One focus of the meeting was the evaluation of a November 12 event aimed at educating residents about beach and dune erosion. Despite the importance of the topic, turnout was notably low, with only five or six residents attending. This prompted a board member to comment on the inefficiency of spending $1,200 on an event with such limited attendance. The board acknowledged the need for improved promotional efforts and considered hosting similar workshops during peak season, like late February or March, to capture more residents’ attention. Suggestions to enhance future events included shifting to daytime or weekend schedules and offering more appealing refreshments, such as wine tastings, to attract attendees.

The board delved into the challenges of communicating important environmental messages to the community. Members agreed that more engaging formats and better advertising could help draw larger crowds. The idea of creating printed brochures with QR codes to direct residents to more extensive online resources was proposed, with an emphasis on making these materials visually appealing and easily accessible. This approach aimed to address concerns about residents’ familiarity with technology and ensure that vital information about dune restoration and hurricane preparedness reached a wider audience.

Discussions also highlighted the need for improved beach maintenance practices. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of current beach tractors, which were reportedly leaving tracks without adequately removing seaweed. There were suggestions that these practices might be undermining efforts to restore dunes. The board considered reaching out to the companies responsible for beach maintenance to discuss compliance with environmental regulations. This dialogue was seen as a potential catalyst for better practices, although it was noted that any meetings would need to comply with public meeting guidelines due to Sunshine Law regulations.

Another issue was the lack of garbage cans along the beach, particularly in the northern areas. A board member described their experience with beach cleaning, noting the absence of trash receptacles and the need to borrow buckets from other locations. The member proposed engaging with condominium management to discuss installing garbage cans and possibly bucket trees.

The board also expressed a collective desire to improve vendor information distribution, particularly for those involved in landscaping and dune preservation services. Concerns about residents’ access to such information were addressed, with proposals to distribute printed materials at the building department and to use high-quality paper for professional-looking brochures. The goal was to facilitate residents’ understanding of environmental challenges and provide them with the resources needed to protect their properties effectively.

In an effort to foster greater community involvement, one board member suggested that each member commit to bringing three individuals to the next meeting. This idea aimed to increase attendance and engagement, particularly among residents of condominiums. Members were encouraged to reach out to their networks to boost participation, with a focus on properties with well-maintained dunes.

The board explored potential locations for future events, acknowledging the logistical challenges posed by ongoing renovations at some condominium buildings. The idea of collaborating with local hotels and larger condominium buildings was discussed, with the recognition that these venues might benefit from hosting educational events about dune restoration. Parking and traffic issues were noted as potential obstacles, emphasizing the need for strategic planning when selecting event sites.

By doing so, they hoped to ensure better compliance and accountability from beach maintenance companies. The consensus was that these discussions would continue in future meetings, allowing for more plansning and decision-making.