We, the undersigned residents  of Hidden Harbor Estates of Fort Myers, Florida together with concerned citizens - call for an immediate halt to the 10-Mile Canal Vegetation Removal Project (Task 2 - removal of ALL mangroves on island) that was approved by Lee County Board of Commissioners on October 7, 2025 until:  Independent environmental studies are conducted and Full compliance with Florida’s 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act (F.S. §403.9321–403.9333) is verified.  This project will result in the destruction of more than one-quarter of a mile of the mangrove forest within the 10-Mile Canal — a critical ecosystem that provides storm protection, supports diverse wildlife habitat, maintains water quality, reduce erosion and other benefits to our community.   Our mangroves are irreplaceable - they protect our homes, shelter wildlife, and preserve the health of our waterways.  Once, they’re are gone, they are gone for generations.   Why This Matters.  Excessive Removal: The current phase involves complete removal of mangrove forests, rather than responsible trimming as seen in other parts of the canal. The project threatens to destroy more than a quarter-mile of mangrove forest within the 10-Mile Canal - a critical ecosystem that protects our homes from storm surge & winds,supports wildlife, and keeps our waterways clean.   No Environmental or Wildlife Review: County Officials have acknowledged that no environmental or wildlife impact study was conducted prior to approving the project.  Threat to Manatees:  In 2004 Lee County designated the Ten Mile Canal as a Warm Water Refuge which is why we are perplexed why Lee County Board of Commissioners have approved work on the Ten Mile Canal during the Manatee Migration (November 1, 2025 - April 1, 2026) to warmer waters including the Ten Mile Canal and the burrow pit at Hidden Harbor.   Manatees primary food source is seagrass beds which they depend on. Without their primary source of food, this will lead to Malnutrition and Starvation.  Put simply Manatees loose food, shelter, safety and ultimately their survival.   4. Storm Surge Protection:  The Preliminary Design Report for South Ten Mile Canal Flood Mitigation (February 25, 2025) concludes that the recommended canal improvements will NOT mitigate flood impacts from storm surge events. Importantly, the report’s Design Alternative 3 (Sheet C20) recommends removing vegetative flow obstructions, but does not recommend the removal of all vegetation on the Barrier Island.  Neither the 2025 report nor the Lee County 2018 Flood Study evaluates the consequences of removing these protective mangroves.   5. Wind Mitigation: According to the National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report on Hurricane Ian, several fatalities in Florida were directly attributed to wind. While selective vegetation removal may help water flow, complete clearing of the Barrier Island removes a natural windbreak that currently protects the Hidden Harbor community. No reports form independent consultants appear to evaluate this loss of wind mitigation.
  We Demand: An immediate halt to all mangrove and vegetation removal activities within the the ten mile canal near to Hidden Harbor and the 10-Mile Canal. A comprehensive, independent environmental and wildlife impact study.  Formal review by FWC and DEP for compliance with the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act. A full pause on all work during manatee quiet season (Nov 1 2025 - April 1, 2026).  This may require that the contract be rescinded.   🌿 Our waterways, wildlife, and community safety depend on these mangroves. Once destroyed, they cannot simply be replaced. While we support responsible flood mitigation, we respectfully call on our county and state agencies to work transparently with the community to ensure every action protects our homes and Florida’s unique natural environment we are proud to call home.  Please sign and share this petition. Together, we can ensure that flood mitigation and environmental preservation go hand in hand.  Please forward this petition to friends and family via email, text, a post on your facebook page or instagram and ask them to help us to help protect our mangroves, our manatees, other wildlife and the natural resilience of Hidden Harbor and the 10-Mile Canal. Thank you!