The Town’s emergency beach berm project and temporary Town Hall facilities are funded by a public assistance program managed by the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Read about that program that assists the Town (not private citizens, but the Town as a municipality) in its recovery from Hurricane Ian. https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public
The Town’s projects had deadlines that have been unable to be met for various reasons that the Town does not have the ability to influence. The Town is required under the Public Assistance program to request extensions to continue working on these projects beyond the original deadline.
The berm project is awaiting the end of shorebird nesting season before the south end of the Island can be completed. Approximately 116,000 tons of sand have been placed on the other parts of the Island, which is about 80% of the project completed.
The temporary Town Hall facilities project needs more time for a variety of reasons. The land on which the temporary Town Hall currently sits is owned by the FMB Fire District. The Town has an agreement with the Fire District until November of 2023.
Decisions have to be made such as the demolition of Town Hall (final approval from FEMA is pending), and which option for movement of the temporary Town Hall facilities is the most viable. For instance, some discussion and action has taken place related to switching land parcels with the FMB Fire District which currently owns the property on which the temporary Town Hall facilities are operating. If FMB Fire District would switch its parcel with the Town’s (where Town Hall stands), the temporary Town Hall facilities could remain where they have been for the last few months until decisions are final about a new Town Hall. Other options about where temporary Town Hall facilities could be placed are also under discussion.