The city of Vero Beach has shifted its plans from constructing a sidewalk to rebuilding the iconic Humiston Beach boardwalk, a significant community landmark that stood until Hurricane Nicole took its toll in 2022. According to a report from WPTV, the city council's vote came in the wake of a strong community response, showing preference for the traditional boardwalk over the less expensive sidewalk initially proposed.
Vero Beach residents made their opinions clear, resulting in the city council unanimously voting to reconsider their initial sidewalk proposal. "I motion to rescind the city council proposal to build a sidewalk to replace the Humiston Park boardwalk," Vice Mayor Linda Moore stated to WPTV. In the original plan, a sidewalk was seen as more budget-friendly, a sidewalk that came with a lower price tag compared, to the much adored boardwalk estimate. The city council's reversal honors a cherished history, the boardwalk being a long-standing fixture since the 1930s. In support of restoration efforts, residents are now able to contribute to the construction fund through a measure approved by the council, managed by the Indian River Community Foundation.
On the financial front, the city has allocated $1.4 million for park improvements, with Indian River County pledging $400,000. Kim Flores, speaking on the personal significance of Humiston Beach Park, told WPTV, “It is a very special beach, and we just want to see it preserved in a way that honors our city, its heritage, and its people.”
The entire project estimate to rebuild the boardwalk stands at $2.3 million, as per City Manager Monte Falls' estimate given to TCPalm.
Mayor John Cotugno showed optimism about the city's ability to fund the boardwalk, citing the strong community engagement. "The city has a tall task ahead of itself. But, so far this idea has brought the community together. Hopefully, that momentum can carry the boardwalk over the finish line," he conveyed to TCPalm. The city is now working on obtaining the necessary permits and finalizing designs for a structure that is resilient to future storms. The proposed design criteria include closeness to the ocean, concrete construction, environmental friendliness, and integration of a lifeguard tower.
While initial pledges through the Indian River Community Foundation have reached $175,000, actual donations as of yesterday noon amounted to $1,150 from three donors, "The foundation has pledges totaling $175,000," Falls clarified to TCPalm. For the community, it is a race against time, with a goal to start construction after the sea turtle nesting season concludes on October 31, given the city's commitment to preserving its natural habitats. "We're working as fast as we can on this," Mayor Cotugno assured, hoping for financial contributions to match the public's enthusiasm for the preservation of a piece of Vero Beach's history.
