Posted on April 23, 2025
Water and sand shot up into the sky on Saturday for the third time in two weeks.
These bursts came from a leaky dredge pipe under the sand on Fort Myers Beach, which is a part of the beach renourishment project.
It had beachgoers running for cover.
Connie Bauer, who operates a Three Escargots jewelry stand on the beach, said she was shocked when she saw the shooting water.
“I went out there and looked, and I saw this array, this spray of sand coming straight up in the air, all these people looking, taking pictures,” Bauer said.
She said she was worried about the people on the beach.
“With the beach being as busy as it is, yes, it’s very, very concerning. So, they need to come and investigate a little harder and keep everybody safe, otherwise they need to stop this operation and figure out something else,” Bauer said.
Chadd Chustz, Fort Myers Beach’s environmental manager, said these incidents are a consequence of the dredging process.
“There’s been plenty of leaks, but three or four major ones where we buried the pipe just below the sand just to get it out of people’s ways,” said Chustz.
Although the buried pipes are more convenient for beachgoers, they come at a risk.
“When you do have a big leak, it’s underground, and usually don’t get to it until it’s a major thing, so it causes that sink hole and some disruption on the beach,” Chustz said.
The town is taking preventive measures moving forward, starting with replacing old pipes, increasing pipe inspections, and adding warning signs. But Chustz said that ultimately, it’s the beachgoers’ responsibility to stay away.
“Just again, you know, mind the caution tape, especially where that slurry is. The sand is very loose and wet in there, and you can sink, you know, knee to waist deep very quickly. And if you’re by yourself and nobody can hear you, that can be a dangerous situation,” said Chustz.
The beach renourishment project, which will start at the south end and move to the central area of the beach, is expected to be completed by the end of May.
