Jupiter Island Friends and Neighbors,
We hope everyone is having a wonderful start to the new year. Please come out Tuesday (January 9th) to the Town Commission Meeting @ 9AM in the Island Room at Town Hall on 2 Bridge Road. The Commission plans to discuss declaring a Zoning in Progress (ZIP) relating to the applications for the development permits for properties subject to the Waterfront Setback Line established by Ordinance No. 376, and a formal direction by the Town Commission for the Town staff and any consultants to study the effects of the current Waterfront Setback Line.
Recently, the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a Final Order denying a DEP permit to Jupiter Island Compound, LLC (JIC). The Secretary’s final order is based on a Recommended Order from the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), which recommended DEP deny Permit No. MI-596 to JIC.
In the DOAH Recommended Order, the Administrative Law Judge’s Summary explained the denial was based on five areas where Jupiter Island Compound, LLC failed to demonstrate enough evidence to the judge. The Order states:
“Jupiter Island Compound, LLC, failed to demonstrate by the competent substantial evidence that the proposed Project to construct a beach house met the statutory criteria in chapter 161.053, Florida Statutes, and the applicable criteria in rule 62B-33.005, Florida Administrative Code. The Coastal Construction Control Line Revised Permit (DEP Permit No. MI-596), authorizing Jupiter Island Compound, LLC, to construct a single-family dwelling and pool on Jupiter Island is DENIED.”
As residents of Jupiter Island, it is our utmost priority to preserve the natural environment of the Island for generations to come. Preventing coastline erosion, both for the enjoyment of our residents and to help protect animal habitats, must continue to be our shared highest priority.
Our goal is to enjoy the unique wildlife and natural setting we have in our pristine Island community. We must all continue to have a voice in the decisions that affect beachfront development and the establishment of the Water Setback Line in Jupiter Island. These are generational decisions with long-lasting consequences and we appreciate the DEP’s focus on the environmental protection of our one-of-a-kind community.
Sea Turtles Thrive This Hatching Season
Despite climate change threatening the health of sea turtles in South Florida, new statistics show promising numbers for both the loggerhead and green sea turtles. This past season, over 133,840 Loggerhead Turtle nests were reported in Florida, breaking a previous record set in 2016. Similarly, the Green Sea Turtle was reported to have over 76,500 nests, breaking the previous high set in 2017. We are happy to share these encouraging news reports, as we continue to enjoy the amazing wildlife friends our Island has to offer.
Volunteer to Protect Beach-Nesting Birds The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is beginning to take volunteers who are interested in becoming Imperiled Beach-Nesting Bird (IBNB) Permitted Monitors. These monitors are “trained, dedicated individuals with proven shorebird and seabird identification skills and avian survey experience” who can help protect imperiled beach-nesting birds – like the American oystercatchers, snowy plovers, least terns, black skimmers. If you are interested in protecting these beach-nesting birds, please visit the FWC site for more information.
Again, we are so thankful for you and your continuing support of Jupiter Island Forever. We will continue to keep you updated on any new developments from the Town or State level, which may affect our incredible Jupiter Island Community. We are always stronger together and we thank you all for staying involved.
Sincerely,
Jupiter Island Forever Leaders