Florida City Gas to Give Presentation

On March 2, the Town Council will be provided a presentation by representatives of Florida City Gas regarding the company's plans to bring natural gas to our barrier island and its desire to enter into a franchise agreement with the Town of Orchid. Councilmembers have over the last few months received many excellent questions from our residents about the proposed provision of natural gas in the community and invite you to attend this first presentation to the Town Council on the matter. Public input and questions will be welcomed. 

Town staff was provided an overview of the company’s plans in October, which included connection to be made by Peninsula Pipeline to an existing natural gas pipeline on the mainland and for an extension to be routed toward the river where it would be bored 25 feet under river-bottom south of CR-510 to Marsh Island. This portion of the project is currently in the permitting phase with Indian River County.

Florida City Gas further outlined their plan to switch to the north side of CR-510 at Marsh Island for the next under-river portion. Once on land, the pipeline was projected to eventually connect to a visually-shielded regulator to be proposed for a site in front of Old Orchid. The gas line would next continue to A1A and head north and south on the westside of that road. The company foresaw using "directional boring" to route its lines in a manner that minimizes disruption within established residential communities and is respectful to the natural aesthetics of the island's surroundings.

Some of the benefits to natural gas cited by Florida City Gas include:

• lower cost
• healthier product
• reliability of a constant flow of gas without the need for a tank refill
• environmentally friendlier alternative to propane

To hear much more information on the company's proposal, its construction timeline, its safety protocols and its product, and to ask questions about these and other matters, such as rates, hook up and conversion, available rebates, and how existing infrastructure, including tanks, would be affected, please join us on March 2 starting at 9 a.m. in the Sandpiper Room of the Orchid Island Beach Club. The Town Council looks forward to your insightful feedback.