By Stan Karpf, GSAC Board Member
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As many of you know, the Seagate Beach Access located at the end of Gulf Shore Blvd North was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma.
Landscape, fencing, and benches were either damaged or destroyed, along with the wooden beach access ramp and shower facilities.
This beach access is a Collier County right of way, and the County is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of this area, not the City of Naples, even though it is within the City limits.
We are very appreciative of the fact that the County did work hard immediately after the Hurricane to get the beach open, but there was much work left to be done.
Recently, we contacted Collier County Parks and Recreation Director Olema Edward and met at the site with a team from the county in an effort to fast-track the remaining work that needs to be done.
We were especially concerned about the condition of the metal fence that sat upon the cement wall, which was clearly not just an aesthetic issue but a safety issue as well. There were numerous exposed sharp edges of the damaged metal that posed a safety threat to beachgoers.
We are pleased to inform our members that the fence has been replaced with a new fence, new landscaping has been added, and decorative stone has been added to the length of the walkway from the beach to the parking lot.
Additional work is to be done, which includes power washing the walls and benches and replacing the shower at the entrance to the beach.
GSAC thanks Collier County Parks and Recreation Director Olema Edwards and Tony Barone, Project Manager, and their staff for making our neighborhood a safer and more attractive place to live and visit.
