County Moves Forward with $7.5 Million Maritime Park Revamp

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners convened on December 3rd to discuss significant infrastructure projects, including the demolition and reconstruction of facilities at the San Carlos Island Maritime Park and the acceptance of a $7.5 million grant from the state of Florida for marine facility development.

Glenn Sawyer, a representative from the county, outlined the plan to initiate the demolition and construction of new facilities at the park, emphasizing the need to adapt to new FEMA flood regulations and maintain the site as a working waterfront. The board is considering terminating the current lease with the existing tenant, Trico, due to changes in operational circumstances following hurricane damage. Commissioner Penburn raised concerns about the potential impact on commercial fishing activities, questioning whether the new design would restrict shrimping operations.

Sawyer clarified that while the facilities could be rebuilt, they would need to comply with elevated flood standards, which may limit certain operations. The board agreed that any new proposals for the site would need to align with regulatory requirements and emergency preparedness plans.

In a related discussion, the board also accepted a $22.7 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the Larry Kiker Preserve Water Management Project, aimed at flood mitigation and environmental restoration. The project has been long-awaited and is seen as a critical step in managing water flow and preserving local habitats.

Additionally, the board addressed the Cape Coral Bridge replacement project, deciding to proceed with a conventional design-bid-build delivery method rather than a design-build approach. This decision was influenced by concerns over right-of-way acquisition timelines and the desire to maintain control over project specifications. However, several commissioners expressed a need for further discussion and analysis of the delivery methods, citing the importance of ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently.

The meeting concluded with a motion to defer the Cape Coral Bridge decision until January, allowing for additional information and risk management considerations to be presented to the board. The commissioners emphasized the importance of making informed decisions that would benefit the community and ensure the successful completion of these vital infrastructure projects.