More Funds Approved to Complete Berm Project

On February 4, 2025, The Hideaway Beach Taxing District met two weeks earlier than scheduled to approve additional funds to complete the berm project before the start of the shorebird nesting season on February 15th. 

On the agenda for approval was a proposal from Earth Tech for $255,000 for excavation of additional sand and hydraulic flushing of the mangrove shoreline, which included the use of two excavators and one dozer and haul trucks for an additional 15 days. 

Mohammed Dabees, Senior Engineer for Humiston and Moore, explained to the Board, “We have a lot of overwash throughout the flow channel, and there is a significant amount of sand that remains along this stretch that needs to be completed. Without a weekly survey, you will not be able to quantify the exact volume and if you bid it by volume you will get a charge that will probably double what it will eventually cost us.” 

Dabees justified the proposal by stating to the board, “To continue the final two weeks of construction, we requested a NEW task from the contractor to: 1) remove the sand that remains among the mangrove shoreline south of the picnic area.”Dabees added, “This is to allow the mangrove shoreline to have water to be able to recover naturally. There are spots where we have total destruction of that vegetation,” and “2) restore and grade the berm.” 

Dabees added, “As of now, the berm is being restored to the design elevation but we still need to grade the back slope and the front slope so we can have a mild slope for compliance with our permits as well as for recreational and beach benefits for the public. There is a lot of recreational interest in the project area and we want to make sure that we leave it in a condition that is enjoyable for the public as well as suitable for the habitat for birds and turtles and other creatures that call this area home.” 

A board member asked Dabees if the $255,000 would potentially qualify for reimbursement from the County. Dabees replied, “I believe so, it is in our plans once we complete the work and have the final numbers, we can reach out to the County for assistance for the restoration work from the tropical season of 2024.” 

A proposal from Turrell, Hall and Associates in the amount of $12,750 was also submitted for Professional Environmental Services for an additional 17 days beyond what was originally planned to complete the project. 

A Scope of Services from Humiston and Moore Engineers was also presented for approval in the amount of $22,818. This is to provide professional services covering environmental and engineering compliance items for the remainder and completion of the 2024 maintenance project through the month of February 2025. 

The Board approved all three items presented in the total amount of $290.568. 

When asked about the height of berm slope for sea turtle season, Mary Toro, Environmental Specialist for Collier County and Supervisor of the Sea Turtle Program said, “Sea turtles can scale a three-foot scarp, however, that takes a lot of energy; weaker turtles will just lay at the base of the scarp, and those nests will be washed out during a high tide event.” 

Up for the March discussion is the Hideaway Beach Renourishment project for 2026; they plan to coordinate that timeframe with the Collier Creek Project.