White Island Concerns:

(AI generated TLDR; for expanded bullet concerns see: https://fully-enabled.com/2026/02/01/concerns-with-viking-dredgings-white-island-restoration-plan-and-unsafe-execution/)

Subject: Formal Grievance and Inquiry Regarding White Island Restoration Project Safety and Environmental Negligence

We are hoping to raise critical concerns regarding the management of the White Island Restoration Project by Viking Dredging, Magellan Dredging, and/or Gator Dredging. As stakeholders who utilize this space daily, we have observed a pattern of gross and willful negligence that poses immediate risks to public safety, environmental health, and local heritage.

1. Public Safety and Site Hazards

• Attractive Nuisance & Quicksand: Operations overseen by Rusi Patel have created hazardous “quicksand” conditions, evidenced by a sunken excavator, yet no warning signs have been posted. This is a severe threat to children who frequent the area. The responses include (“we are not their babysitters”).
• Submerged Debris: Contractors have left rusted metal, cabling, and industrial waste submerged or buried, creating a high risk for lacerations and infections like the flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus.
• Navigation Risks: The narrowing of the Navy Channel and unmarked underwater obstacles significantly increase capsize risks for small vessels, including youth sailing programs. Exacerbated by an unwillingness to expand the no wake zone to be commensurate with the new channel.

2. Environmental and Ecological Degradation

• Microplastic Pollution: We have documented microplastics appearing as early as September 6, 2025. Instead of immediate remediation, these materials were graded and buried, allowing them to break down and enter the food chain.
• Wildlife Impact: There has been an unprecedented surge in dead baitfish, catfish, and pelicans. We believe this is linked to microplastic ingestion, as evidenced by plastic debris found in bird excrement.
• Loss of Natural Habitat: The premature destruction of all shoreline trees a year before necessary has removed vital shade and storm shelter, while the planned 100% coverage of islands with invasive reeds eliminates safe landing areas for emergencies.

3. Accountability and Transparency

• Contractual Standards: We request immediate public access to the project contract via the Florida DEP Public Records Portal. We need to verify if “substantial performance” clauses (e.g., 51% plastic removal) are being used to bypass full cleanup requirements.
• Contractor Stability: Reports of multiple lawsuits against Viking/Magellan/Gator for failure to supervise and material breach of contract raise serious questions about their financial stability and liability coverage.
• Cultural Neglect: Despite the discovery of ancient pottery and arrowheads, there has been no transparent process for reporting or preserving these cultural artifacts.

4. Demands for Action

• Immediate Signage: Post warnings for quicksand and submerged hazards.
• Supervision Audit: An independent review of the County’s “not a babysitter” stance on oversight.
• Remediation: Full removal of all buried plastic and metal before further grading occurs.

(AI generated TLDR; for expanded bullet concerns see: https://fully-enabled.com/2026/02/01/concerns-with-viking-dredgings-white-island-restoration-plan-and-unsafe-execution/)