ANNA MARIA – More than three weeks after the removal of mangroves at 111 Gull Drive, a required protective water barrier was placed at the site, according to neighbors.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) noted the absence of the barrier in its investigation of the mangrove removal on Dec. 13. FDEP’s Heather McClurg emailed others in the agency saying in part, “After viewing the photos though (of the property at 111 Gull Drive), I did note that they do not have proper BMP’s deployed and wanted to forward this over to compliance for review.”
A BMP (Best Management Practice) is a method used to prevent or control stormwater runoff and the discharge of pollutants, including sediment, into local waterbodies, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The mangroves at 111 Gull Drive, a canal-front home under construction, were removed in early December, according to a complaint received by the city, which posted a stop work order on Dec. 6. Neighbors complained again on Dec. 13 that more mangroves were removed.
Federal, state and local officials are investigating.
The protective material was installed on Dec. 28, according to Ronnie Leto, a neighbor with a view of the property.
On The Sun Facebook page, Jane Ingalls posted an aerial photo of the property at 111 Gull Drive showing the mangroves prior to their removal. In that photo, lush mangroves were present behind the canal front home. A second photo posted by Ingalls shows what she called a side view of the former mangroves at 111 Gull Drive in August. No mangroves remain at the property.
The FDEP previously issued a seawall permit exemption for a limited amount of mangrove removal to contractor Mason Martin LLC, but FDEP spokesperson Brian Humphreys said on Dec. 22 that the agency was investigating complaints about excessive mangrove removal and planned a site visit.
It was reported on Dec. 23 to The Sun by a neighbor that FDEP investigators conducted a site visit at the property. That visit has been unconfirmed by FDEP.
The Sun has requested a follow-up report from the agency, but it was not received by press time.
