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Reposted from NBC 2 https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2023/05/18/hurricane-proof-rebuild-planned-for-san-carlos-island-marina/

SAN CARLOS ISLAND, Fla. — The Compass Rose Marina on San Carlos Island was planning for a rebuild when Hurricane Ian hit. Jack Mayher, the owner, said it was in the middle of Ian and its fury when he realized he needed to not only rebuild — but build back better.

“Sept. 28 was a game changer,” said Mayher. 

Mayher said his new goal was to build his marina to withstand what Hurricane Ian sent our way and then some. He’s calling the future plan ‘hurricane-proof’.

“We’re building above the base flood elevation,” said Mayher. “There are portions that are below base flood elevation, but we have a waterproof membrane and panels that will go around the perimeter of it to protect from storm surge.”

The marina’s architect said they will use tilted concrete walls, and other materials to potentially sustain 200 mph winds. 

“This was the 100-year event that everyone was fearing and we need to react to that as a community,” said Kevin Williams from BSSW. 

Mayher said as a marina owner it’s his job to house some of our community members’ most prized possessions and investments, and he wants to protect them. 

“We think that we will be able to take care of them much better than anybody else with the building that we are building,” said Mayher. 

The new marina will be much taller and stronger, but Mayher said it’ll also be able to take in boats that are up to 50 feet long. 

“You have to adhere to the guidelines and it really is just the right way to build it,” said Mayher. 

The marina is on San Carlos Island, part of unincorporated Lee County. NBC2 asked the county about the property’s permits and a spokesperson responded:

“As of right now the only permit in our office is a foundation-only permit for the boat storage building. The county is unable to verify whether the structure is designed to withstand 200 mph winds, as we have not received anything beyond the foundation-only permit.”

They also added that the term ‘hurricane-proof’ is not something they use. 

“Compass Rose will be subject to the same Florida Building Code minimum standards, including flood regulations, as any other project in unincorporated Lee County,” says a county spokesperson.

Mayher said they will have an anchor setting (aka a groundbreaking) event on June 1, which also happens to be the start of hurricane season here in Southwest Florida. 

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