The most notable topic of the meeting revolved around the U. Mhallen Award. The task force reviewed applications for the award, which had not been presented for the past three years. The nominations of Mitch Fusk and Mary Rose Spalta were considered, with the latter being acknowledged for her extensive volunteer efforts and participation in local environmental organizations. The committee faced a challenging decision due to the gap in awarding the recognition. In a move to honor both individuals’ contributions, the task force agreed to award Mary Rose Spalta the MURF Award for the current year and Mitch Fusk for the previous year. This decision was reached following a consensus among members, who supported the idea of acknowledging the efforts of both candidates.

Another issue addressed during the meeting was the need for improved turtle safety measures and awareness. A task force member raised concerns about the effectiveness of current sea turtle cards used to gauge beach lighting compliance with turtle safety standards. It was noted that the cards, which help determine if lighting meets guidelines set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), required improvements. Discussions with Turtle Time, an organization dedicated to sea turtle preservation, were highlighted in the effort to finalize the design of these cards. The task force emphasized the importance of public education in preventing misinformation surrounding turtle-friendly lighting, as some products falsely marketed as compliant do not meet established criteria. This dialogue underscored the critical role of accurate information dissemination by organizations like the FWC and the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

In tandem with turtle safety, the task force also focused on the broader issue of lighting along the beach. Concerns were raised about specific lights at Newton Park and Veterans Park, which were either turned off or deemed inappropriate due to potential wildlife impacts. There was a collective agreement to address the need for turtle-friendly lighting solutions in future meetings.

The meeting also touched on environmental management challenges, particularly waste management under the bridge for Moringfield residents. Members expressed concern over overflowing garbage cans, highlighting the environmental risks posed by birds accessing waste and contaminating waterways. The task force discussed potential solutions, including the installation of a dumpster to better manage waste. It was noted that, according to both Lee County and town ordinances, waste receptacles must be concealed and shielded. The task force emphasized the importance of setting a positive example in waste management practices and called for action to rectify the situation.

In addition to these topics, other discussions included the enforcement of beach regulations, with a focus on signage and community education. Concerns about the current state of signage, which was viewed as prohibitive, led to suggestions for more positively framed messages. The task force explored the idea of using educational signs to guide beachgoers about rules, particularly concerning dogs being off-leash. The possibility of standardized signage across different beach access points was discussed, with the aim of reducing costs and ensuring consistent messaging. The Tourist Development Council was identified as a potential source of funding for these initiatives.

Further, the task force explored the potential for engaging the community in environmental initiatives, with discussions on Arbor Day and the promotion of tree planting. The task force acknowledged the environmental damage caused by past storms and the importance of replacing lost foliage to stabilize the island’s ecosystem. Members considered organizing a fundraising event to procure trees for residents.