The Public Works Department has an ongoing project with Johnson Control Inc. (JCI) to provide consulting services pursuant to the Smart Streetlighting Master Plan. The goal of this work is to establish citywide lighting design and standards. Lighting in Lummus Park, similar to other areas of the city that are adjacent to the coast and east of the Coastal Construction Line, must be approved by State of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation(FWC). FWC reviews and approves all beachfront lighting to protect sea turtles nesting habitat.
Lighting retrofits that have already taken place within Lummus Park have faced scrutiny by the FWC. As part of the work that JCI is doing, coordination and conversations will be held with Public Works, Environmental and Sustainability and FWC. Any initiatives that alters the amount of visible light within the Park, either for artistic or safety reasons, requires an in-depth and upper level conversation with FWC. The City and the State will need to find common ground to protect the safety and wellbeing of both the public and sea turtles.
While staff recognizes the challenges in providing sufficient lighting for safety within the Park, it is important try to incorporate aesthetic and artistic designs where possible. It is for this reason staff, in coordination with JCI, will be working with Columbia University which has an architecture and design lab that has expresesed interest in engaging and developing a lighting plan for Lummus.