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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final November 5, 2024 <br />The Jones Pier House, built in the early 1900s by a pioneering family on Barrier <br />Island, that was severely flooded during Hurricane Matthew. Additionally, parts <br />of the historic Jungle Trail were washed out due to the flooding and damage <br />caused by the storm. The County was in the process of renovating the bungalow <br />into an Interpretive Center to highlight the history of the Jungle Trail and the Jones <br />family, as required by the Florida Communities Trust. <br />After the hurricane, the County applied for a Hazard Mitigation grant from the <br />Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) to raise and strengthen <br />the building. In June 2021, FDEM awarded $78,981.On November 2022, the <br />Board approved a Job Order Contract (JOC) for $460,629.70, which was <br />completed in January 2023. FDEM later increased the grant to $456,121, which <br />the Board approved on August 15, 2023, contingent on the County providing <br />permanent flood insurance for the bungalow. The FDEM project also included <br />concrete entry steps and additional structural work, which were not part of the <br />JOC. The renovation bid was awarded in November 2023, with substantial <br />completion expected by September 30, 2024. <br />Ms. Powell took a moment to celebrate the County's achievements at Jones Pier, <br />particularly after the damage caused by Hurricane Milton in Indian River County. <br />Despite concerns about flooding, the newly renovated Interpretive Center showed <br />no damage, debris, or standing water, as if the Hurricane Milton had missed it <br />altogether. She emphasized that by restoring the early 19th -century Bungalow <br />Cottage, the County could preserve the stories of Orchid Island and its pioneering <br />families. <br />Vice Chairman Flescher commented that after reviewing the developments, he <br />confidently stated that the County now possesses a true gem. He noted that it was <br />fortunate the Bungalow did not sustain any damage, which he attributed to the <br />hard work of staff, proper engineering, and the effective use of resources and <br />materials, all executed with great patience. He expressed gratitude to everyone <br />involved in this effort, acknowledging that it had been a long journey over many <br />years. Commissioner Earman echoed Vice Chairman Flescher's sentiments. <br />A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner <br />Moss, to approve staffs recommendation. The motion carried by the <br />following vote: <br />Aye: 5 - Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman, <br />Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar <br />H. Planning and Development Services <br />I. Public Works <br />Indian River County Florida Page 16 <br />