Due to the size of the property, the GICIA
board approved two planting plans for the site.
The fi rst was a plan for the perimeter of the
site, which is readily seen by anyone traveling
along Road 771. This plan was designed to be
similar in its tree/plant arrangement and species
to those used in the GICIA Bike Path Master
Landscape Plan. The native drought and salt-tolerant
plants and trees such as cabbage palm,
buttonwood, palmetto, and black olive successfully
created an eye-pleasing continuity between
the property at the entrance to Gasparilla Island
and the fi ve-mile stretch of the GICIA Bike Path.
The second plan concentrated more on habitat
enhancement and included the creation of a
fi lter marsh which has already attracted a large
variety of native and migratory birds and wildlife.
All of the plants used in this phase were also
native, but a more diverse plant list was utilized
to ensure that bird and wildlife foraging areas
were created.
Once the concrete buildings were removed
and the uplands planted with native vegetation,
the GICIA realized they had inadvertently
created a harsh contrast between the 4,700
linear feet of vertical concrete and the beautiful
green uplands. It was also that summer
when extremely heavy rains were produced by
Hurricane Hermine, creating enough runoff to
weaken a section of seawall. The cost estimates
for that repair made the GICIA realize that
something needed to be done to reduce the
long-term repair and maintenance costs of the
wall while improving the natural beauty of the
site.
As the GICIA began to have conversations
with coastal engineers and biologists, it became
clear that this project could be far more
involved than just a seawall fi x. If thoughtfully
engineered, the basin could be transformed into
a marine sanctuary with dramatically enhanced
fi shery habitat and signifi cantly improved water
quality.
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March/April 2020 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE 31
Dr. James Locascio
The Mercabo Cove as it looks today.