Captiva Resident Story Map

The Captiva Bayside Adaptation Plan aims to enhance the resilience of Captiva Island against flooding and sea level rise. This project, informed by community input and expert analysis, will develop actionable strategies to protect critical infrastructure and shorelines. By combining nature-based solutions and engineering innovations, we strive to safeguard Captiva’s unique environment and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

Florida's coastline faces significant challenges due to rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity. Statewide initiatives underscore the necessity for localized adaptation plans to address these pressing issues. For the barrier island of Captiva Island, adaptation planning is crucial as it is particularly vulnerable to coastal flooding, a situation expected to worsen with future climate projections. Captiva is characterized by its unique natural landscapes and close-knit community. The local context includes a mix of public and private properties, diverse ecosystems, and significant tourism-driven economic activity, which together requires a tailored approach to adaptation that considers the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of resilience.

The strategies and recommendations outlined in this StoryMap and the Captiva Bayside Adaptation Plan are proposed as optional adaptation measures for consideration by property owners and the community. These strategies are designed to address the unique vulnerabilities faced by Captiva Island, but they are not mandatory. Instead, CEPD offers these recommendations to encourage voluntary adaptation efforts that may enhance resilience to coastal hazards and environmental changes.

We’re excited to share the conceptual designs for the Captiva Bayside Adaptation Plan! These initial design concepts showcase potential projects aimed at enhancing Captiva Island’s resilience to climate impacts. We invite you to take a closer look at each design to understand how these proposed solutions could shape the island's future. To explore the designs, please scroll through each project site section. You’ll find both aerial views, which provide a bird’s-eye look at the mapped concepts, and cross-section views that offer a ground-level perspective on how the adaptations would appear side by side. Click through the arrows to view additional photos and design details for each site. After reviewing each design, we invite you to complete the feedback form at the end. These designs showcase a selection of proposed projects aimed at enhancing Captiva Island’s resilience. The designs included here represent just a portion of the total designs we have prepared; to see the complete set, please click through links in the feedback form.

Click Through the Arrows to View Site Design Photos

Your insights are crucial to ensuring these projects meet the unique needs and priorities of the Captiva Island community. In this survey, we’re asking for your thoughts on the specific design features, including which elements you feel will be most effective, any concerns you might have, and any additional ideas you believe should be considered. Your input directly influences how these designs are refined and prioritized, helping us create a future for Captiva Island that truly reflects its community values. Thank you for being an essential part of this planning process!

To navigate through the form and site designs, scroll through each section and press “Next” at the bottom of the page to proceed to the following design, or you can click the box arrow icon to open the form in a separate window for a larger view.

In the near term, individual property owners should plan to adapt their shoreline to prevent impacts from existing and near future flooding from sea level rise, extreme storms, and tidal flooding. Strategy options to protect these shorelines are presented below based on dominant shoreline type. For properties with mixed shoreline types, it's best to use a combination of strategies tailored to each part.

As previously stated, these adaptation strategies are not mandatory.  

• Riprap/Toe Protection
• Mangrove Planting
• 3D Printed Concrete Blocks
• Oyster Reef Bails
• Living Seawall

Each property on Captiva Island's bayside has a main shoreline type that defines its key features. The main types are beach, mangroves, and seawalls. Some properties have combinations, like beach with mangroves or seawall with mangroves.

In the subsequent shoreline sections, you can visualize what strategies exist.

To participate in the Captiva Bayside Adaptation Plan, there are several ways you can contribute and make your voice heard:

• First, provide your input and direction by participating in our survey. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the adaptation strategies to ensure they meet the community's needs and expectations.

• Review the design concepts of the Captiva Bayside Adaptation Plan and provide your feedback in the survey.

Recent surveys revealed residents favor a mix of nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration, grey infrastructure such as seawalls, and hybrid approaches. These strategies reduce flood risks, enhance natural beauty, and provide robust protection. Residents also emphasized elevating buildings, upgrading drainage systems, and community education through awareness campaigns and workshops. Cost and environmental impact are significant concerns, with residents keen on exploring funding opportunities and sustainable solutions. Participate in our ongoing survey to share your thoughts:

For more information or to get in touch with us, please visit the Captiva Erosion and Prevention District (CEPD) main page or email us at mycepd@mycepd.com

As we update the project, we would appreciate having your feedback on new project designs and information.

We value your input and encourage you to participate in our upcoming public outreach meetings.

Stay engaged and help shape the future of our community by joining these sessions. Your participation is crucial to the Bayside Adaptation Plan’s Success!