Turtle nesting season could halt repairs to Florida homes damaged by hurricanes Ian, Nicole
Homes that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in Florida will need to be completed by the start of turtle nesting season in May, which has residents concerned.
WILBUR-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. — Some Florida homes that were damaged during the 2022 hurricane season will have to finish construction projects before the start of turtle nesting season in May, or those projects will have to be put on hold .
Daytona Beach Shores Mayor Nancy Miller said her office has been told that construction projects should be completed by May 1 when turtle nesting season begins, which is usually in the spring and summer. summer, according to a report from FOX 35 Orlando.
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Some Florida homes that were damaged during the 2022 hurricane season will have to finish construction projects before the start of turtle nesting season in May or those projects will have to be put on hold. (FOX 35 Orlando)
“If you haven’t started construction by May 1, they say you can’t. We’re working with the state, federal, and county to try to make adjustments to that.” , Miller said.
And that’s a problem for residents who have repairs to complete but are stuck in the middle of the permit approval process.
Bill London, who lives in Wilbur-By-The-Sea, said he had been trying to get permission to build a seawall in front of his beachfront home since November.
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“As you can see, it’s about six inches from pulling my deck out. If we have another Nor’easter or a storm, I don’t know if the house will survive,” London said. “They say if a turtle comes and puts its nest right there, it’s over, I can’t do anything. And even though I love turtles, that’s a problem.”
Mayor Miller suggests there’s not much local government can do because the state issues the permit, though she said she’s advocated for the state to work with residents — and be flexible — with them . However, if, when or how this would happen is not immediately clear.
In the meantime, she said residents should focus on projects the state will approve.
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“Let’s face it, let’s be honest, there are people who won’t meet the May Day deadline,” Miller said. “What we need to do – with the county and the state – is put in place temporary measures that work. For trap bags, people have used vinyl stakes – so we need some kind of restoration temporary.”
A Volusia County spokesperson said the county is trying to work with the state to allow people to continue building projects during turtle nesting season.
“The county continues to coordinate with staff from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding construction, if any, permitted during sea turtle nesting season. The county is working on all possible options with the appropriate agencies to enable repairs and construction of arming of coastal properties while ensuring the protection of species and their habitat.At present, the county has no not yet received official written confirmation of what may be allowed,” according to one claim.
