Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: June 28, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Tanya Wilson, AICP, Director, Planning, Environmental, and Development Services Department
CONTACT: Renée Parker, LEP, Manager
PHONE: (407) 836-1420
DIVISION: Environmental Protection Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Lakeshore Protection Program (Environmental Protection Division)
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PROJECT: Lakeshore Protection Program
PURPOSE: On January 27, 2023, the Butler Chain of Lakes Advisory Board (BCLAB) submitted a letter to District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson citing concerns about contractors clearing shoreline vegetation on the Butler Chain of Lakes without permits. The letter requested that an effort be made to penalize contractors undertaking these activities. On June 27, 2023, Commissioner Wilson requested a Commissioner’s Report to discuss these concerns raised by the BCLAB.
On October 24, 2023, Commissioner Wilson presented her concerns as part of a Commissioner’s Report. During the discussion, staff provided information relating to the Environmental Protection Division’s (EPD) Lakeshore Protection Program, the enforcement process, the number of cases investigated per year, and efforts made to educate homeowners and contractors on the rules for clearance of shoreline vegetation. At the conclusion of the discussion, Mayor Demings requested staff to return with a Work Session that includes information on best practices, synopsis of complaints, and recommendations on improving our processes.
This item was originally scheduled for May 21, 2024, but was postponed to July 30, 2024 at the request of Commissioner Wilson. Staff will present a Work Session that will cover background on the issues, a comprehensive overview of the Lakeshore Protection Program, including its purpose, permitting criteria, permit compliance and enforcement, contractor training, homeowner education, and other outreach initiatives. Finally, the work session will provide an overview of EPD’s efforts to improve the Program, including on-going efforts and potential next steps. This item is for informational purposes only; no action is required.
BUDGET: N/A