Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director Beth Powell utilized a PowerPoint
presentation to shine a spotlight on the historic Jones Pier Conservation Area. It
was important to recognize staff and partners who had worked hard over the
many years to ensure that a piece of the County's precious history was preserved.
The Jones Pier House, built in the early 1900s by a pioneering family on Barrier
Island, that was severely flooded during Hurricane Matthew. Additionally, parts
of the historic Jungle Trail were washed out due to the flooding and damage
caused by the storm. The County was in the process of renovating the bungalow
into an Interpretive Center to highlight the history of the Jungle Trail and the Jones
family, as required by the Florida Communities Trust.
After the hurricane, the County applied for a Hazard Mitigation grant from the
Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) to raise and strengthen
the building. In June 2021, FDEM awarded $78,981. On November 2022, the
Board approved a Job Order Contract (JOC) for $460,629.70, which was
completed in January 2023. FDEM later increased the grant to $456,121, which
the Board approved on August 15, 2023, contingent on the County providing
permanent flood insurance for the bungalow. The FDEM project also included
concrete entry steps and additional structural work, which were not part of the
JOC. The renovation bid was awarded in November 2023, with substantial
completion expected by September 30, 2024.
Ms. Powell took a moment to celebrate the County's achievements at Jones Pier,
particularly after the damage caused by Hurricane Milton in Indian River County.
Despite concerns about flooding, the newly renovated Interpretive Center showed
no damage, debris, or standing water, as if the Hurricane Milton had missed it
altogether. She emphasized that by restoring the early 19th-century Bungalow
Cottage, the County could preserve the stories of Orchid Island and its pioneering
families.
Vice Chairman Flescher commented that after reviewing the developments, he
confidently stated that the County now possesses a true gem. He noted that it was
fortunate the Bungalow did not sustain any damage, which he attributed to the
hard work of staff, proper engineering, and the effective use of resources and
materials, all executed with great patience. He expressed gratitude to everyone
involved in this effort, acknowledging that it had been a long journey over many
years. Commissioner Earman echoed Vice Chairman Flescher's sentiments.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner
