPA has not yet been signed but, expected at the September BOCC. Also, at the September meeting, the final budget will be confirmed for the fiscal year beginning October 1st and tax rates for November 2020 tax bills. (Note: This information will be updated based upon the information in the TRIM notice received 8/19/2020).
To date, still no additional public beach access points and associated required parking and appears doubtful at this time. Consequently, funding plans will move forward assuming no additions.
Concerns remain about funding mechanisms, the extent of county-wide funding and indications to date that any federal funding not acquired (presently as much as $6.3MM), but lost because of beach accesses not forthcoming from the local community being part of any levy on the local community (Note: as outlined and updated 8/17/2020 on the County website: South County Renourishment Project Funding Plan)

Communication Committee Update

The PC brochure describing the functions, make-up and structure has been prepared and will be available on the website. If you would like a hard copy, pls contact [email protected].

Status of So Hutchinson Island New Development Projects

Working with SLC Planning Dept, the status of the new development projects on Hutchinson Island is being updated and will be available by the end of the week on pcofhi.com (Governmental Affairs Committee).

Future Membership Meeting Dates

September 15th – guest speaker Capt. Langel and Lt. Boyer SLC Fire Dept, to provide critical information regarding BDA (bi-directional amplifier) survey and code requirements.
October 20th – guest speaker TBD
November 17th – guest speaker TBD

We look forward to seeing you at the next membership meeting. Stay safe!

Presidents Council Board of Directors