Lee Today

Lee County issued the following announcement on Oct. 5.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to accept a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to add sand to the north end of Little 

Hickory Island on Bonita Beach. The project will add sand to 0.8 miles of beach considered critically eroded by the state and the grant will pay for design, permitting and placement 

of the sand. The project is part of the Lee Board of County Commissioners’ continuing commitment to the natural environment in partnership with the State of Florida and 

municipalities.The $2.54 million matching grant includes:

$983,600 from Lee County paid through the Tourist Development Tax on short-term lodging.

$946,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

$610,000 from the City of Bonita Springs

The benefits of a sandy beach include storm protection of the upland development, increased recreational opportunities for residents and the public accessing the area from Little 

Hickory Island Beach Park (Access 10) and the adjacent City parking areas. In addition, there are environmental benefits including dune and sea turtle nesting habitat.

Sand is expected to be added to the beach in about a year, depending on the permitting process. For more information about Lee County Natural Resources beach projects, visit:

www.leegov.com/naturalresources/marine/beachmgmnt

Original source can be found here.