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Deadman's project lives

". . . (The Copes) thought that we were going to be planting in front of their seawall. When you look at the project layout, it seems that way, but I sent them some aerial photos to help explain to them that it wasn't the case." - Heather Reed Project manager, Deadman's Island Restoration Project The Deadman's Island Restoration Project is not in jeopardy of stalling as the City of Gulf Breeze maintains its agreement with Highpoint Drive property owners Nathan and Cynthia Cope.

The news comes after a story published in the March 12 issue of the Gulf Breeze News reported that the two parties were at odds over three aspects of the restoration project.

"We submitted some additional information to the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the project, and the Copes raised some questions, as they should," said Gulf Breeze City Manager Buz Eddy.

In a letter received by the Northwest Florida Department of Environmental Protection on March 4, Thomas M. Brady, the Copes' attorney, expressed his clients' concern regarding three aspects of the restoration project - "the location of the oyster basket reef, the proposed fill operation and the proposed planting operations."

Gulf Breeze News reported that the letter represented the Copes' objection to the three phases of the project, which Heather Reed, Deadman's Island Restoration Project Manager, says is not true.

"It's basically just a concern that they have," said Reed. "It's not a formal objection.

"They thought that we were going to be planting in front of their seawall," Reed explained. "When you look at the project layout, it seems that way, but I sent them some aerial photos to help explain to them that it wasn't the case." Deadman's Island is located in Pensacola Bay, just northwest of Highpoint Drive in Gulf Breeze Proper. The island is the victim of constant erosion, and Gulf Breeze city officials worked closely with state environment officials and Ecological Consulting Services, Inc. to draft a restoration project designed to stabilize the island and prevent it from disappearing. They plan to begin work on the project this year.

It appears that the Copes are simply interested in making certain their littoral/riparian rights are respected as the project unfolds.

Included in the July 22, 2008 agreement between the Copes and The City of Gulf Breeze is a statement that restricts the project's permission to fill reclaimed soil to designated areas. The Copes reserve the right to oppose the City's efforts to seek a permit to fill any other areas around the Island.

There is also a "No Waiver of Littoral Rights" clause that ensures the Copes' rights as waterfront property owners are respected.

"They're looking to make sure that what we do is consistent with the agreement we entered into," said Eddy.

He added that the Copes at this time do not want to alter or remove any of the three aspects of the restoration project.

Eddy also verified that the project plan remains the same and the location of the oyster basket reef, designated fill areas and sea grass planting zones will remain the same.

Gulf Breeze News could not reach the Copes' attorney for comment.

The city continues to seek permitting and funding and scheduling workdays.

"I'm hoping to start work by May 1," Reed speculated. "We're waiting for the permits and the grant funding."

Permitting for an underwater breakwater structure that will be placed off the north end of the island to hamper the erosive force of wave action has already been attained.

Applications to obtain permits from DEP and the Army Corps of Engineers to fill areas near Deadman's Island with sand dredged from nearby Woodland Bayou and to plant sea grass near the island to stabilize the sand have been submitted and are awaiting approval.

Shane Hamilton, Ombudsman for the DEP Northwest District, said that the Copes' letter prompted a response from representatives of the restoration project.

"We have received a response to the letter from the applicants' representative, and that response is what we will be reviewing in the next few weeks to determine whether or not we will sign off on the permit," Hamilton said.

The project could also receive over $1 million in a federal stimulus grant that would pay for the project and the labor needed to complete it.

Reed is now in the process of filing the application.

"The stimulus grant would cover all seven tasks included in the restoration plan," Reed explained. "It will also provide jobs for people. They're temporary but they will help."