Hello! I hope your new year has started off in a good way. Each year when we get to Nov. 30, I usually breathe a sigh of relief—as it’s the end of hurricane season. However, since then we have had significant storms in successive months that have wreaked some havoc. During the December storm which had an almost 10-foot tide and 8 inches of rain, there were areas of our island impacted that haven’t had water damage since Hurricane Hugo. It certainly highlighted some areas where the drainage infrastructure may need adjustments or improvements. We’ll use this opportunity to reevaluate the design of upcoming drainage infrastructure projects to ensure we are enhancing the level of protection for our community.
However, we must keep in mind that island-wide improvements to build infrastructure to withstand 100- year events may be cost prohibitive. Improving drainage infrastructure remains one of our top priorities and we will prioritize projects that increase our community’s resilience to these storm events. There are a lot of projects going on around our island.
Here are a few highlights:
COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT PLAN – This important initiative continues to move forward. Almost 800 of you responded to the community survey and the results were recently reviewed by the city council. The next step is to form a committee of residents, business owners, city leaders and tourism experts who will be tasked to develop recommendations based on survey results that address livability and tourism management concerns and facilitate community enrichment on a continuous basis.
41ST AVENUE DRAINAGE OUTFALL PROJECT – Project started in mid-January and will take about four months to complete. From Waterway Boulevard to the Intracoastal Waterway, the ditch will be piped to help prevent flooding in this area and will create additional parking for our marina visitors.
WILD DUNES HARBOR GOLF COURSE – The resort ownership is investing $8-plus million in a renovation and upgrade project from March to October. The course will be closed during that time frame.
BEACH MAINTENANCE AND RESTORATION – Emergency restoration efforts continue around Breach Inlet and Beachwood East to maintain a dune system to protect property and maintain access to the beaches. The beneficial use project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Breach Inlet should start in mid to late February. This project will place almost 600,000 cubic yards of sand which will allow us to rebuild the dune system and address erosion from Breach Inlet to 10th Avenue.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT – Our Water and www.FrontBeachIOP.com | Explore The Best of Front Beach Sewer Commission is finalizing their project to add capacity to the existing Forest Trails plant at 41st Avenue and Waterway Boulevard. They will soon start the deconstruction of the plant in Wild Dunes.
I encourage you to get involved in the community and here are a few upcoming events to get on your calendar:
- Wild Child Triathlon – Feb. 25th, 8-11 a.m. at Palmetto Hall at Wild Dunes Resort. IOP Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) organization along with Wild Dunes Resort is sponsoring a kid’s triathlon for ages 6-12. More info can be found at runsignup.com/wildchildtri.
- Front Beach Fest – March 2, noon to 4 p.m. Vendors, local restaurants, food trucks, children’s activities and live entertainment.
- Golf Cart Safety Expo – March 9, noon to 2 p.m. at the rec center. Join the IOP Police Department and IOP Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation to learn more about golf cart safety on the island.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve!
See you around the island.
Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP
843-252-5359
ppounds@iop.net
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