BEACH BERM & DUNE RESTORATION

After a hurricane, beach berms and dunes can be significantly impacted, often deviating from their pre-storm conditions. Restoring these natural barriers may face delays, as the Town must navigate the FEMA claims process to secure funding. In light of this, the Town encourages Gulf-facing properties to take proactive steps in replenishing their berms and dunes as soon as possible after a storm. For Gulf-fronting properties that have lost berms and dunes, additional helpful information is available to guide the restoration efforts HERE.

STORM DEBRIS REMOVAL PROGRESS

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has completed the debris removal efforts along Gulf of Mexico Drive. Restoration of the public right-of-way alongside Gulf of Mexico Drive is expected to be completed by FDOT.

PUBLIC ROADS versus PRIVATE ROADS

• The Town shares the community’s goal of expediting debris cleanup to achieve a swift recovery.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reimburse the Town 100% for debris removal on public roads. However, FEMA does not specifically authorize debris removal on private roads.
• For safety reasons, the Town has authorized debris removal on several private roads that are impassable for emergency vehicles and or garbage trucks. The Town believes that this definition will be considered favorably for reimbursement by FEMA.  There are other private roads that have debris but do not rise to this same level of life safety consideration.
• No local tax dollars have been spent on debris removal that the Town does not anticipate being fully reimbursed for. Thus, the notion that "I pay taxes, so the Town should clean my private road like public ones" is not an accurate reflection of the facts.
• The Town is not using local tax dollars for clearing public or the few constrained private roads.
• If you have a question regarding your road being public or private, please contact Public Works at 941-316-1988.

US FLAG DISPOSAL

• If you have a damaged US Flag, there are options to properly retire the flag:
  • Drop off at the Fire Department - 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive
  • Drop off at the Police Department - 5460 Gulf of Mexico Drive