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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final March 11, 2025 <br />beach wheelchairs from Surfing's Evolution & Preservation Foundation and allow <br />Staff to apply for a grant to receive an ATV to be used for guarding County beaches. <br />Attachments: Staff Report <br />Email from SEPF <br />Beach wheelchair <br />Grant Form <br />Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director Beth Powell expressed her gratitude to <br />Johnathan Billings from Indian River County Ocean Rescue for prioritizing safety for <br />beachgoers. She thanked him for securing grant funding for three beach wheelchairs, <br />improving accessibility. Additionally, she acknowledged motorists who supported <br />beach accessibility through the purchase of Endless Summer license plates, which help <br />fund these initiatives. <br />Mr. Billings informed the Board about the distribution plan for three beach <br />wheelchairs across the County: one at Golden Sands, one at Tracking Station, and <br />one at Round Island. The Round Island wheelchair would be stored under the new <br />tower for easy access, while the one at Tracking Station would be kept in the shed at <br />the back. Golden Sands currently lacked a storage solution, Mr. Billings noted he had <br />proposed a shed in this year's budget. <br />Commissioner Adams expressed her gratitude to staff for their dedicated efforts in <br />enhancing accessibility across all County parks, ensuring they were handicap <br />accessible. She recognized that improving beach access had been a longstanding <br />priority and that staff had been focused on making progress in this area for several <br />years. <br />Commissioner Earman and Ms. Powell discussed the need for beach accessibility <br />options, especially for those without wheelchairs. They highlighted the Mobi-Mat, <br />introduced after the hurricanes, which improved access to the water. While permitting <br />limitations existed, areas like Round Island could benefit from Mobi-Mats to assist <br />children and individuals with mobility issues. Ms. Powell stated that staff would <br />explore additional options, review permitting requirements, and consider these <br />enhancements in the next budget. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Commissioner <br />Adams, to approve staff's recommendation. The motion carried by the following <br />vote: <br />Aye: 5 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman Loar, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner <br />Earman, and Commissioner Moss <br />10. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS and GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES <br />Indian River County, Florida Page 8 <br />